IMG_6502In preparation for the start of the new school year, Communities In Schools (CIS) hosted a Summer Training Institute in Atlanta.  The training was attended by hundreds of site coordinators from throughout the country, with the goal of being equipped for the start of the school year with the latest techniques, tools and best practice information.

As the new school year gets into full swing, site coordinators will use the tools learned at the conference to seek out volunteers and connect needed resources to effectively implement the CIS Model, which is designed to help schools increase graduation rates.

In order to fully implement the CIS Model, new and returning site coordinators took time to network and share ideas that can be implemented to help disadvantaged youth.

Holly Means-Beamen, a new site coordinator for CIS of Marietta/Cobb County, used the conference as a way to further understand CIS and the role of a site coordinator.  “I’m using this conference basically to get a lot of perspective and fill in the gaps of what I haven’t learned so far,” said Means-Beamen.  “I’m able to network and get some other ideas from affiliates to allow me to get better acclimated into the whole CIS culture.”

The training not only benefits new site coordinators, but experienced veterans as well.  Lisa Cox, who is transitioning from CIS of Fitzgerald/Ben Hill to CIS of Savannah, took time to gain insight from site coordinators who work specifically with elementary students.  “This new job I have is working with a completely different type of student,” said Cox.  “I’ve worked with high schools students my entire education career and will now be working K-3.  I’ve spoken to several site coordinators along with attending this training to get some tips and ideas on how to work with the younger students and their parents.”

With the help of site coordinators like Holly and Lisa, school administrators will begin to identify students who need extra help to succeed in school.  The administrators and site coordinators will then work together to develop individual plans and build teams of support.  This will enable the students who receive help from CIS to reach their full potential, with volunteers being an integral part of the equation.

If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, visit the Local Affiliates page on our website to find an affiliate near you.