NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
PETER C . WUENSCHEL , PhD Executive Director Communities In Schools – Bay Area
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS – Bay Area
CIS – Bay Area ’ s mission is to surround
students with a community of support , empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life . The purpose of CIS – Bay Area programming is to address and eliminate the challenges that impact at-risk and economically disadvantaged students , both in and outside of the classroom , so they can reach their potential and graduate .
CIS – Bay Area works with students who are experiencing complex challenges that impact their ability to succeed academically , including food insecurity , traumatic experiences , mental health issues , incarcerated parents , homelessness , and lack of basic necessities . Without support , these students are more at risk for missing school , dropping out , or failing to earn a high school diploma . Working directly inside schools , CIS – Bay Area is connecting the most vulnerable students to supportive services and resources to help them stay in school .
When schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic , students were forced to deal with their struggles without daily access to their in-school CIS – Bay Area Student Support Specialist . Students have now returned to school , and more than ever they need an understanding , caring adult who will help them with their emotional and academic challenges related to their experience with COVID – 19 . The CIS – Bay Area school-based Student Support Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing programming , which includes 3 types of support : campus-wide activities for all students , targeted services for smaller groups of students , and individualized case management services for the most at-risk students . This enables CIS – Bay Area to serve most students in a school and also focus attention on students who have significant needs . CIS – Bay Area ’ s school-based services include academic interventions , basic needs assistance , social emotional learning , resource connection , and behavioral health support .
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on lowincome children and their families , and for many students this has caused disruptions to their education . This is especially true for children who experienced academic challenges and unmet needs prior to school closures . Food insecurity , lack of access to medical care , traumatic experiences , and financial instability , are just some of the threats many of the students are facing . There may be ample resources in the community , but students and their families have difficulties accessing and navigating the maze of public and private services . Students have returned to their campuses , and for those who struggle academically it will be critical that they are engaged and supported at school . Many students will return with greater physical and socio-emotional needs due to the effects of the pandemic on them and their families .
CIS – Bay Area programming is helping at-risk and economically disadvantaged students transition and acclimate back to school after school closures . A growing body of research shows that students succeed when schools embrace a whole child perspective that integrates social , emotional , and academic development and addresses out-ofschool factors that interfere with learning . An effective transition will require schools to be equipped with a set of services and resources to address the trauma and disruptions to learning that will have deep implications on student success . For at-risk and economically disadvantaged students , school is a lifeline for support . CIS – Bay Area addresses a crucial community need by providing school-based services for campuses that have substantial at-risk and / or economically disadvantaged student populations . The Clear Creek and Dickinson school districts are utilizing CIS – Bay Area programming as part of a comprehensive plan to address the needs of the whole child and help at-risk students with their evolving challenges . By providing ongoing schoolbased and remote service that address unmet needs , students will have an increased chance of being successful in school .
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