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Fifteen counties have joined the West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) program bringing the total to 53 counties covered.
That also brings in an additional 48 schools in Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Doddridge, Hancock, Jefferson, Marion, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Putnam, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood counties according to Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice. They announced the additions at Monday’s press briefing.
“Reaching thousands of more students with critical needs in West Virginia is so important,” Cathy Justice said. “It is what we need to do to ensure that they are on the right path to a successful future. Getting them to high school graduation and a plan for success beyond, is the best thing that we can do for them. The earlier we start, the better.”
The Justices started their CIS statewide initiative in three counties in 2018. Including today’s newly announced additions, the program serves more than 100,000 students in 260 schools across the state.
“Communities In Schools has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students in our state,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said. “The relationships between site coordinators, schools, students, and families are at the core of this success. These students need support and structures that help them recover from setbacks and regain the confidence to believe they can do great things. Communities In Schools is essential to opening options and pathways for those needing hope and a vision for their future.”
“I can tell you without any question whatsoever that this program is working,” Gov. Justice said. “There are so many heartbreaking stories, from kids living in bad situations to just being hungry. There is a lot of bad stuff out there, but this program is fixing those problems. Communities In Schools is getting children on a pathway to do some amazing stuff and reach their full potential. I am so proud to be part of this program. It is unbelievable.”
CIS forges community partnerships and brings resources into schools to help remove barriers to student learning with a goal of keeping all students in school and ultimately graduating.
The new CIS counties/schools announced today are:
Barbour County
Boone County
Doddridge County
Hancock County
Jefferson County
Marion County
Mason County
Mineral County
Monongalia County
Putnam County
Roane County
Tucker County
Wetzel County
Wirt County
Wood County
New schools in counties already participating are:
Cabell County
Ohio County
Pocahontas County
Tyler County
