A Seat at the Table: How Communities In Schools is Engaging Students and Families in a New Way
There are many false assumptions surrounding Title I schools. One of them is that parents of students at Title I schools are uninvolved in their children’s education. In our 38 years of working with these communities across South Carolina, we have found that this narrative is not only inaccurate, but also overlooks the challenges many families face.
To establish authentic relationships and facilitate engagement, we must create spaces where students and families can fully participate in the culture of their school and community. Our site coordinators – who work directly inside schools to remove roadblocks and connect students to the resources, supports, and opportunities they need to thrive – do this daily, as do many of the schools we partner with.
In the 2023-24 school year, we launched our first-ever Student and Family Advisory Boards to create an additional space for students and families to shape the future of our programming at an organizational level. Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CIS) thrives on collaboration, working with hundreds of partners to provide a wide range of services. However, the most critical partnership is with those we serve.
Robin Haggard, our Senior Vice President of Programs & Operations, reflected on this initiative’s launch, sharing, “Our goal is to have meaningful interactions where students and families have a platform to voice what’s important to them. They’re the experts in their own lives, and this is a way of ensuring their lived experience guides our work here.”
As a capstone project, our inaugural Family Advisory Board – comprised of six individuals from across the state – decided to share their collective experiences here, highlighting the impact of the CIS model.
A Crucial Role in South Carolina’s Education Landscape
South Carolina faces significant challenges in education and social mobility, making the role of supportive programs like CIS even more crucial. Schools alone cannot address the myriad obstacles students and families encounter. This is where CIS steps in, bridging gaps and providing essential support that improves student outcomes.
The CIS model centers around the whole-child approach, addressing academic needs and students’ social, physical, and emotional well-being. When students’ basic needs are met, they can fully engage in learning and unlock their full potential. This philosophy is rooted in our origins as a national organization founded in 1977 and is reflected in our daily work across 45 schools here in South Carolina, where we support over 25,500 students.
Lupita Lopez, a FAB member and a program alumnus, shared, “CIS provided me with invaluable social skills and boosted my confidence during my school years. Now, as a parent, I see the same positive impact on my son. It’s more than just academic support; it’s about building character and life skills.”
Dr. Claudia Aldamuy, our Senior Program Director, emphasized the importance of consistency and the evolution of CIS. “Even though specific programs may have changed, the overarching impact remains the same. Our evolution includes making sure there’s consistency across all regions and that our impact is as profound as ever.”
Building a Community of Support
Dr. Kimberly LaBoard, another member of the FAB, emphasized the importance of relationships in the CIS model. “In 2015, CIS became part of my village. The relationship with our site coordinator has been life-changing, providing resources and a safe space for my children to get the emotional support they needed after a traumatic event impacted our family.”
CIS’ sense of community and support is vital for students and families navigating life’s challenges. The role of CIS site coordinators is crucial in fostering these relationships, ensuring students and their families feel respected and engaged.
“CIS has continued to impact my family in profound ways,” shared Lupita. “We have enjoyed CIS family nights and the valuable resources they’ve connected us to. Thanks to a connection I made through CIS, I applied for and won a scholarship to become a Community Health Worker. These are the types of opportunities that present themselves when we bring communities into schools.”
Victoria O’Neal, another FAB member, shared her journey with CIS. “My oldest son, who is now in college, went through the CIS program. After enrolling at a new school, CIS became his pathway to making a new community of friends.” Victoria’s other children followed suit and joined the CIS program. “Some of my boys were so shy and reserved. Thanks to a CIS program focused on connecting young boys with male mentors, they’ve built relationships with emotionally supportive, well-rounded men. It’s given them a lot of perspective.”
Creating Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers
Students and families rely on schools for more than academic success. Approximately 62% of South Carolina’s students live in poverty, and they depend on schools for access to meals, relationships, and critical services such as healthcare, job training, and many other vital resources. Our comprehensive support system helps remove barriers and creates a pathway for students to reach their unique goals.
“There are a lot of needs that must be met for students and families to be successful,” Robin noted. “Schools can’t do it alone; that’s why we’re here. Our presence means teachers can focus on teaching, knowing we’re there to address non-academic barriers.”
A Collaborative Effort
The launch of the Family Advisory Board has given parents and caregivers an active role in shaping the future of CIS. Krystal Chattman, a dedicated FAB member, noted, “Being on a board like this is new to me. I wasn’t interested in the PTA, but with this, it’s a smaller group that feels more accessible. I can speak so much about the program because of my direct experience.”
“CIS creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback,” shared Victoria. Jacqueline Miles, another FAB member, stated, “Being part of the FAB has been a rewarding experience. It feels great to know that our input helps improve the program and makes a real difference in our community.”
The positive impact of the FAB is a source of pride and connection for all of us at CIS. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality program possible, and input from students and parents is vital to achieving this goal.
Data-Driven Success
The impact of CIS is more than just anecdotal; compelling data supports it. In the 2022-23 school year, 99% of CIS students graduated high school, compared to the state average of 84%. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of our whole-child approach and the dedication of our staff and partners. Last school year, we engaged over 15,000 caregivers, connecting more than 5,000 of them to direct services.
Diana Hidalgo noted, “Seeing my child thrive and succeed with the support of CIS has been incredible. The program’s data speaks for itself, but the real impact is seen in the confidence and happiness of our children. CIS is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for kids,” she perfectly summed up. “By addressing students’ needs holistically, CIS ensures that every student has the chance to thrive.”
Looking Ahead
Dr. Claudia Aldamuy shared her vision for the future: “Through the new boards, families and students have helped us identify the program’s strengths and weaknesses. They want more opportunities to have their voices heard. In addition to growing our boards, we see this evolving into a robust network of alumni, mentors, and parent leaders.”
“It’s something every parent wants – to know that their babies are being taken care of,” said Krystal. “They showed up to her games, reached out, and created a real community of support. This program is built with good people who connect you to other good people. These relationships will last a lifetime. I know what the program can do, and I’m excited to play a part in making sure other kids get to experience it.”
Learn More
We invite everyone to join us in this mission. By supporting CIS, you invest in the future of children and our state. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering and mentoring to donating and connecting us with new community resources. Together, we can ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.
