County Spotlight
Our County Spotlight series highlights the innovative programs, dedicated site coordinators, and transformative impact of CIS-showcasing how local efforts are building brighter futures, one student at a time.
October Spotlights
In October, Communities In Schools West Virginia (CISWV) shines a spotlight on our impactful programs in Boone, Doddridge, Jefferson, Mason, Ritchie, Wirt, and Nicholas Counties. This month, we celebrate the dedicated site coordinators, community partners, and students who are driving success through tailored support, mentorship, and resources. Join us in recognizing these inspiring stories of resilience and community collaboration!
Boone County Spotlight
Through consistent support, creativity, and collaboration, Communities In Schools has positively influenced our students, enriched our school culture, and deepened our partnership with the community. Our CIS Site Coordinators are innovative problem-solvers who bring energy and empathy to everything they do. They combine creativity with adaptability, all while demonstrating compassion in their daily work. Here are some highlights on initiatives they are working on this school year: Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, Bridgett Stephens, has a goal this year is to help improve chronic absenteeism at Madison Elementary. Together, she hopes they can end the school year with a 92% attendance rate! To reach this goal, Mrs. Stephens will lead the effort on monitoring daily attendance, highlight perfect and most improved attendance, building positive environments for families and the students. Communities In Schools Site Coordinator, Amber Ferrell is excited to share a few initiatives she will be working on this year at Madison Middle School. One favorite returning strategy (with some new improvements!) is the “Battle of the Classes.” Each grade level forms a “team,” including teachers. Every week, teams will earn points based on class attendance rates, PBIS points awarded, and a fun weekly challenge (usually during recess). Points are totaled, and the weekly winning team will be announced on Fridays—earning the prize of being dismissed a few minutes early from 8th period! At Sherman High School, Matt White (CIS Site Coordinator) leads a comprehensive campaign to reduce chronic absenteeism, built on the Communities In Schools (CIS) model. This work begins with informational outreach to help families understand the difference between truancy and chronic absenteeism. He starts with social media messaging and then moves toward meaningful, direct contact with parents and guardians. Therapy Dog Program: Serving as the primary handler for Captain, a certified Friends With Paws therapy dog. Captain has quickly become a beloved member of the Sherman family and community, offering comfort and connection to students of all backgrounds. Van Elementary’s Community In Schools Site Coordinator, Joey Lares, has been diligently working on supporting Tier 1 attendance initiatives by promoting school spirit, providing incentives, and creating engaging environments for all students. Once such idea includes West Virginia-themed decorations (banners, flags, coloring books) and labeling supplies will enhance attendance displays and events. Prizes such as plushies, stickers, and activity items will be used as rewards for meeting attendance goals, motivating students to be present. These resources align with CIS’s mission to remove barriers and build a positive school culture that improves overall attendance. Communities In Schools are implementing strategies and supports across all programmatic levels to positively impact on student attendance within select Boone County Schools. From classroom incentives and positive recognition to family engagement and community partnerships, these efforts are designed to keep students motivated and supported. By working together, we are building a strong culture of attendance and fostering healthy social-emotional development that helps our students succeed.
Doddridge County Spotlight
At Doddridge County Schools, everything we do is guided by our mission, United to Make a Difference. This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a daily commitment to the students, families, and community. Doddridge County believes that when they work together, they create opportunities that change lives. Our 2025–2026 theme, Mission in Motion, takes that mission a step further. It reflects the idea that the purpose is not static, it moves with them, shows up in the classrooms, the athletics, the community service, and the celebrations of student success. It’s about bringing energy, visibility, and action to the work of preparing learners for bright futures. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🏈 Bulldogs in the Building – Gold Rush Rivalry Game details > All students received a gold Bulldogs In the Building for them to wear during their Route 50 rival football game with Ritchie County High. The students earned these shirts exhibited positive behaviors, attendance, positive engagement. 📚 Shoutouts to our amazing 3rd–5th grade & high school teachers for top state rankings 🧠 Leading the way with the new Student Wellness Portal > This was designed on a strong foundation of prevention, and healthy decision-making aspects. Doddridge County is one of the first districts to pilot a new Student Wellness Portal. This portal is an online platform that connects mental health, coping strategies, and prevention supports and resources with the students within the district. 🤝 Partnerships that keep our students safe, healthy, and thriving 📽️ Spotlight Friday > Superintendent Cheeseman highlights a student on Friday’s and interviews them on their interests, favorite things in school, & what they aspire to be when they grow up. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Through this theme, we’re showing that Doddridge County Schools is not only united in vision but also active in putting that vision into practice every day.” – Superintendent Adam Cheeseman
Jefferson County Spotlight
Over the past three years, Jefferson County has shown incredible growth and commitment to serving its students through Communities in Schools. What began with just three schools and three site coordinators has now grown into nine schools with a dedicated team of eleven site coordinators. This steady growth has been made possible through the expansion grant, which Jefferson County has strategically used each year to broaden its reach and meet the needs of more students and families. The county’s progress reflects its strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to student success. The CIS team in Jefferson County has been able to provide consistent and personalized support to hundreds of students within the county, helping students overcome barriers and thrive academically and personally. Jefferson County has a therapy dog through Friends with Paws program. Comet is at Jefferson High School, and he has been a wonderful addition to the team.
Mason County Spotlight
School Spotlight! Thanks to the Community In Schools Program, Leon Elementary was able to open the Lions General Store. Leon is located in a rural area, and the closet clothing store is a 30-minute drive away. Many of the students' families have one vehicle and rely on public assistance programs. The store is used for accidents, students in need, and as an award system. The pantry is stocked with clothes, shoes, hygiene supplies, school supplies, make up, backpacks, and more. The pantry provides students with a shopping experience. The pantry is supported through donations from local Dollar General Store, churches, and other businesses. At Point Pleasant Intermediate School, we encourage parents and students that #AttendingIsWinning and endorse that “showing Patriot Pride with regular attendance creates success in school, life and their future.” As the Communities In Schools Site Coordinator, I work with families to help reduce barriers at home or school that may affect attendance and academic needs with the intent to help create and support a successful education. While working with families and students directly to address needs and providing multiple supports to support attendance is an important piece of the puzzle, who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? In the spirit of promoting our “Attending Is Winning” campaign, I created a healthy attendance competition amongst students that helped play a role in decreasing our chronic absenteeism by 5.5%, taking it from 19.5% to 14% over the last couple years. I launched the idea in the 2023-2024 school year and then made additions and improvements for the 2024-2025 school year. Throughout the year, the classrooms in each grade level compete each month for the attendance banner and to hang the banner outside the classroom as a badge of honor for bragging rights. Additionally, the classroom winners are spotlighted on the bulletin board by the cafeteria for all to see. Each grade level consists of 3-4 classrooms, so they like to get competitive! Each classroom winner in their grade level is determined by which has the highest attendance percentage for that month. In addition to winning the banner, the classroom also gets an extra recess or other appropriate reward that is supervised by CIS, counselor and admin so that the classroom teacher also earns an extra planning. Win win! Not only do the classrooms have the opportunity to earn bragging rights, but individual students do as well. In addition to the classroom banners, the individual student(s) in each grade level have the chance to earn Attendance VIP (Very Important Patriot) of the month, earning a certificate and their name displayed on the attendance spotlight bulletin board. This award is given to the student with the highest attendance percentage in their grade level for that month. Much to my surprise, multiple students tied for this each month! I’ve already had students for this school year tell me they have the goal of wanting to win that award. I am anxious to see how this year goes and hope to see continued success. Regardless, the students are having fun while doing it and sometimes, that is half the battle. Celebrating attendance awareness month in September is a great way to start out the year. It helps to educate parents and send a spotlight on the importance of attendance. At Point Pleasant Primary School, we started the first week in September with dress up days, and a contest to include parents on why school is important for Super Heros. Our attendance theme this year is focused on Superhero's. By attending school everyday we are creating superheroes. In Guidance class we discuss attendance and arriving to school on time. We also emphasis that the type of superheroes we are creating are not those that fly, disappear, or have laser eyes. Our superhero training school focuses on superheroes that arrive to school on time everyday to learn to be good readers, solve math problems, are kind, considerate, friendly, have good manners, follow the rules and are good listeners. Prizes are given each week to the classroom with the highest attendance rate for that week. One prize will be given to a student in every class for the drawing contest. Educational materials will be sent home this month weekly regarding why attendance is important, when to keep your child home, and spotlighting Mason County Family Support Center and the services they provide.
Ritchie County Spotlight
Communities In Schools of Ritchie County hosted the 4th Annual Ritchie County Schools Back to School Bash on Friday, August 22nd at Ritchie County High School. Students and families from across the county were first welcomed at the Ritchie County Schools Meet the Team event before heading into an evening full of fun and back-to-school excitement. Families enjoyed free school supplies and backpacks, bounce houses, face painting, cartoon drawing, free ice cream, a concession stand, and a variety of wonderful treats provided by our generous community agencies and businesses. The event had a fantastic turnout, and it continues to be a tradition that students and families look forward to every year as they kick off a new school year together. Ritchie County High School When a tall, quiet student transferred into a West Virginia high school, it didn’t take long for him to be noticed. Affectionately nicknamed the “gentle giant” by his peers, he quickly became part of the school community. But behind his calm and kind demeanor, he and his father were facing challenges few could imagine. Over the years, this student experienced significant instability at home. After a series of hardships—including the illness of a family member, multiple moves out of state, and ongoing financial struggles—he and his father eventually returned to West Virginia determined that he would finish his senior year and graduate with his classmates. The challenge: they had no place to live. For a time, the family slept in their vehicle in a local parking lot, cooking simple meals on a hot plate and trying to get by day to day. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Communities In Schools site coordinator immediately began reaching out to community partners and resources. Within a week, sustainable housing was secured. Along with access to basic needs such as food, laundry, and showers, the student and his father finally had a safe place to call home. The gratitude expressed by both father and son was overwhelming. Through tears, the father shared, “Because of you, we have a home.” These words stand as a powerful reminder of the impact that wraparound support and strong community partnerships can have on the lives of students and their families. Today, this student is beginning his senior year with renewed hope and stability. He is focused on graduating with his classmates and is actively exploring college opportunities. His journey is a testament to the resilience of students and the power of caring adults who walk beside them.
Wirt County Spotlight
The Wirt County school community came together in a heartwarming display of generosity during the 3rd Annual Communities In Schools (CIS) Food Drive, held at the Wirt County High School (WCHS) Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 10, 2025. Under the bright lights of Wilson-Eismon Field, families, students, and supporters rallied to combat food insecurity, collecting essential non-perishable items to support local families and students in need. Site coordinators Taylor Smith (Wirt County Primary Center/ Wirt County Middle School) and Amanda Moore (WCHS) were front and center, enthusiastically collecting donations starting at 5:30 p.m. as fans poured into the stadium. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative, which united students and staff from all three Wirt County schools: Wirt County Primary Center, Wirt County Middle School, and Wirt County High School. The drive kicked off with pre-game excitement, as volunteers set up collection bins near the entrance. Attendees donated staples like canned goods, pasta, and cereal, transforming the evening into a dual celebration of school spirit and community service. Special shoutouts went to local contributors, including Deb Hartshorn and White Picket Fence, whose generous donations amplified the impact. By the end of the night, the bins overflowed with provisions, providing vital resources for the CIS pantry that serves hundreds of Wirt County families annually. The program, part of Communities In Schools of West Virginia, addresses barriers to education by offering food assistance, clothing, and other essentials.
Nicholas County Spotlight
Nicholas County Communities In Schools is proud to serve students at Panther Creek Elementary, Richwood Middle School, and Richwood High School. At each of these schools, our site coordinators work diligently to ensure that every student’s needs are met — whether academic, emotional, hygienic, or attendance-related. Our mission is to remove barriers to learning so that students can thrive. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners and donors, we’ve been able to provide: Basic needs items such as hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies. Weekend food bags filled with donated food to support students and families. Attendance incentives that encourage students to show up, stay engaged, and feel motivated. These resources make a real difference in the lives of our students, helping them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. “I absolutely love the work I get to do with Communities In Schools! Every day, building meaningful relationships and connecting students with the resources they need fills my heart with so much joy and purpose!” We believe that every student deserves to feel valued and capable of success. Through strong relationships, consistent care, and a network of community support, Nicholas County Communities In Schools is helping build a brighter future — one student at a time. I absolutely love the work I get to do with Communities In Schools! Every day, building meaningful relationships and connecting students with the resources they need fills my heart with so much joy and purpose!