Boone County CIS October 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

, 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.