March Spotlight: Monroe County

Lezli Baker serves as the Community In Schools (CIS) Site Coordinator for Peterstown PreK-8 schools (including Peterstown Elementary School and Peterstown Middle School) in Monroe County, West Virginia. 

As a site coordinator, she supports students by connecting them with community resources, addressing basic needs, coordinating events (such as donation drives, Trunk or Treat, and Read Across America activities), and serving as a liaison to help students stay engaged in school and succeed. 

Monroe County joined the Communities In Schools program in 2022, as announced by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice. This expansion brought CIS to schools including both Peterstown schools, Mountain View Elementary, and James Monroe High School. CIS West Virginia is a statewide nonprofit focused on providing resources and support to help students overcome barriers to education. 

Read Across America at PES/PMS with community members being welcome into the schools to read to classrooms. JMHS students were also invited to read to future Mavericks!