Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago

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Schools not only support students’ learning and academic progress; they also serve as places where young people build their social skills. When Haugan Elementary School sought a program that developed students’ self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship-building, CIS of Chicago connected the school with Once Upon Our Time Capsule. ? Once Upon Our Time Capsule’s program reimagines the time capsule tradition and invites young people to share their stories, in their own words. For eight weeks this fall, the program engaged fourth graders at Haugan, asked them to explore their own cultures and traditions, and encouraged open dialogue. Haugan’s school leaders shared with the CIS team just how impactful the program was, especially for the school’s newcomer students whose voices and experiences were amplified.

CIS Student Supports Manager Dominic Thomas builds trusting relationships with young people. When students need someone they can talk to or someone to support them with their goals, they can turn to Dominic. ? At the beginning of the school year, Dominic noticed that many students needed a positive outlet to express their emotions. He decided to add a boxing bag and mitts to his office and encouraged his students to try boxing as a way to release feelings of anger and frustration. With his freshmen boys’ group, Dominic also implemented physical fitness activities, including a pushup challenge, to build community among the group. ? “Understanding that your physical health plays a key role in your mental health, it placed a smile on my face to see students identifying new outlets and self-care practices,” Dominic said.

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Today, we're feeling grateful for individuals and organizations in our community who we lean on, not only to support students, families, and schools but also to share best practices, new ideas, and ways for us to learn and grow. Recently, Chief Partnership Engagement Officer Robin Koelsch caught up with Tamiko Nettles, CEO and founder of Let Go—Be Great, LLC, to talk about everything from nonprofit leadership to violence prevention. #partnership #beingpresentmatters

Planning ahead, problem-solving, making decisions, finishing tasks. These are not just skills that help students achieve in school. They are critical, everyday abilities that help young people prepare for life post-graduation. ? At a high school on the Southwest Side, CIS Student Supports Manager Katie created a group focused on developing these skills. Every Tuesday during lunch, she meets group members to discuss everything from responsible decision-making to academic organization. ? The group provides a safe space for the students to share challenges and where they need support. And together, Katie and the students create actionable plans to make sure they stay on track. But according to Katie, one of the biggest outcomes from the group is the accountability created among group members. ? During each session, the students check in with each other on their goals. Did you finish that English assignment? Did you talk to your teacher about retaking that test? They ask each other questions that motivate them to follow through. ? “We make hundreds of decisions every day, from snoozing our alarm in the morning to chatting with our friends between passing periods,” Katie said. “One of my goals in this group is to empower my students to take ownership of what they can control so they can have the tools they need to succeed.”

Think back to a core memory from middle school or high school. Were your friends there? Research has shown that friendships positively affect a young person’s experience at school. They provide emotional support, reduce stress, increase collaborative learning, and promote academic achievement. Building healthy relationships are a key skill that young people practice in the school building – and it’s a skill that our school-based team at works to foster. Learn more about how our team members Bethany and Jeanette help students build their self-awareness and conflict resolution skills, all to support positive relationships. https://lnkd.in/gecdh4uG

In our kindness era! We’re loving the bulletin board that CIS Student Supports Manager Jasmine created to spread kind messages with young people this Valentine’s Day ??

This week, our Partnership Team hosted geographic meetups for school partners, which gave counselors and school leaders the chance to connect with other CIS partners in their neighborhoods, share ideas for school programs, and discuss student needs. Three of our wonderful counselors from New Sullivan E.S., Ronald Brown Academy, and Zapata Academy shared their favorite program CIS connected this school year! University of Illinois Extension Argonne National Laboratory Chicago Blackhawks

Thanks to our friends at PwC?for hosting students at your office space for last week’s Inspiring Futures field trip! Students had the opportunity to meet with PwC team members, learn more about careers there, and draw out their goals in a life map activity. Natalie from PwC shares more about the experience here ??