Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County plans to address academic engagement barriers for English Language Learners at Stockbridge High School.
Targeted resources and strategies are needed to teach, evaluate, and nurture English Language Learner (ELL) students, and, as part of a growth strategy aiming to increase graduation rates, CIS is up for the challenge.
In the wake of COVID-19 and virtual learning trends, students with academic challenges are still at risk of producing incomplete schoolwork, missing classes, and dropping out of school altogether, especially kids living in low-income communities, minority students, and students experiencing language barriers.
Due to an increase of non-native English speakers migrating to the United States, primarily from Spanish-speaking countries, these students must learn English to master the academic content needed for standardized testing and completion of graduation requirements.
Meeting the learning needs of ELLs is a big job that requires coordination and collaboration throughout the educational system. That is where Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County can help by finding and addressing their unique academic engagement barriers and adding services to support the learning of ELLs.
At Stockbridge High School the odds are against many students: 50% of students are economically disadvantaged, 51% are proficient in reading, 26% are proficient in Mathematics, and 35% are proficient in Science. Thanks to a new source of funding from an innovative program, Georgia State of Hope (an initiative encouraging prevention of child neglect and disparities in education), CIS hired a part-time ELL Reengagement Coordinator, Diamond Gray, to support CIS site coordinators already working in Stockbridge High School to engage students in learning.
“The big idea to improve graduation rates through the power of relationships and community collaborations clearly demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of children and families,” stated LaMarva E. Ivory, Deputy Division Director, Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, in a letter to CIS.
Gray joined the Communities In Schools team in April ready to hit the ground running. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children. Now serving approximately 35 students, Gray implements small group activities and provides one-on-one care. Day-to-day work includes many roles: home visits; case management; checking attendance and contacting parents of absent students; identifying academic deficits and connecting kids with tutors; advocating for students; and training school staff. Plus, these wrap around supports equip parents with the skills and confidence they need to take a more active role in their child’s school life.
“We are so excited to welcome Ms. Gray to the CIS of GA in Henry County Team! She will be a powerful addition and the fresh energy needed to add new perspective to our talented team,” said Denise Wright, Expansion Strategy Manager at Communities In Schools of Georgia.
She joins dedicated site coordinators in Stockbridge High School, including Kathleen Richardson, who has been with CIS of Georgia since 2018 and previously worked in South Africa to encourage women’s leadership and enhance gender equality.
Also working at the school, Nakiea Smith joined CIS in 2021 and serves an added 25 students, aiding Richardson in critical support—food, housing, health care, and basic needs—to ensure every child has what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Smith is an experienced Academic Coach with a master’s degree from Clayton State University.
In just one year, CIS of Georgia increased their presence in Henry County to serve approximately 60 more students, but the organization seeks to further expand their reach.
“The goal is to reach every kid who needs us. We are not in Henry middle schools, but that kind of feeder pattern has proved effective for many of our other affiliates,” said Communities In Schools of Georgia External Relations Coordinator, Crystal McCarthy.
“The All IN for Georgia Kids campaign, culminating on May 25th, celebrates graduation season and students who beat the odds and look forward to bright futures.”
To donate to the campaign visit https://cisga.salsalabs.org/allinforgakids/index.html.
To learn more about Communities In Schools of Georgia in Henry County visit cisga.org/cishenry.
