For students to succeed in the classroom, sometimes they need support that extends beyond academics.
Through a partnership with Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands (CIS-AH), Student Support Coordinators work directly in Bristol Tennessee City Schools to identify barriers students may be facing and connect them and their families with resources and support.
CIS coordinators currently serve Anderson, Avoca, Fairmount, Haynesfield, and Holston View elementary schools, Tennessee Middle School, and Tennessee High School. Their work includes academic assistance, attendance initiatives, family engagement, mentoring, social-emotional support, basic needs, workforce readiness, community partnerships, and enrichment opportunities.
“Our partnership with Communities In Schools is a wonderful example of what our core values of community, excellence, and integrity look like in action,” said Dr. Annette Tudor, director of schools. “When our schools and community partners work together to understand and respond to the individual needs of students, we can help remove barriers and ensure every student has a pathway to success.”
Recently, Anderson Elementary School provided district leaders and representatives from CIS-AH with a firsthand look at that work. Tennessee State Rep. John Crawford also joined the group to learn more about the partnership and its impact on students and families.
After learning about the CIS model, visitors had an opportunity to join in the work happening that morning.
One group helped Anderson Student Support Coordinator Jae Berry with a teacher appreciation coffee cart, delivering drinks throughout the school. Principal John Sproles took over instruction in classrooms along the way so teachers could take a few minutes to enjoy the cart.
Visitors also helped celebrate kindergarten students with a pop-up attendance treat, offering a glimpse of how CIS and school staff work together to encourage positive habits and recognize successes.
Those activities represent just a small part of the support CIS provides each day. By embedding coordinators within schools, CIS can respond to individual needs while building relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
Across BTCS, CIS-AH reports 84,948 instances of support, 540 events, and 368 case-managed students.
The Anderson visit demonstrated what those numbers look like in practice: people working together to provide resources, encouragement, opportunities, and relationships that help students thrive.