
Last year, nearly 15 million students across the U.S. were chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of school days (18+ days). The spike in chronic absenteeism that began in the pandemic’s wake shows no sign of receding. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the data is similar, with more than 1 in 4 students identified as chronically absent. During the 2022-23 school year, the percentage of chronically absent students in CMS among economically disadvantaged students was even higher, at 35%, or one of every three students. These are the students that Communities In Schools (CIS) serves.
There are many reasons that students don’t regularly attend school. Many students face challenges with safety, transportation, mental or physical health, access to clean clothes, food insecurity, or have household responsibilities such as childcare or needing to work. Kids are often absent because the support and resources to address these challenges are absent.
CIS knows that the presence of a Site Coordinator can change everything. We provide added support to schools in the form of Site Coordinators who work one-on-one with students to ensure they have what they need to engage in learning. When CIS is present in schools, 99% of our students stay in school.
Follow us October 7-11 on social media, @cischarlotte
This week, October 7-11, we invite you to be present with us online on our social media platforms, where we’ll share more about our programs and how we are supporting students. You’ll also hear from some of our students, staff, and alumni.
Let's Go All In For Kids!
At Communities In Schools, we are all in for kids. We know that being present for our students is crucial – there is no substitute for showing up in person, in school, and in life. Your support helps place CIS Site Coordinators in schools to address the challenges students face that are keeping them from success.
Thank you for helping us show up for our kids, so they have the resources and support they need to attend school regularly and reach their full potential.
What does it mean to be “All In For Kids?”
✔️ It means ensuring kids in high-need schools have equitable resources.
✔️ It means unlocking potential and breaking barriers for students living in poverty.
✔️ It means investing in education in a way that is just and equitable for all students.
✔️ It means caring about kids in neighborhoods across Charlotte, not just your own.
CIS believes ALL kids deserve a level playing field when it comes to education.
Are YOU All In For Kids?
CIS is ALL IN to ensure all kids have what they need to achieve in school and in life. Going ALL IN for kids today leads to a better, more equitable future for everyone.