A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Fall is here, and with it comes a season of celebration and connection. Across our CIS-C schools, Site Coordinators are looking forward to hosting Fall Festivals, Trunk-or-Treats, and other seasonal activities. These events bring plenty of fun, but they’re also a chance to engage with students and families in a different way: building relationships, creating a sense of community, and helping families feel at home in their schools.
Adding to the excitement this fall, we’re welcoming a couple of new faces to the CIS-C team! Reese Askins recently joined us as our new Development & Communications Coordinator, helping share the story of CIS-C and connect our community with opportunities to support students across Chesterfield.
We’re also excited to welcome Justin Palimore, our newest Site Coordinator at L.C. Bird High School. A Bird alum himself, Justin is returning to his former school to support today’s Skyhawks, and we’re so glad to have him on board!
As we head into a busy fall, I’m reminded of just how much community matters. Whether it’s welcoming families into our schools, building new relationships, or showing up for students day after day, it’s those connections that make this work possible. Thank you for being part of the CIS-C community and for continuing to be part of the team surrounding our students.
With gratitude,
Ashley Hall, Executive Director
FALLING CREEK NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS
Falling Creek Elementary School was recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for the second year in a row!
Falling Creek is one of just 14 schools in Virginia to receive the recognition this year and the only school in Central Virginia on the list.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognized Falling Creek for its work in four areas:
- Strengthening social-emotional health and learning
- Cultivating staff well-being
- Improving nutrition and food access
- Supporting school health services
Those efforts come to life throughout the school, from vision and dental screenings and fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to classroom calming spaces, community-building activities and opportunities for students to spend time outdoors.
We’re especially proud that CIS-C is part of that work! Site Coordinator Laura Marrow helps connect students and families with resources, bring community partners into the school, and create opportunities that support students’ physical, social and emotional well-being.
Congratulations to the entire Falling Creek Elementary community!
YOUR SUPPORT, STRETCHED FURTHER
There’s an easy way to make your support of CIS-C go even further this fall!
Through the 2026 Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank, every donation made to CIS-C through the campaign will receive an additional 10% bonus, at no extra cost to you.
That means a $20 gift becomes $22 for CIS-C, $50 becomes $55, and $100 becomes $110— helping us stretch your support even further for students across Chesterfield.
And there’s an extra perk for giving!
Make your donation by Tuesday, October 6 and you’ll also be entered into a raffle and receive passes to the Korn Ferry Tour Championship at The Federal Club in Glen Allen for Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11.
Not a golfer? No problem! You don’t have to attend the tournament to take advantage of Birdies for Charity. Give to CIS-C through the campaign anytime through Sunday, October 11, and an additional 10% will still be added to your gift.
Every extra dollar means more support for students across Chesterfield. Thank you for making your gift go even further!
OUR OCTOBER BUS TOUR IS AROUND THE CORNER
Our October Bus Tour is just a few weeks away!
Come experience CIS-C in action! On Friday, October 16, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., our guided tour will visit three partner schools, where you’ll hear directly from Site Coordinators and get an inside look at what CIS-C support looks like at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Along the way, you’ll see how relationships, resources, and community partnerships come together to help students overcome barriers and thrive.
We’d love to have you join us, and bring someone along! Friends, family members, colleagues and community connections are all welcome. It’s a great opportunity to introduce someone new to CIS-C and the work happening in Chesterfield schools.
Curious what a Bus Tour is really like? Check out the video below for a quick look at what to expect and a glimpse inside the CIS-C experience.
WELCOMING NEW CIS-C TEAMMATES
We’re excited to welcome two new faces to the CIS-C team!
Reese Askins joins CIS-C as our new Development & Communications Coordinator, helping us share the story of our work, engage supporters, and build connections across the community. Reese comes to CIS-C from UVA University Communications, where she supported communications efforts across the university. We’re thrilled to have her creativity and communications experience on our team!
Justin Palimore joins Talaya Oxendine as a Site Coordinator at L.C. Bird High School, where he’ll work directly with students and partner with families, school staff, and community partners to connect students with the relationships and resources they need to succeed. Justin comes to CIS-C from Richmond Behavioral Health, where he provided case-managed support and services to local students and families. He earned his degree in Sociology from Christopher Newport University, but his connection to Bird goes back even further: Justin is a former Skyhawk himself!
We’re so excited to welcome Reese to CIS-C and Justin back to Bird as they each bring their talents to our team and help us continue surrounding Chesterfield students with a community of support.
CIS-C RESOURCE CORNER
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15!
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we’re celebrating the history, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Here are a couple of ways to learn and celebrate locally:
- Chesterfield Public Library’s curated book list celebrates Hispanic and Latino voices through stories that explore culture, history, identity, and the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
- Falling Creek Middle School Multicultural Night and Truck-or-Treat is Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join the FCMS community for an evening celebrating the many cultures and traditions represented at the school.
Support Local Families This Thanksgiving
The holiday season will be here before we know it! Each year, CIS-C helps connect students and families across our schools with Thanksgiving support. If you or your organization would like to help a local family celebrate the holiday, please reach out to Wendy Lively, Director of Program Operations, at [email protected].