A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The start of a new school year is always one of my favorite times of year. Every August brings fresh opportunities to welcome students back, strengthen relationships, and remind them they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
This year, our staff will be rallying around a simple but powerful message: Every Student Needs a Team.
Behind those words is a truth we see every day. Student success isn’t built by one person alone. It happens when caring adults, educators, families, mentors, volunteers, donors, and community partners come together to surround a young person with the encouragement, resources, and relationships they need to thrive.
That’s exactly what our Site Coordinators do inside 17 schools across Chesterfield County, making sure students always have someone in their corner.
Throughout the year, you’ll see this theme woven into our stories, events, and the impact we share because it reflects who we are and how lasting change happens. Every relationship matters, and every person has a role to play in helping students reach their full potential.
Thank you for believing in our students and in the power of community. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting to know CIS-C, we’re grateful you’re here. Together, we’re making sure every student has the team they need to succeed.
With gratitude,
Ashley Hall
Executive Director
WELCOME, BEULAH ELEMENTARY!
We’re thrilled to officially welcome Beulah Elementary School – home of the Whales – as the newest member of the CIS-C family!
With Beulah joining our network, CIS-C now serves 17 schools and more than 15,500 students across Chesterfield County.
This milestone represents more than growth: it’s another opportunity to ensure even more students and families have access to the caring relationships, resources, and support they need to succeed.
To celebrate, we’ll be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, August 18, alongside Chesterfield County Public Schools, school leadership, community partners, and supporters. We’d love for you to join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING STUDENTS START STRONG
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our back-to-school efforts. Whether you donated backpacks, school supplies, snacks, hygiene items, or hosted a collection drive, you’re helping Chesterfield students start the school year feeling confident, cared for, and ready to learn.
While the first day of school marks an exciting beginning, the need for essential items doesn’t end there. All year long, our Site Coordinators help meet unexpected needs that can make all the difference in a student’s ability to learn, participate, and thrive.
If your business, civic group, faith community, or neighborhood would like to host a supply drive this fall, we’d love to partner with you. Together, we can help ensure students have the resources they need to succeed all year long.
To learn more, please contact Wendy Lively, Director of Programs, at [email protected].
BE THE PERSON THAT SHOWS UP. BECOME A MENTOR.
Sometimes, the biggest turning point in a student’s life begins with a simple conversation.
That conversation doesn’t require having all the answers — it simply requires someone willing to show up. A mentor is a consistent, caring adult who listens, encourages, celebrates successes, and builds a trusted relationship over time. Those moments may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, sense of belonging, and future.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a mentor, now is a wonderful time to get involved. Join us for Mentor Training on Thursday, September 3, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., where you’ll learn what mentoring looks like, hear from our team, and receive the tools and support you need to get started.
Ready to make a difference? Complete our Mentor Interest Form or contact Wendy Lively, Director of Programs, at [email protected] to learn more.
The conversation you start today could help change a student’s tomorrow.
SUPPORT CIS-C THROUGH TARGET CIRCLE
Supporting local students has never been easier! If you’re a Target shopper, you can help CIS-C at no cost simply by casting your votes.
Through September 2026, Target Circle members can earn and direct votes to the nonprofits they care about. Every vote helps Target invest in organizations like CIS-C, allowing us to continue connecting students with the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in school and in life.
Voting is quick, free, and only takes a minute. Simply open the Target app, select Target Circle, and cast your votes for CIS-C. Every vote helps us make an even greater impact for local students.
CIS-C RESOURCE CORNER
🛍️ Virginia Sales Tax Holiday (August 7-9)
Take advantage of Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday to save on eligible school supplies, clothing, and shoes.
Looking for your child’s school supply list? Elementary and middle school families can find supply lists by visiting oneccps.org, selecting their school, and clicking the “School Information” tab.High school students will receive information about specific classroom needs during the first few days of school.
📚 Back-to-School Tips for Families
From establishing bedtime routines to easing first-day jitters, these practical tips can help your child start the school year feeling confident, healthy, and ready to learn.
⏰ Creating Daily Routines for Kids
Consistent routines help children feel secure, reduce stress, and build healthy habits that support success both in and out of the classroom. Explore simple strategies, printable routine charts, and practical ideas for creating routines that work for your family.