A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As November unfolds, I’m filled with gratitude for the many hands and hearts that make our mission possible. From our Site Coordinators who walk alongside students each day to the partners, volunteers, and supporters who give so generously of their time and care — your commitment keeps our community strong.
This month’s stories capture that spirit beautifully. You’ll see it in the Pumpkin Patch that brought fall magic to Chalkley Elementary, the upcoming I See You Simulation that invites you to experience a day in the life of a CIS student, and the statewide recognition of our over 30-year partnership with Chesterfield County Public Schools.
You’ll also find important updates on how we’re helping families navigate the SNAP interruption — and how your support, including through the NAP Tax Credit Program, can make a lasting impact.
Thank you for being part of the CIS family and for all the ways you continue to show up for our students.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ashley Hall
Executive Director
PUMPKIN PATCH FUN AT CHALKLEY ELEMENTARY
Last month, Chalkley Elementary students didn’t have to travel far for a little autumn magic — the pumpkin patch came right to them! Thanks to the coordination of CIS Site Coordinator, Ms. Rapada, and the generosity of our community partners, the school courtyard was transformed into a festive “Pumpkin Patch” for students and families to enjoy.
A heartfelt thank you to Chesterfield Baptist Church and Chesterfield Berry Farm for donating the pumpkins that made this tradition possible. And an extra shoutout to the incredible families who volunteered their time to fill the courtyard with bright orange pumpkins and fall cheer.
It’s moments like these that remind us what can happen when schools, families, and community partners come together to make learning spaces joyful and full of connection.
STEP INTO THEIR SHOES: EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CIS STUDENT
The I See You Simulation is an interactive experience that places you in the shoes of a CIS student for a day. It offers a powerful glimpse into their daily challenges and resilience, showing why your partnership is essential to helping them thrive in school and beyond.
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Falling Creek Middle (4780 Hopkins Road Chesterfield, VA 23234)
Space is very limited. To RSVP, email Ashley at [email protected].
Thanks to the generosity of the Henshaw family, CIS-C was able to fund 9 incredible projects across 8 schools, all designed to reinforce the CIS Basics and create meaningful learning experiences for students.
One standout initiative was the Solar Tiny House project at Chalkley Elementary. Students got a hands-on opportunity to design and build a solar-powered tiny house, learning about renewable energy, electrical systems, and sustainability along the way.
These grants are helping students not just learn, but explore, create, and thrive—bringing education to life in ways that spark curiosity and build skills for the future.
ELEBRATING PARTNERSHIP & IMPACT AT THE CIS-VIRGINIA NETWORK SUMMIT
At the 2025 Communities In Schools of Virginia Network Summit, Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) was honored with the Dan Domenech Champion for CIS Award, recognizing more than 30 years of partnership with CIS of Chesterfield. This long-standing collaboration has become a model for the Commonwealth, demonstrating the power of schools and communities working hand-in-hand to surround students with the relationships and resources they need to thrive.
Additionally, two of our outstanding Site Coordinators — Kimberly Reynolds (Manchester Middle) and Mary Thompson (Carver Academy) — were also recognized for their exceptional dedication to students, families, and colleagues.
We’re deeply grateful to every educator, partner, and CIS team member who goes all in for our kids each and every day.
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
As the federal government shutdown continues, many families in our community are facing growing uncertainty, especially those who rely on SNAP benefits or have been furloughed from federal jobs.
While emergency funds have been authorized to partially cover November SNAP benefits, payments may be delayed for weeks or even months due to administrative and legal hurdles. Some officials have also warned that full payments may not be issued until the shutdown ends, leaving many families struggling to put food on the table.
To help bridge the gap, Governor Youngkin launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance Program (VENA), which is providing temporary, partial benefits—about 25% of the monthly SNAP amount—to eligible residents throughout November. Though this program offers some relief, it won’t fully meet the needs of families who depend on SNAP. To learn more, click here.
In response, we at CIS, are amping up our collaborations with local food banks and community partners to help meet this growing need. Our Site Coordinators are working closely with schools and organizations to identify families experiencing food insecurity and connect them to resources quickly and discreetly.
How you can help:
You can make a difference right now by supporting our community partners who are on the front lines of food distribution, including the Chesterfield Food Bank and other local food pantries.
Donations to Communities In Schools of Chesterfield can also be earmarked directly for food assistance, helping us ensure that our students and families have access to the meals they need during this critical time.
For a full list of Chesterfield Food Bank distribution dates, locations, and emergency services, please visit here.
TEE OFF FOR STUDENTS: KIWANIS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Your support means everything, and now it can go even further! Through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Communities In Schools of Chesterfield is able to offer up to 65% in Virginia state tax credits for gifts of $500 or more.
It’s one more way your generosity helps students and gives back to you.
Questions? Contact Shelby Finkelstein, Director of Development & Communications, at [email protected].
