The Newark Board of Education is pleased to announce the launch of a partnership between Communities In Schools (CIS) and The Office of Attendance, effective from the 2023-2024 school year. This collaboration aims to provide intentional tiers of intervention to support students and encourage regular attendance, thereby enhancing their academic and personal achievements. Under the guidance of Assistant Superintendent Carolyn Granato, Director Edwin Mendez, and Program Manager Taisha Miranda, Attendance counselors will establish significant connections with students and families who are experiencing difficulties to determine their particular requirements and offer suitable resources.

The partnership will commence in six schools during the first year of the grant, namely Chancellor Avenue School, Luis Munoz Marin, Quitman Street School, South Street School, Speedway Avenue School, and West Side High School. The District is thrilled to have these schools as recipients of the grant and aims to expand the program to at least five additional schools each year for the next three years.

As CIS Founder Bill Milliken aptly stated, young people thrive when they feel cared for on a personal level and have a sense of belonging to a supportive community. The District is committed to modeling this approach throughout the City of Newark.