By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago More than two years since the start of the pandemic, and headlines still cover the breadth of issues that young people face: the effects of prolonged isolation and stress, grief over losing loved ones to the virus, the economy’s strain…

By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago This spring marked two years since COVID-19 shut the doors to Chicago schools; and while the public health community has made great strides in combating the virus, schools are still helping students and families navigate the vaccination process and stay…

By Marianne Woodward, Chief Resource Officer, Communities In Schools of Chicago I’m always looking for opportunities to deepen our organization’s impact, whether it’s seeking ways to leverage resources or directing donor enthusiasm (and dollars) into proven, winning strategies. The approach works better than you might expect for a nonprofit. At…

By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago Multiplication and division. Earth systems. Narrative writing. These are some of the curriculum standards for third graders in Illinois. Ballet folklórico, or traditional Mexican dance that emphasizes local folk culture, is not listed on Common Core Standards or Illinois Learning…

CIS Student Supports Manager Launches Formal Wear Closet as a Resource for Students By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago For seniors at a high school on Chicago’s Southeast Side, festivities are in full swing. Senior photos, a senior outing to Six Flags Great America, senior prom — not to mention graduation at House of Hope — fill the hallways…

CIS Community Partner, Shedd Aquarium, Visits South Side School — By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago Kindergarteners at Ruggles Elementary School were in for a big surprise this month when special guests from the Shedd Aquarium arrived. The class was learning about penguins — everything from where they live to how they move — and thanks…

By Sucada Bell and Karen Roddie, Associate Directors, Communities In Schools of Chicago Many students are still adjusting back to in-person learning and need extra support in the classroom. This support can’t just fall to teachers and other school staff to provide. It’s up to all of us in the…

By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago CIS of Chicago partners with a diverse network of community organizations and schools across the city. Community organizations provide a wealth of programs and resources that support students’ holistic development, and schools benefit from their services. As a result of…

By Katie Rankin, Communications Specialist, Communities In Schools of Chicago CIS of Chicago, one of the city’s largest education nonprofits, has received a major $4 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s charitable fund. …