November is Family Engagement Month and serves as a time for our team to recognize and celebrate the critical role that families have in our work.
At Communities In Schools of Chicago, we believe that our mission of empowering young people to achieve in school and in life is not done alone. Rather, it is done in partnership – with schools, with community organizations, and with parents and families.
Our school-based team members rely on strong collaboration with families. As they build relationships with young people on their caseload, they also build relationships with their family members. This ensures that our team members understand all of the challenges that a young person is experiencing, and it ensures that CIS support is provided in conjunction with families.
At Chavez Elementary School on the Southwest Side, CIS Student Supports Manager Lali talks with parents and family members frequently about barriers their children are experiencing with coming to school and succeeding in school.
Last year, for example, Lali built positive rapport with a parent whose child struggled with emotional regulation. When this school year began, Lali noticed the student was missing school frequently.
Because Lali had built a strong relationship with the parent, she was able to call and share her concerns about the student’s attendance. The parent was open with Lali about a traumatic event their family had experienced. Lali discussed support that she could provide to the student, along with other resources available at the school.
When the student felt comfortable enough to share her experience, Lali set a meeting with her parent, the school counselor, the assistant principal, and herself. Together, they listened to the student and discussed ways that she could receive support at school, participate in school activities, and create a self-care plan.
Since then, the student’s attendance and academic performance has improved. “I believe that the student having a safe space and a strong support system has impacted her ability to focus and improve her academics and attendance,” Lali said. “This shows me the importance of maintaining positive rapport with parents. When you do, they build trust in you.”
At Logan Square Elementary School on the Northwest Side, CIS Student Supports Manager India also relied on strong relationships with parents.
During one phone call with a parent, India explained CIS’ work, and the parent stopped her because she was already familiar with CIS. “I went to high school in Texas, and we had CIS at our school! I was a CIS student, and they were so helpful,” the parent shared.
Because the parent was aware of CIS’ impact and had personally experienced the program, India was able to create immediate buy-in and trust in the services she provided.
In addition to partnering with parents on student success, CIS of Chicago offers other ways for family members to engage in our work:
- Mental Health 101 workshops and Mental Health First Aid training –
Through these trainings, family members gain the skills to recognize and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health crisis. CIS of Chicago trained professionals offer these trainings throughout the year. - Parent programs –
CIS’ network of community partners supports families as well. Programming and resources are tailored to the specific needs of each CIS school community. - Do the Write Thing –
CIS of Chicago co-sponsors Do the Write Thing, a writing challenge that encourages young people to share their ideas on how to reduce youth violence. Parents are welcome to serve as readers for the challenge and score the writings.
