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Decatur Township is proud to partner with Communities in Schools to provide Site Coordinators in all of our schools. Their mission is as follows: “At Communities in Schools (CIS), we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.” (communitiesinschools.org)
At the Blue Academy, the CIS Site Coordinator is Mrs. Jalaina King, who is an integral part of the Blue Family. In her words, Communities in Schools is, “connecting students, and many times families, to services within the city. Anything from food to signing up for medical care, to academic assistance, to housing support, the goal is success for each student.”
Mrs. King connecting with 6th grade students.
What does that look like at the Blue Academy? The CIS school goal is that by this spring, 80% of students will meet or exceed their growth goals in Math and ELA (on the NWEA Assessment). Mrs. King explains that her days are dedicated to individual, small, and large group social emotional lessons, attendance intervention, and connecting families with services such as mental health, food, and additional supports. All of these activities support success for students by removing barriers. “I love connecting with kids wherever they are at- good days, bad days, and everything in between,” shared Mrs. King, who holds degrees in criminal justice, sociology, and counseling.
Mrs. King is greeted by a student, who is sharing an accomplishment.
She also works hand in hand with school leadership, teachers, and staff to support PBIS (positive behavior interventions and supports) and MTSS (Multi-tiered systems of support). Mrs. King describes this as “idea-making”: “I love collaborating with all supports to make sure a student is successful; that is my most favorite part of this role.”
Also in support of academic growth, Mrs. King works as an instructor for the Extended Day program at Blue Academy, teaching a group of 13, 4th grade students, two days a week after school. She is proud to report that all 13 students have grown in their academics significantly. “School is over for the day, but they continue to work hard and want to grow, doing better each time.”
Just this week, Mrs. King was announced as the Blue Academy Support Staff of the Year! Mr. Adam Allen, Principal at the Blue Academy spoke of Mrs. King and her role as the “heartbeat of Blue” and stated, “She does it all!”
Congratulations Mrs. King, and thank you for all you do!
