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Communities In Schools describes expanded middle- and high-school supports, early outcomes
Summary
Communities and Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS) described a transition of services into Octorara Area School District middle and high schools, outlined caseloads, tiered supports and early student-reported outcomes; staff said an end-of-year report and summer needs assessment will clarify impacts.
Communities and Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS) representatives presented to the Octorara Area School District Board on programs the nonprofit provided this school year and plans for expanded services next year.
At the meeting CIS staff described a tiered service model: tier 1 whole-school supports, tier 2 small-group interventions, and tier 3 one-on-one case-managed supports that CIS staff said are non‑therapeutic and focus on practical, school-based help. CIS said each school-based coordinator can manage a caseload of up to about 60 students; middle- and high-school coordinators will have separate caseloads. Staff said caseloads are fluid and students may be on a caseload for a quarter or for the full year depending on need.
CIS presented early outcome metrics from this abbreviated implementation period. On a five‑point student survey, the presenter reported that CIS scored 4.71 for perceived supportiveness, 4.57 for supporting motivation to attend school and 4.29 for developing a sense of belonging. CIS said a GRIT (Girls Rising Together) group served 25 students this year and five of those were case managed. Of three students with attendance goals, staff reported one made measurable progress; CIS said other students showed progress on behavior or academic goals in specific cases, including a student who raised failing grades enough to advance to the next grade.
CIS staff outlined partnerships formed this year, including The Point, Evolve, Chester County OIC, Penncrest High BSU and Second Century Alliance, and named supports such as a student wardrobe and prom assistance from parent volunteers. Staff also described co‑facilitating a SHOUT morning group for students; a student speaker said SHOUT meets before school to discuss school climate, plan events and provide a student voice to administrators.
CIS said it will use summer months to complete a needs assessment with school principals and district data, finalize referral processes and align programming with school PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), restorative practices and youth mental health first aid training already in place. Staff said an end‑of‑year report with final participation and attendance metrics is pending as schools finalize data.
Board members asked clarifying questions about caseloads, referral pathways and measures of attendance and behavior; CIS staff said they will provide more detailed referral guidance and the completed end‑of‑year numbers after the district finalizes data.
The presentation did not include a board action or vote; it ended with an offer from CIS to answer follow‑up questions and a request to improve summer outreach so teachers and counselors better understand referral procedures.
