MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS)– First Lady Cathy Justice spoke to students at several Mercer County Schools earlier this morning.
She talked with students about her Communities in School (CIS) program. This program helps remove barriers to student learning. Justice visited Pike View Middle School, Pike View High School, and Oakvale Elementary. It started in 2018 in three counties; now, Justice’s program is in 31 counties, serving over 63,000 students.
This is the inaugural year for CIS in Mercer County. Justice spoke to the CIS students and then broke into a smaller group to ask and receive feedback about the program.
“We just want you all to know you’re all special. You’re really good kids, and I’m proud of everyone that’s here to get ahead,” said Justice.
CIS Site Coordinator for Pike View Middle, Danielle Farmer, helps students at risk of failing their current grade level. As schools and classes went online, some students did not have the resources to complete school online. Farmer helps by checking in and getting supplies for students that need them.
“This program gives students a chance to come back into the building and get them acclimated with coming back to school. If they complete this program, students will be able to move to the next grade level,” said Farmer.
For the 2020-2021 school year, CIS is at 150 schools in West Virginia. For more information about CIS, visit www.communitiesinschools.org.