As we go back to school this year, we are faced with the reality of not going back to normal. However, students proved just how resilient they are when schools shifted to remote learning this past spring and Communities In Schools of North Texas staff are prepared to meet students where they are and help them navigate their new normal. We want to showcase one student named Joe, who made the choice to push through during remote learning and remained resilient during challenging times.
Joe was first connected to CISNT during his freshman year at Northwest High School. He was facing many obstacles in his life both at school and home, which caused him to fall behind in academics and disengage socially. Joe struggled to maintain a passing grade in math and at home, his father was battling health issues. CIS Site Coordinator, Cooper Spruill, recalls “When I first met Joe, Joe was quiet and reserved. He would often politely decline to participate in group activities.”
Joe historically had struggled with math class, but Mr. Spruill provided Joe with a safe space for him to work on his assignments. Joe worked tirelessly to ensure he achieved in not only math, but all of his classes. He regularly tracked his progress in his classes so he would stay on the path to graduation.
Additionally, Joe grew socially by attending CIS lunch groups daily and investing in time with his peers. He was active in XY Zone, a CIS male leadership group, where Joe was always ready to participate in the leadership activity and discussion. Often, Joe would show initiative and answer questions first, or bring up new topics to explore. Joe also participated in the HHSC Mental Health group, where he showed leadership through his vulnerability and willingness to talk on areas concerning mental health. Mr. Spruill notes Joe’s growth from avoiding participation to now becoming “one of the first ones to introduce conversation in the group!”
When his school transitioned to online learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe’s commitment to graduating never faltered. Joe consistently completed online assignments, and was eager to answer Mr. Spruill’s calls and emails throughout the closure.
Joe had a lot of reasons why he could have given up during his 4 years in high school, but he persisted. In all things, Joe has persevered and thrived throughout his senior year. Along with the support of CISNT and his CIS Site Coordinator, Joe invested in his academics and built strong peer-to-peer relationships. With this Community of Support, Joe finished his senior year strong, and graduated at the end of the Spring semester.
At CISNT we go above and beyond so all students can find the strength and confidence to look within and see what we see—a bright future that’s theirs for the taking. Join our Community of Support and empower students like Joe by giving this North Texas Giving Day to CISNT!
