News Summary
Communities in Schools of Jacksonville marks its 35th anniversary, reflecting on the vital role it has played in helping students in Duval County overcome educational barriers. From providing essential resources to ensuring emotional and academic support, the organization has served over 111,000 students since 1990. In light of recent challenges, the organization launches a $3.5 million fundraising campaign aimed at securing the future of its initiatives and continuing to uplift local families and students.
Celebrating 35 Years of Support for Local Students in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is buzzing with excitement as Communities in Schools of Jacksonville celebrates a remarkable milestone this year—35 years of dedicated service to students and families in Duval County. Since 1990, this organization has been a beacon of hope, stepping in to tackle those pesky educational barriers that can hold students back from achieving their full potential.
Addressing Educational Barriers
What sets Communities in Schools apart is its commitment to not just the students but the entire family unit. By providing essential resources within the public school system, the organization ensures that every child gets the opportunity to thrive. It’s not enough to just pass tests; students need support in various forms, whether that’s emotional, academic, or even social. It’s all about nurturing the whole student.
The Current Landscape of Education
Yet, challenges loom large in Duval County. Recent statistics reveal that only 49% of third-graders are reading at grade level, and a staggering 42% of students were chronic absentees last school year. Adding to the concern, over 3,000 students in the area are classified as homeless. This data emphasizes the critical role that support organizations like Communities in Schools play in helping students overcome these significant hurdles.
A Track Record of Success
Since its inception, Communities in Schools has caught the attention of many by serving over 111,000 individual students. Just last school year, the organization achieved impressive results, with 95% of seniors graduating thanks to its steadfast support. Additionally, 95% of non-seniors successfully moved forward to the next grade level, demonstrating how invaluable the assistance provided by caseworkers can be.
Looking Ahead: Fundraising for the Future
As part of their ongoing mission, Communities in Schools is keen to secure a bright future for its initiatives. To commemorate the success of the last 35 years, the organization has launched a new fundraising endowment campaign. This campaign honors their current CEO, whose heartwarming journey from a struggling student to a community leader embodies what they stand for. The goal is ambitious yet straightforward: raise $3.5 million for reliable, long-term funding to enhance services and ensure their sustainability.
How You Can Make a Difference
The call for community support has never been more crucial. By contributing to this endowment, folks can help secure a better educational landscape for the community, and in turn, uplift the students who will one day become the future leaders of Jacksonville. Every little bit helps, and collective efforts can lead to monumental changes.
Join the Movement
If you’re curious about how you can play a part in this impactful mission, you’re in luck! You can find more information and explore ways to help by visiting CISJax.org. Together, the community can rally around the cause and pave the way for a brighter future, one student at a time. Here’s to many more years of supporting local students and families in Jacksonville!
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Additional Resources
- News4JAX: Bus Registration Opens for 2025-26 for Duval County Public Schools
- First Coast News: Duval County School District Time Changes
- Jacksonville.com: Duval School Board Voting on Boundary Move for Westside Middle Schools
- Florida News Line: Q&A with Duval County School Board Member Melody Bolduc
- News4JAX: Duval County School Bus Registration Opens for Next Academic Year
- Wikipedia: Duval County, Florida
- Google Search: Duval County Public Schools
- Google Scholar: Duval County education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
- Google News: Duval County schools
