Henry County CIS Site Coordinators are Addressing Language Barriers and School Engagement

Her Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County plans to address academic engagement barriers for English Language Learners at Stockbridge High School.

Meeting the learning needs of ELLs is a big job that requires coordination and collaboration throughout the educational system. That is where Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County can help, finding and addressing their unique academic engagement barriers and adding services to support the learning of ELLs.

At Stockbridge High School the odds are against many students: 50% of students are economically disadvantaged, 51% are proficient in reading, 26% are proficient in Mathematics, and 35% are proficient in Science. Thanks to a new source of funding from an innovative program, Georgia State of Hope (an initiative encouraging prevention of child neglect and disparities in education), CIS hired a part-time ELL Reengagement Coordinator, Diamond Gray, to support CIS site coordinators already working in Stockbridge High School to engage students in learning.

“The big idea to improve graduation rates through the power of relationships and community collaborations clearly demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of children and families,” stated LaMarva E. Ivory, Deputy Division Director, Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, in a letter to CIS.

Gray joined the Communities In Schools team in April ready to hit the ground running. She implements small group activities and provides one-on-one care. Her day-to-day work includes many roles: home visits; case management; checking attendance and contacting parents of absent students; identifying academic deficits and connecting kids with tutors; advocating for students; and training school staff.

“We are so excited to welcome Ms. Gray to the CIS of GA in Henry County Team! She will be a powerful addition and the fresh energy needed to add new perspective to our talented team,” said Denise Wright, Expansion Strategy Manager at Communities In Schools of Georgia.

She joins dedicated site coordinators in Stockbridge High School, including Kathleen Richardson, who has been with CIS of Georgia since 2018 and previously worked in South Africa to encourage women’s leadership and enhance gender equality.

Also working at the school, Nakiea Smith joined CIS in 2021 and serves an added 25 students, aiding Richardson in critical support—food, housing, health care, and basic needs—to ensure every child has what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond