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WEIRTON -- A program designed to provide additional support for students in need while connecting with the communities outside of the school facilities has been added to three of Hancock County's schools.
Weirton Elementary School, Weir Middle School and Weir High School are now part of West Virginia's Communities in Schools program which works to forge partnerships in the community in order to make resources available to assist with student learning.
"This is a new position," explained Kristin Bowman-Cross, who has been named the site resource facilitator for Weirton Elementary under the CIS program.
Douglass Murray holds the same position for Weir Middle and Weir High.
The three schools are among 48 schools from 15 counties added to the program this school year.
"It's all about working to make the children successful, make them feel important and help them any way we can," Cross said.
In addition to Hancock County, schools in Barbour County, Boone County, Doddridge County, Jefferson County, Marion County, Mason County, Mineral County, Monongalia County, Putnam County, Roane County, Tucker County, Wetzel County, Wirt County and Wood County have enrolled in CIS for the first time this year.
It is now in 53 of West Virginia's 55 counties, according to state officials.
"Communities In Schools has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students in our state," State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said in a press release issued Tuesday by the Governor's Office. "The relationships between site coordinators, schools, students, and families are at the core of this success. These students need supports and structures that help them recover from setbacks and regain the confidence to believe they can do great things. Communities In Schools is essential to opening options and pathways for those needing hope and a vision for their future."
Cross noted the initial goal for Hancock County Schools will be encouraging attendance, with an eye on programs focused on nutrition and other healthy habits, as well as providing clothing and other personal items for students who may be in need of assistance.
"We want to get the community involved," Cross said, explaining there are plans for public speaking engagements, fundraisers and other outreach efforts. "If they stay in school, they will achieve things in life."
Cross encourages local businesses, organizations or residents wishing to contribute to contact her through the elementary school.
"My door is open," she said.
Greenbrier County became the first in the state to launch a CIS program, joining the effort in 2004. According to the West Virginia Department of Education's website, Brooke County enrolled in the 2020-21 school year, with Ohio County taking part in the 2022-23 school year.