Posted on
January 2026 Newsletter
From Winter Wishes success to a surprise visit by a Jacksonville Jaguars player, CIS students kicked off 2026 with a bang—see what’s next, and how to get involved. Join our mission!
Posted on
The Role of Group Activities in Improving Social Confidence
Social interactions play a key role in shaping individuals, especially when it comes to their confidence and communication skills. Group activities offer an excellent platform for individuals—especially students—to practice and enhance their social confidence. Whether it’s a group project, a sports team, or even an after-school program, engaging with others in a group setting provides…
Posted on
Why Career Preparation Should Start Before Graduation
When it comes to building a successful career, most people think of it as something that starts after graduation. But the truth is, the foundation for a strong career should be laid much earlier—before you even step into the real world. Career preparation is essential, not only for college-bound students but also for those preparing…
Posted on
How to Help Students Manage Academic Pressure Without Burning Out
As students juggle assignments, exams, extracurricular activities, and personal lives, the pressure to perform can quickly become overwhelming. With academic demands at an all-time high, managing academic pressure is crucial to preventing burnout. If you’re a student or a parent, understanding how to handle academic stress effectively is key to maintaining a healthy balance between…
Posted on
Teaching Teens to Set Realistic Goals Without Losing Motivation
Setting goals is an essential skill for personal growth and success, especially during the teenage years. As teens navigate the complex transition from adolescence to adulthood, academic and personal goals play a crucial role in shaping their future. However, the key to success isn’t just setting any goals—it’s setting realistic ones that are achievable, motivating,…
Posted on
Helping High School Students Build Emotional Resilience During Stressful Years
High school is often portrayed as one of the most exciting chapters of life. But for many students, it can also be a time of overwhelming stress. From academic pressures to social challenges, the high school years can feel like a constant balancing act. It’s no wonder that students often struggle with emotional resilience. So,…
Posted on
Why Goal-Setting Helps Teens Take Control of Their Future?
Teenagers often feel like life is moving faster than they can process. School expectations rise each year, friendships shift, responsibilities expand, and the pressure to “figure out the future” settles on their shoulders long before they are ready. When life becomes cluttered with demands and doubts, teens can lose their sense of control. Goal-setting becomes…
Posted on
Turning Academic Anxiety Into Confidence: Tools High School Students Need Today
Some high school students can sit through a lecture with steady focus, complete their homework on time, and walk into exams with calm assurance. Others feel overwhelmed before class even starts. Their hands shake during tests. Their mind goes blank when the teacher asks a question. They worry late into the night that they are…
Posted on
The Real Reason Teens Lose Motivation — And How To Help Them Bounce Back
Teens today are under more pressure than ever, yet adults often misunderstand why their motivation drops. When a teen stops trying, the change looks sudden on the outside, but on the inside, something has been building for a long time. Parents often see a messy room, late homework, or a blank stare and assume the…
Posted on
What CIS Students Taught Us In 2025: 3 Lessons We Didn’t Expect
At Communities In Schools, we often think about the ways we support students, but sometimes the most powerful lessons we learn as adults come from them. Here are three things our students have taught us in 2025. #1 Creativity can solve problems. One of the 37 schools we serve, Rufus E. Payne Elementary, is where Ms. Harris thrives as a 3rd grade teacher.…
