The Coach Foundation Awards Full Scholarships to Two Raines High School Seniors in the CIS Jacksonville Program
The Coach Foundation is awarding their Dream It Real college scholarship to two seniors from William Raines High School who are part of the Communities In Schools of Jacksonville program, helping them turn their dreams of higher education into reality. On April 15, 2025, the Coach Foundation proudly announced the recipients of the scholarship: siblings…
Using Group Games to Strengthen Social Skills in Elementary Kids
Elementary school is more than just learning to read and solve math problems. It’s also a time when children learn how to work with others, communicate clearly, and understand how to express themselves in healthy ways. One of the best ways to support that growth? Group games. Whether it’s a game of tag, a classroom…
Top Soft Skills Employers Want—and How Kids Can Build Them Now?
It’s not just about having the right technical skills. Employers are increasingly looking for young professionals who can work well with others, communicate effectively, and think critically. These “soft skills” are essential in any career, whether it’s in an office, on a construction site, or in a remote working environment. But here’s the catch: soft…
Robotics Programs and Peer Collaboration: STEM Learning with a Social Twist
A group of high schoolers huddles around a table, wiring sensors to a small robot. They’re not just building a machine—they’re learning to work as a team, share ideas, and cheer each other on through trial and error. This is what happens in a robotics programs. It’s not just about science and technology. It’s about…
How Goal-Setting Activities Help Teens Stay on Track
Staying focused can be tough for teenagers. With school, social pressures, home responsibilities, and thoughts about the future all competing for attention, it’s easy for young people to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. That’s where goal-setting activities come in. At CIS Jax, we’ve seen firsthand how helping students set clear, realistic goals can give them direction…
How Leadership Development Activities Benefit Teens?
Teens face more challenges than ever before. They’re expected to balance academics, extracurricular activities, social relationships, and personal growth. Amidst this complex web of responsibilities, leadership development activities play a crucial role in preparing them for the future. These activities help teens develop essential life skills, foster self-confidence, and provide them with the tools needed…
Creative Activities That Build Critical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking is an essential skill for success. Whether you are a student navigating through school challenges or an adult solving problems at work, the ability to think critically can set you apart. Critical thinking involves analyzing facts, thinking logically, and making decisions based on well-structured reasoning. But how do you develop these skills in…
Project-Based Learning: How Hands-On Activities Improve Academic Performance
When students are actively involved in their own learning, they retain more information and feel more motivated to succeed. This is the core idea behind project-based learning (PBL), an educational approach where students engage in real-world projects that require them to apply skills, think critically, and work collaboratively. In contrast to traditional teaching methods, PBL…
Innovative Teaching Methods That Keep High School Students Engaged
In today’s classroom, keeping high school students engaged is more challenging than ever. With distractions like smartphones, social media, and an overload of information, traditional teaching methods no longer hold the attention of modern learners. To tackle this issue, educators must explore fresh approaches that not only capture students’ attention but also encourage active learning,…
Books and Beyond: Celebrating National Reading Month with CIS Jax
March is National Reading Month— the perfect opportunity to inspire a love of reading and strengthen community connections. By fostering a shared passion for books, we can ignite a desire for learning and create a lasting impact that excites the next generation of readers. At Communities In Schools of Jacksonville (CIS Jax), we’re thrilled to…