Nevada Organization Tackling Issue Of School Absences
More and more, excessive school absences is becoming a big problem. Not just in Nevada, but nationwide. The growing epidemic of chronic absenteeism among students has raised red flags in schools across the country. And one Nevada nonprofit organization has a mission to tackle this issue head on.
Communities in Schools of Nevada (CIS) works with other local nonprofits in the Silver State to help students stay in school and on the path to success. CIS is the nation’s leading evidence-based stay-in-school organization. They serve 118 Nevada schools and over 100,000 school-aged students.
CIS Nevada In National Spotlight For Campaign Against School Absences
CIS Nevada is being recognized on a national level for the Communities In School’s nationwide “Being Present Matters” public service campaign. Which highlights the nationwide epidemic of chronic absenteeism, and the efforts CIS is making to stop it. For the campaign, hundreds of CIS affiliates were considered across the country. And two Nevada residents were chosen.
One of the chosen was Marco Mercado, a CIS of Nevada site coordinator at Canyon Springs High School. As a site coordinator, Mercado is a trained professional who works with school administrators and other support professionals to assess needs of each student. Then works within this circle to develop individualized school plans and build a culture of collaboration to help students succeed in school.
Whether the student needs schools supplies, clothing, emotional support or even help with paying the family’s bills, the site coordinator finds necessary resources. And works to make connections with local organizations to meet those needs, so that each student can be in a position to do their best in school.
Another who was chosen for the national “Being Present Matters” campaign is Estéban Montoya-Mendoza, a former mentee of Mercado’s. Mendoza struggled with chronic absenteeism while he was in school. Because of Mercado’s help, Mendoza graduated with a 3.5 GPA, was named a scholar athlete on his varsity soccer team, and is working at his self-started car wash business to pay his college tuition.
Why School Absences Are A Growing Epidemic
According to CIS, there are many factors that contribute to increasing school absences. Some of the most common include a lack of reliable transportation, childcare needs for siblings, housing insecurity, financial insecurity, lack of mental health, anxiety, depression, and bullying. By identifying these needs and finding resources in the community to help, CIS provides a unique model with proven results.
Through the continued efforts of Communities In Schools of Nevada, our students don’t have to fall through the cracks. Sometimes getting on the path of success is as simple as helping students find solutions. Visit CIS Nevada’s website if you want to help by donating or volunteering.
Want more from this author? Check out her home page.
