CISNCAP Staff meet with Smothers Elementary School leadership

Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CISNCAP) announces a new partnership with Smothers Elementary School in Ward 7 through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Partnerships for School Attendance (PSA) Grant Program.

The PSA Grant supports improving student attendance and academic success by coordinating school, family, and community resources to address barriers to learning and chronic absenteeism.

This partnership strengthens CISNCAP’s investment in Ward 7 and advances its feeder-pattern strategy of supporting students throughout their educational journey. CISNCAP currently serves Burrville Elementary School, Kelly Miller Middle School, and H.D. Woodson High School. This creates a continuum of support that now includes Smothers Elementary and extends through high school graduation.

Through this collaboration, CISNCAP will work with school leadership, families, and community partners to improve attendance, boost student engagement, and address the root causes of absenteeism.

“We are excited to partner with Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital because we know that when schools, families, and communities work together, our scholars thrive,” said Dr. Courtney Anderson March, Principal of Smothers Elementary School. “Together, we can remove barriers, strengthen opportunities, and ensure every scholar has the support they need to attend school, achieve at high levels, and reach their fullest potential.”

With support from the PSA Grant, CISNCAP and Smothers Elementary School will focus on these priorities:

• Reducing chronic absenteeism and improving attendance.
• Promoting student engagement and academic achievement.
• Strengthening partnerships that provide academic, social, and emotional supports for students and families.

“This partnership represents an important opportunity to deepen support for students and families in Ward 7,” said Dr. Rustin Lewis, Executive Director of Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital. “By expanding our presence within the Ward 7 educational pipeline, we can provide seamless support for students from elementary school through high school. Together with Smothers Elementary School and OSSE, we are affirming our commitment to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school, and achieve in life.”