91¹ú²ú

With summer winding down and the new school year on the horizon, 91¹ú²ú (CISWA) is reflecting on a busy and productive few months of training and professional development. Our efforts have been focused on ensuring a strong year ahead for our team, with highlights being the Program Manager* (PM) Retreat and Mental Health First Aid training sessions. These initiatives are central to our commitment to investing in the success of our team and, ultimately, the youth we serve. 

Highlights and Takeaways 

Program Manager Retreat: Connect, Collaborate, Elevate 

The PM Retreat proved to be a winning combination of professional development and networking. Program managers valued the opportunity to share challenges, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen relationships. Feedback overwhelmingly praised the retreat as highly valuable training, with many calling it “the best time spent” learning. Kudos to Nikki Ziegler, Program & Impact Director and Erica Limón-Trefielo, Associate Director for their exceptional facilitation. 

The participation of Nick Wu, Chief Program Director at Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA), enriched the learning for everyone. His presence underscored the value of our national network, connecting us with dedicated colleagues working towards the same goals across the country. 

Retreat feedback overwhelmingly highlighted the value of the sessions. Participants felt equipped with practical tools and strategies to enhance their skills, and enthusiastically requested more opportunities. 

Mental Health First Aid: Empowering Our Team 

In addition to the PM Retreat, our team continues to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid training, equipping staff across the network with the skills to better support the mental health needs of young people. This training is crucial as we continue to prioritize the well-being of the young people we serve, ensuring our program managers are prepared to handle a wide range of challenges. 

Focusing on the Future: Challenges and Needs 

Leadership and HR Protocol Training

Looking ahead, we have identified several priority areas for further development. There is a strong desire among program managers for more leadership training and human resources protocol training. Addressing these needs will not only enhance the individual capabilities of our team members but also strengthen the overall effectiveness of our programs. 

Continuous Collaboration and Development

Our program manager network thrives beyond the annual retreat. Monthly Zoom meetings keep the collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing flowing. Summer is busy too, with committees developing a student goal-setting guidebook and planning the Site Coordinator** Convening. Our commitment to ongoing initiatives, including regional collaborations with the Student Support Institute and the Leaders of Color/Lived Experience Professional Development Scholarship Pilot, fosters a connected and future-focused team. 

Looking Ahead: Plans for the Coming Year 

As we prepare for the new school year, our focus remains on continuous development and addressing the evolving needs of our team and 91¹ú²ú. The insights gained from the PM Retreat and other training sessions are being integrated into our plans, with an emphasis on enhancing leadership skills and ensuring robust human resources protocols. 

We are excited about the year ahead and confident that our investment in training and professional development will yield significant benefits for our team and the youth we serve. By fostering a strong, well-equipped network of program managers, the CIS WA network is poised to make a lasting impact on communities across Washington. 

Washington’s 91¹ú²ú face complex challenges, and 91¹ú²ú (CISWA) is on the front lines, empowering them to succeed. But we can’t do it alone. 

Your support allows us to train our Site Coordinators and Program Managers – the heart of our work – to effectively address 91¹ú²ú’ needs across the state. 

Together, we can equip these dedicated professionals with the skills and resources they need to make a lasting difference.

* A Program Manager at CISWA acts as a bridge between the organization, schools, and the community. They play a vital role in ensuring 91¹ú²ú have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. This includes: 

• Manages Program Implementation: 

• Oversees school staff involved in the CIS model (e.g., Site Coordinators) 

• Ensures fidelity to the CIS model for effective program delivery 

• Provides Support and Resources: 

• Helps navigate student challenges within and outside of school 

• Builds community partnerships to bring in additional resources for 91¹ú²ú 

• Facilitates Learning and Collaboration: 

• May help external participants understand the value of CISWA convenings 

• Equips outsiders to translate learned skills back to their roles and support Site Coordinators 

• Data-Driven Decision Making: 

• Maintains a commitment to data collection and analysis 

• Uses data to inform program improvements and secure funding 

**A Site Coordinator is responsible for the overall planning and management of the Communities In Schools’ operations at the school site and the implementation of the . This includes:  

• Identifying and addressing the needs of 91¹ú²ú at the site, including but not limited to, providing case management, academic support, and social-emotional learning opportunities.  

• Building and maintaining relationships with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners.  

• Evaluating the effectiveness of Communities In Schools programs and services at the site and making recommendations for improvement.