There’s a distinct energy in the room.
School counselors, deans, and assistant principals are weaving in and out of the aisles in the Malcolm X ballroom, each aisle labeled with a different services area that CIS connects.
Old friends are catching up with each other. People are introducing themselves. “It’s amazing to see everyone there,” said CIS’ Katia Marzolf Borione.
Chatter fills the air. As school leaders visit each table, program directors are sharing their organization’s unique offerings – how they can support Chicago’s students. School staff, in turn, are scheduling programs and field trips they are interested in.
CIS’ team is all-hands-on-deck, helping school partners and community partners build these connections with each other so that students have the resources they need to succeed.
This lively energy – these meaningful connections – happen each year at the Resource Fair, one of CIS of Chicago’s signature events.
This month’s Resource Fair hosted 44 different CIS community partners, representing service areas from academic enrichment and behavioral and mental health to arts and culture, college and career readiness, and physical health and wellness.
151 school staff from 111 Chicago Public Schools participated this year, and school partners left the event energized by the community organizations they spoke with, the resources they were able to access, and the programs they scheduled, said CIS’ Katia and Marshall Mitchell.
“I had a great time at the fair and made so many connections!” said Kelly Anchors, Kilmer Elementary School Counselor. “The resource fair was so informative and amazing, said Gina Pacheco, Monarcas Elementary School Parent Resource Teacher. “I learned so much. Can’t wait for next year.”
Partners new to CIS’ school network were equally thrilled.
Especially meaningful, though, was schools that connected with organizations or unique programs they had never heard of – all in service of meeting their community’s needs, said Katia and Marshall. Our team is looking forward to seeing these connections come to life throughout the 2024-25 school year.
