Janeen Covell, Sunrise Elementary CIS Site Coordinator, received quite a surprise in early June when she returned to her office. The walls were covered with hundreds of notes of kindness and support to say thank you to her. The students and staff wanted to show her how much she is appreciated for the support she gives to Sunrise families.

And surprise her they did!

“It was totally unexpected and overwhelming, but what a blessing,” says Covell.

It has been a very unusual year as the site coordinator due to the pandemic. The Good Samaritan Reader program has been put on hold and volunteers were not allowed to partner with students to read. That did not stop Covell from finding other ways to connect with students. She went into classrooms throughout the day to help with reading and math.

Covell also says her connections with families this year have become stronger. Through CIS she provides food and resource support to students and families. More than 50 students received food bags each week, and she provided food boxes to families in distance learning.

At times, she refers families to resources for assistance for things like electrical and other bills. Due to a generous donation this year by a recent CIS partner they have been able to help families with some medical bills and car repair.

Relationships with families have become stronger than ever before this year and Covell plans to continue to build on those relationships. “That’s what Communities In Schools is about.”

A few of the notes left in her office by students read:

• “Thank you. You’re nice, you’re kind, you’re awesome, you’re a Super Star!”
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• “Dear Mrs. Covell, thanks for everything you do to help families. We really appreciate you!”
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• “Thank you for helping this school, families, and students.”