We would like to take the opportunity of a new school year to reintroduce our Communities in Schools team members across the county.
CIS coordinators leverage partnerships to connect students and families with community resources, tailoring them to their specific needs. The site coordinators are school employees and work with principals, teachers, and other student support personnel to forge community partnerships that bring resources into the school to help remove barriers to learning. CIS coordinators can help connect students with resources such as food and clothing, school supplies, eyeglasses, tutoring, help with extracurricular activities, life skills, enrichment activities, family engagement events, and overall well-being.
Pictured above are: Nicole Hevener Pendleton County Schools Superintendent, Kristy Tritapoe Pendleton County Schools Assistant Superintendent and Communities in Schools Coordinator, Elizabeth Harper (NFES), Lesley Cook (PCMHS), Wendy Kisamore (FES), Jonathan Paul (CIS Regional Specialist), Aliyah Wright (BES), and Shelby Thomas (PCMHS).
North Fork Elementary School Site Coordinator
Elizabeth Harper
I have been the Site Coordinator at North Fork Elementary School since November 1, 2021. We have around 100 students at our school each year. I try to meet each student in the school and form a trusting relationship with them. I go to the cafeteria and greet students every morning. I have lunch duty with Pre-K through third grade students each day and for bus duty each evening. I have enjoyed my job as a CIS Site Coordinator for the last four years. I oversee the school backpack program and pack backpack meals for approximately 30 students each week. It is the best job I have ever had as it allows me to contribute and make a difference in children’s lives.
I live in Seneca Rocks, WV and I am married with two grown children, and I have four grandchildren.
Brandywine Elementary School Site Coordinator
Aliyah Wright
Hello! My name is Aliyah Wright and I am the CIS Site Coordinator at Brandywine Elementary School. I have been in this position for three years now. The best part of my job is ensuring that all students and staff have what they need to have a positive and successful school year. I am currently enrolled in Liberty University to obtain my master's degree in Elementary Education. In my free time, I enjoy reading and movies. I have two pet bunnies, Casper and Muffin, as well as two goldfish, Gator and Tailfin.
Franklin Elementary School Site Coordinator
Wendy Kisamore
I am Wendy Kisamore, Communities In Schools Coordinator at Franklin Elementary School. I am starting my fifth year at FES. I have lived in Pendleton County all of my life. My husband and I live on a farm and have three children. We enjoy traveling and creating family memories together. The thing I love about Communities In Schools is being able to work with young children, especially since my own children are already grown! I like being able to get to know the children and their families and work to assist them with any needs they may have.
Pendleton Middle School Site Coordinator
Shelby Thomas
Hi! My name is Shelby Thomas, and I am the Community in Schools/ School Counselor for Pendleton County Middle School. I am currently enrolled at Liberty University for a master's program in School Counseling. I have recently been certified as a secondary handler for our therapy dog Penny and enjoy spending most of my days at school with her! When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with my dogs, especially my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Louie. This past summer I got to visit Disney for the first time in Florida with my sister-in- law and am looking forward to going back this October!
Pendleton Middle School Site Coordinator
Lesley Cook
I am Lesley Cook, the CIS site coordinator at PCMHS. This is my 5th year as a site coordinator. I am also a secondary handler for our therapy dog, Penny. I enjoy building relationships with our students and staff and being a support to our students to help them be successful in school and beyond. I am married and have a dog, Finley. I enjoy being outside, spending time with family, and traveling.