Letters from the Lunchroom

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, our host, Victoria, connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Juan Rangel Jr., Director of Family Engagement with School Smart Kansas City and LaShawn Childs, Field Director with CIS of Mid-America. Juan and LaShawn have created a strong relationship between two non-profit agencies by working together to help KCMO students and families overcome barriers and achieve success.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, our host, Victoria, connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Kuniya Young, student with CIS of the Nation's Capital. Kuniya is an amazing young woman who has overcome some big challenges thanks to her incredible outlook on life and the support of her CIS Site Coordinator. Check out this episode and discover why our host feels Kuniya will be President of the United States one day.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, our host, Victoria, connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Becca Spielman, Field Director for CIS of Mid-America. Becca has an incredible drive for social justice, equalizing inequality, and helping restore those who are dealing with trauma. She is truly a remarkable human and her story reflects the passion she puts into her work. 

Want to be a guest on the show? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, our host, Victoria, connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Raj Chetty, professor of Economics at Harvard University and a presenter at the 2019 Leadership Town Hall. Raj shares the outcomes of research conducted by his team at Opportunity Insights, which show that the work which Communities In Schools is doing is essential in restoring the American Dream. This episode begins with our interview, followed by his fireside chat with Molly Shaw, President & CEO of Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.A video of his presentation from the 2019 Leadership Town Hall is available here: bit.ly/Raj2019LTH

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, our host, Victoria, connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Eric Hoops, Principal at Chanute Elementary School in Chanute, KS. Eric believes in the power of positive relationships for students, both within and outside of the school setting. Chanute Public Schools was recently recognized for exceeding the state's gold star graduation rating, which Eric states is partially due to the district's partnership with CIS of Mid-America.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Nasje Adams, student with CIS of Chicago and one of the participants in the What We Are Made Of Mosaic Project. Nasje is a bright young woman who shares the story of rising above her barriers, with the help of her CIS Site Coordinator, who showed her that her "black is beautiful".

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. We know that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and we want to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, we talk with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Kelly Stanford, Chief Program Officer for CIS of Mid-America. Kelly shares her history with our organization and how her previous experience as a school administrator impacts the work she is now doing. In her letter, Kelly creates a relatable comparison between Site Coordinators and pop-culture super heroes. 

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad SnacksSearch

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Kim Davis, Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs for the National Hockey League. Kim is one of The Business Journal's "100 Most Influential Women" and Fast Company's "100 Most Creative People in Business". In 2012, she was profiled with First Lady Michelle Obama in Essence magazine's "28 Most Influential Black Women in America". Kim shares with us the passion she brings to her role as a Communities In Schools National Board Member, and her mission to spread the importance of having diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the work that we do. 

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad SnacksSearch 

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Jason Jackson, a student with Communities In Schools of Jacksonville in Florida. Jason's journey with CIS started when he was in elementary school. Now a Senior in high school, Jason shares the story of how he overcame some of the most challenging barriers.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad SnacksSearch 

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Stacie Jackson, CIS of Mid-America Site Coordinator at Kennedy Elementary School in Lawrence, KS. Stacie, who has been a CIS Site Coordinator for the past seven years, shares some of her favorite memories, as well as advice for anyone working with at-risk kids.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad SnacksSearch