Duncan Chapel Elementary

Program Description

Communities In Schools Afterschool program has been at Duncan Chapel since 2006 serving 40: 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students each year.  The program meets 4 days per week, Monday through Thursday from 2:30-5pm.  Students receive a snack, assistance with their homework, engaging/hands on academic enrichment activities, and physical exercise daily. This program is funded through the United Way of Greenville.

Community Partners

Greenville Organic Food Organization (GOFO).  Each fall and spring, Afterschool students plant an organic garden at the school site. They work daily in the garden making observations, watering, pulling weeds, and eventually harvesting the vegetables.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church provides dinner and volunteers for each Family Night.  CIS Afterschool has family nights every other month which may include a family dinner, fun family games or a craft project to build communication, and a guest speaker or family field trip.

Junior League volunteers and Furman University “America Reads” students work individually as reading buddies with Afterschool participants.

Success Stories

Selvin, a student a Duncan Chapel Elementary, entered the CIS Afterschool program in the fall of 2009. His parents moved from Guatemala in hopes of making a better life in the United States. Selvin entered school as a shy and doubtful student who spoke little English and struggled academically and socially. His parents could not provide the academic support he needed due to their personal limitations with the English language. They desired additional support with his English, reading, and writing skills. Fortunately, with the help and dedication of his classroom teacher and CIS Afterschool program, Selvin received the support he needed to succeed. He was provided with a safe and nurturing place to learn and grow. Selvin embraced the learning opportunities that were presented to him. He was able to receive the one-on-one interaction he needed to succeed academically. He also made real world connections and enhanced his life skills by participating in the GOFO Garden and Fundamentals 4 Success Basketball programs. Selvin has gained the confidence he needs to be successful in school and life. After spending just one school year in America and the CIS Afterschool program, Selvin now speaks English fluently and is a happy and confident fifth grader!