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                        | CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice announced today that schools in 15 additional counties across West Virginia are being added to the roster of participants in the state’s Communities In Schools (CIS) program. 
 A total of 48 schools in Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Doddridge, Hancock, Jefferson, Marion, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Putnam, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood counties will be the newest additions to the education initiative.
 
 “Reaching thousands of more students with critical needs in West Virginia is so important,” First Lady Justice said. “It is what we need to do to ensure that they are on the right path to a successful future. Getting them to high school graduation and a plan for success beyond, is the best thing that we can do for them. The earlier we start, the better.”
 
 "I can tell you without any question whatsoever that this program is working," Gov. Justice said. "There are so many heartbreaking stories, from kids living in bad situations to just being hungry. There is a lot of bad stuff out there, but this program is fixing those problems. Communities In Schools is getting children on a pathway to do some amazing stuff and reach their full potential. I am so proud to be part of this program. It is unbelievable."
 
 CIS works to forge community partnerships and bring resources into schools to help remove barriers to student learning with a goal of keeping all students in school and ultimately graduating.
 
 The Governor and First Lady started their CIS statewide initiative in three counties in 2018. Including today’s newly announced additions, the program has now expanded to 53 counties, serving well over 100,000 students in 260 schools across the state.
 
 “Communities In Schools has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students in our state,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said. “The relationships between site coordinators, schools, students, and families are at the core of this success. These students need supports and structures that help them recover from setbacks and regain the confidence to believe they can do great things. Communities In Schools is essential to opening options and pathways for those needing hope and a vision for their future.”
 
 The new CIS counties/schools announced today are as follows:
 
 Barbour County
 
	Boone CountyKasson Elementary/Middle SchoolPhilippi Middle SchoolPhilip Barbour High School  
	Doddridge CountyMadison Elementary SchoolVan Elementary SchoolSherman High School 
	Hancock CountyDoddridge County Elementary SchoolDoddridge County Middle SchoolDoddridge County High School 
	Jefferson CountyWeirton Elementary SchoolWeir Middle SchoolWeir High School 
	Marion CountyT.A. Lowery Elementary School Wildwood Middle SchoolJefferson High School  
	Mason CountyWatson Elementary SchoolWest Fairmont Middle SchoolFairmont Senior High School 
	Mineral CountyPoint Pleasant Primary Leon Elementary SchoolPoint Pleasant IntermediatePoint Pleasant Junior/Senior High School 
	Monongalia CountyKeyser Primary School Keyser Middle School Keyser High School 
	Putnam CountySkyview Elementary SchoolWestwood Middle SchoolUniversity High School  
	Roane CountyBuffalo Elementary School 
	Tucker CountySpencer Elementary SchoolSpencer Middle SchoolRoane County High School 
	Wetzel CountyDavis Thomas Elementary Middle SchoolTucker Valley Elementary Middle SchoolTucker County High School 
	Wirt County
Wood CountyNew Martinsville SchoolPaden City Elementary SchoolPaden City High SchoolMagnolia High School 
	Jefferson Elementary CenterVan Devender Middle SchoolParkersburg High School The new schools in counties already participating in CIS are as follows:
 
 Cabell County
 
	Ohio CountyHighlawn Elementary SchoolHuntington Middle School 
	Pocahontas CountyElm Grove Elementary School 
	Tyler CountyMarlinton Elementary School 
	Tyler Consolidated Middle School |  |