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First Week Wins at Chicot Elementary

The first week of school always brings new routines, bright energy, and plenty of fresh starts. At Chicot Elementary, 667 students in grades PK–5 began the year with excitement, and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ AmeriCorps members were there to welcome them at the door.

 

Chicot serves a richly diverse student body: 47% identify as Black/African American, 46% as Hispanic/Latino, and 94% of students come from low-income households. Nearly half are English learners, a reminder of both the challenges and the opportunities that shape daily life in the classroom.

 

For Jacob Banks, a second-year Student Success Coach, the first week was about more than just helping students—it was also about personal growth:

“The first week of school was a great start to the year. We brought spirit and enthusiasm to the children as they came inside the school, encouraging those who were afraid on their first day and making sure they had at least one friend. The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ team at Chicot worked cohesively together to ensure we had a great week. At the same time, I’ve been working on something personal—making small, sustainable changes like meal prepping and exercising daily. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me feel stronger, more grounded, and proud of the rhythm I’ve built.â€

These early wins—both in the classroom and in personal growth—show the impact of commitment, teamwork, and resilience. At Chicot Elementary, the first week proved that when students and AmeriCorps members show up for each other, the whole community benefits.

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