When students walk through the halls of their school, there’s one person many know they can count on, who is always ready with a listening ear, a plan, and a smile. Mr. Calvin Stewart is that person for many of the students at Bethune Oak Park Elementary School. I sat down with Mr. Stewart, the school’s Communities In Schools (CIS) Site Coordinator of nearly 10 years, to learn more about the impact of this unique role and how consistent support changes lives.
Finding a Calling- What first inspired you to become a CIS Site Coordinator?
“I retired from teaching first through third grade and knew the struggles a lot of students in Caddo Parish faced. I wanted to continue helping out without being a full-time classroom teacher.” Mr. Stewart initially sought out to become a paraprofessional, even interviewing for that position with Bethune Oak Park’s principal before his interest in a new role as Site Coordinator with the licensed partnership between Communities In Schools (CIS) and Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA). He ultimately accepted the position with VOANLA as Bethune Oak Park Elementary’s very first CIS Site Coordinator and is now starting his 10th school year serving in that same position. He considers it “divine intervention” receiving those two job opportunities at the same school, firmly stating that “God lead me here.”
No Two Days the Same- What does a typical day on campus look like?
“Students are always in and out of my classroom. They may need food, clothing, academic support, or just want to talk with me.” I interviewed Mr. Stewart in his classroom and witnessed the impact of his work firsthand. In just two hours I saw Mr. Stewart meet the basic needs of three different students providing them with resources like breakfast, uniform pants, and tennis shoes, then sending them back to class prepared to learn. He casually remarks “And this is a slow morning for me,” giving me an idea of just how busy a normal day can be for him.
Moments That Matter- What is one success story that stands out to you?
“There was a group of 5 boys known for their disruptive behavior and disrespectful attitudes, and one of them was added to my group of case-managed students. I started pulling him for individual instruction and realized his behavior completely changed without the other boys around.
I was able to establish a relationship with this student that allowed for meaningful academic support. He would write me letters and visit me just to talk regularly. He was passionate about basketball so you can imagine his excitement when he received a pair of Steph Curry basketball shoes that had been donated to my classroom. He was later given the award for ‘Most Improved Student’ at his 5th grade End of Year Awards Program.”
Challenges Students Face- What are some of the biggest challenges students face today?
“Some of the students I work with have experienced things you wouldn’t expect, like homelessness.” Mr. Stewart expresses just how much some students are dealing with outside of school that impacts their ability to learn and thrive academically. “Education is empowering to both students and our community,” emphasizing the importance of community involvement as a part of a bigger picture.
Advice for the Next Generation- What advice would you give to someone considering this career?
“The most important thing is to build student relationships first. Students trust me because I know their needs.” Mr. Stewart’s impact on student success is rooted in building relationships with students and meeting them where they are at. “The work we do makes a difference,” he emphasizes that CIS support and resources can be “the difference between a student graduating from college or ending up in jail.”
Why It Matters
Site Coordinators like Mr. Stewart remind us that the licensed partnership between VOANLA and CIS is more than a program. Serving students across 11 schools in Caddo Parish, it is a lifeline of relationships, resources, and hope. Their daily work helps students overcome barriers and move closer to graduation with confidence.
Want to help? Volunteers, donors, and community partners are key to making this impact possible. Learn more about how you can get involved at https://voanorthla.org/communities-in-schools/.