Next Step to Success Weekly Update
|
|
|
Message from our Executive Director
|
| As we move into Week 7, the progress our students are making at Next Step to Success continues to impress. We are seeing real growth in confidence, teamwork, and academic focus as students engage deeply with their Success Coaches and peers. This week, we are proud to announce the selection of our Student Ambassadors; a group of emerging leaders who will help represent NSTS, support their peers, and promote the positive culture we are building together.
We still have about a dozen seats open for new participants, and we encourage families to help spread the word. Consistent attendance; at least three days per week; is key to ensuring students benefit fully from our programs, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities.
Families, your continued support makes all the difference. Please remind your scholars to head straight from school to the program each day so they do not miss valuable learning time and connections. If they have friends who might be interested, we welcome them to try out the program for a day with parental approval.
Together, we are building momentum and creating lasting change; one student at a time.
— James P. Harris, Executive Director |
|
Student Spotlight: Atreazure
This week, we celebrate Atreazure, a 9th grader at Granby High School:
1. How long have you been a part of Next Step to Success? 2 Years
2. What do you like most about coming to NSTS? Communication and Reliability
3. What is one goal you’re working on right now? Maintaining my grades at an A level
4. Who inspires you the most, and why? Myself – I feel I ama great version of myself
5. What is your favorite subject in school? Band
6. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of school? Volleyball and spending time with my family
7. What’s your favorite book, movie, or song right now? Favorite movie – Annie
8. What does success mean to you? Accomplishing and understanding my goals
9. If you could give advice to another student, what would it be? Keep your head up and don’t let anyone get under your skin
10. What do you see yourself doing in the future (career, dreams, or big goals)? Real Estate and Medical Professional
11. Share a fun fact about yourself most people don’t know! I like to journal
12. Is there someone at NSTS (staff or peer) who has made a big difference for you? Coach Brittany!
13. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Funny, Confident, and Outgoing
14. What makes you proud of yourself this week? Being the Student of the Week Spotlight and selected as an Ambassador!
We’re so proud of the example Atreazure sets for their fellow Success Stories! |
|
|
Coach (Chef) Brittany Brown
1. What inspired you to become a Success Coach at Next Step to Success? New and fresh, I was able to be part of the change
2. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Energetic, Straightforward, and Fun
3. What’s one lesson you hope every student you work with carries with them? Tomorrow is a new day for a fresh start
4. Who was a mentor or role model in your own life, and how did they shape you? My Grandmother – she met me where I was and she never gave up
5. What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday when you’re not working? Home with family and friends
6. If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be and why? Kobe Bryant – Taught me not to quit. And Nipsey Hussle – Life is a marathon, it may take a minute, but you will get there
7. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I like to cook, however, I don’t eat my own cooking
8. If you had to pick a theme song for your life, what would it be? Mary J. Blige – “Just Fine”
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Worry about you.
10. Finish this sentence: “Working at Next Step to Success means…” Opportunity for change
11. What’s your all-time favorite TV show or movie? Love and Basketball – Grey’s Anatomy
12. If you had a superpower for a day, what would it be? Read minds! |
|
|
|
|
From the Director of Education
|
|
| The youth have been working hard in the Homework Hub. They are learning positive study habits, as well as how to advocate for their own success by reaching out to teachers to inquire about assignments. It’s wonderful to see them come in beaming with pride for their own academic growth. |
|
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Beaulieu
|
| What inspired you to start volunteering with Next Step to Success? I like working with kids after school. I was a bored retiree, and it brought me here!
What has been your favorite memory or moment with the youth so far? I really like helping them with math. When it clicks, that’s the best.
What do you hope the students take away from their time with you? I hope they learn to feel more comfortable with math, and more empowered to do it on their own.
What do you like to do outside of volunteering? I like to read mysteries, travel and knit.
If you could give the students one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t let the struggle keep you down. Keep trying and you WILL make it out the other side. |
|
|
| From the Director of Programs
This week, our coaches helped the youth focus on:
- Building connections and exploring new interests through visits from Hampton Roads Chess Association, Together We Can, EVMS Medical Students, Urban League of Hampton Roads, and Linda Dyer.
- Exploring different career pathways and discovering what it takes to become a professional in a variety of fields.
- Developing entrepreneurial skills by creating and presenting visual pitches for their brand ideas.
To end the week, we’ll have a friendly basketball game for Fun Friday! Youth will take on various roles — from playing and cheering to keeping score — putting teamwork, grit, leadership, and community service into action.
|
|
| From the Director of Operations
New Phone Number: 757-995-2111
NSTS Milestone
- Record Attendance: Yesterday, Thursday, October 16, 2025, we hit 70 youths on site out of 91 enrolled, our highest attendance to date. Thank you, families, for your trust and partnership in making this possible.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, October 27, 2025 – NO SCHOOL / NO PROGRAM
- Teacher Workday | Professional Development Day
- Thursday, October 30, 2025 – NSTS Family Resource Night (C.H.A.T.S.)
- Guest: Peggy Johnson (Access College)
- Family Forum: Review of program expectations from the first 30 days
- Friday, October 31, 2025 – Pumpkinfest Celebration (EARLY DISMISSAL)
Seasonal Reminder
- As the weather changes, please be mindful of layers/jackets for youth, earlier sunsets (visibility at dismissal), wet/slippery walkways, and extra time for transportation during rain or wind.
Transportation Reminder
- Vans and buses can only wait 3 to 5 minutes during dismissal to stay on schedule.
- If your child will be late, unwell or not attending, not attending the program for school related matters, please let us know by calling 757-995-2111, so we can update our routes and plan accordingly. Thank you!
|
|
From the Coordinator of Culinary Arts
|
|
| Hey Hey Team! 👩🏽🍳✨
Chef B here — back like a perfectly flipped pancake to drop this week’s delicious lineup and celebrate one of our own!
🥁 Drumroll, please…
Big shoutout to our very own Kylah G. for earning her Food Handler’s Certification! 🎉👏🏽
Not only did she serve up excellence on the test, but she’s also been holding it down in the kitchen like a pro — seasoning with confidence, plating with pride, and proving that teamwork really does taste better! 💪🏽💛
Now let’s dig into what’s cookin’ for Week 7 (October 20 – 24):
🥖 Monday: Philly Cheesesteaks with Wedges — starting the week on a roll!
🌮 Tuesday: Chicken Elote Bowls & Churros (Taco Tuesday Style) — let’s taco ’bout how good this one is!
🍗 Wednesday: Wings with Mac & Cheese — every Wednesday deserves a little cheesy lift-off!
🌴✨ Thursday: “Danielle’s Island Vibes” Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas — warning: may cause spontaneous dance moves!
🥦 Friday: Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo with Garlic Bread — finishing the week saucy and un-bready-able!
Keep the vibes high, the gloves clean, and those hairnets tight — we’ve got flavor to share and fun to spare!
👉🏽 Remember: teamwork makes the dream dish!
👉🏽 If you can’t stand the heat… grab a fan and keep plating! 🔥
So proud of the whole crew — and again, major props to Kylah G. for setting the bar high in the kitchen! 🌟
Stay spicy & stay sharp,
Chef B 🧂 |
|
| Cement Your Legacy with a Brick at St. Vincent de Paul House
Be part of our history and our future! Through our Brick Fundraiser, you can honor a loved one, recognize a business, or leave a family legacy by purchasing an engraved brick. Each brick will be placed on the new St. Vincent de Paul House campus, creating a lasting tribute while supporting Next Step to Success youth programs. |
|
|
