Weekly Newsletter 9/22-9/26

Next Step to Success Weekly Update

Message from our Executive Director

Each week, one of the greatest joys of my role as Executive Director is interviewing our Student of the Week. These moments give me a front-row seat to the incredible energy, talent, and spirit that our young people bring to Next Step to Success. Their interests are as diverse as they are—ranging from academics and athletics to the arts, technology, and community service.

What stands out most is the way each student connects with our Success Coaches. These bonds are at the heart of our program, shaping confidence, building resilience, and showing our students the power of mentorship. It’s inspiring to see how our students not only embrace their own potential but also learn to lean on the wisdom and guidance of the caring adults around them.

Week after week, these interviews remind me of why we do this work. Our students are bright, motivated, and ready to grow, and with the support of our coaches and community, the possibilities before them are limitless.

I look forward to continuing these conversations and sharing their stories with you—it’s proof that the future truly shines here at Next Step to Success.

— James P. Harris, Executive Director

Student Spotlight: Kylah

This week, we celebrate Kylah, an 11th grader at Booker T Washington High School:

1. How long have you been a part of Next Step to Success? Four Years

2. What do you like most about coming to NSTS? Helping Coach Brittany

3. What is one goal you’re working on right now? Better Communication and able to share my feelings

4. Who inspires you the most, and why? My mom – even when things get tough, she is always there for me

5. What is your favorite subject in school? I don’t have one currently

6. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of school? Making TikTok’s with my friends

7. What’s your favorite book, movie, or song right now? Movie is The Hate U Give, Favorite song is Blessed by Daniel Caesar

8. What does success mean to you? Being happy with my career and earning a lot of money!

9. If you could give advice to another student, what would it be? That their friend circle does not have to be overly large

10. What do you see yourself doing in the future (career, dreams, or big goals)? Becoming a successful Esthetician

11. Share a fun fact about yourself most people don’t know! I was born a month early

12. Is there someone at NSTS (staff or peer) who has made a big difference for you? Coach Brittany! She actually took the time to get to know me

13. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Funny, I look “T” (good), Respectful

14. What makes you proud of yourself this week? I stayed on top of my school work and received good grades.

We’re so proud of the example Kylah sets for their fellow Success Stories!

From the Director of Academics

This week’s academic focus:

The homework hub continues to be a great resource. Youth are adjusting to the accountability, and excited to show rising grades, or quickly start on any missing work. We have a growing base of support from our volunteers to help provide the youth with one-on-one support on their assignments, as well as accountability for missing work.

Official groups will begin next week, and students will begin to dive into our curriculum, starting their first unit that focuses on trust vs mistrust, which is all about building that bond with their groups and their coaches, as well as trust within themselves.

This week we were excited to welcome United Way of Hampton Roads’s volunteers for their United Day of Caring! They came to support our efforts make our new building feel a little more like home!

From the Program Director

This week in programming, our youth explored new careers, learned new skills, and grew together:

• Hosted a Career Fair, giving youth the chance to discover different career paths after high school.

• Partnered with the Hampton Roads Chess Association to start a 12-week chess program, building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Began weekly college prep lessons with the Urban League of Hampton Roads for our Sophomores.

• Participated in smaller group activities with coaches and welcomed two new coaches to our team.

We are proud to see our youth growing, learning, and preparing for success.

From the Director of Operations

New Phone Number: 757-995-2111

Emergency Contact Information

Keeping your contact information current is vital so we can reach you promptly when needed. Please ensure all details are up to date in TraxSolutions.
If you need assistance with updates, contact the Main Office at 757-995-2111.

Meals & Snacks

Dinner and snacks are provided daily.
Please notify us immediately of any allergies.
Outside food is only permitted if it is medically necessary and pre-approved.

Program Expectations

Attendance Matters! Youth are expected to attend at least 3 days per week. If your child will be absent, please notify us via call, text, or email.
School attendance is also mandatory to participate in our program. Youth must be on time and present for all classes daily.
Weekly academic checks are conducted to review grades, homework, and test progress. Please support your youth by ensuring online platforms are accessible and updated.

Communication