Weekly Newsletter 9/8-9/12

Next Step to Success Weekly Update

Message from our Executive Director

Our second week of programming at Next Step to Success has been filled with growth, energy, and momentum. Students are settling into routines, and it is inspiring to see their excitement when walking through our doors each afternoon. Many returning students from summer programming are reconnecting with friends and coaches, while new participants are already finding their place in our community.

Success Coaches continue to do an outstanding job building relationships, setting expectations, and guiding students toward positive choices. Activities this week have balanced academics, enrichment, and fun—ensuring students feel both supported and challenged.

We are also excited to share that four new Success Coaches have been hired and will all be starting by the end of September. Their addition will strengthen our team, expand our reach, and allow us to deepen our support for every student in the program.

It is encouraging to see families more engaged, with parents and guardians stopping by, volunteering, and sharing positive feedback. Week two clearly demonstrated the power of consistency, care, and high expectations as we continue building momentum toward long-term success.

— James P. Harris, Executive Director

Student Spotlight: Amarr

This week, we celebrate Amarr, 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? The Activities and being with my friends

3. What is one goal you’re working on right now? Coding- Technology

4. Who inspires you the most, and why? My Mother – with everything she’s been through, she never gives up!

5. What is your favorite subject in school? Math

6. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of school? Playing Video games, editing videos, learning how to code, and hanging out with my friends

7. What’s your favorite book, movie, or song right now? Peacemaker

8. What does success mean to you? Achieving my goals

9. If you could give advice to another student, what would it be? Focus on their work and don’t always follow the crowd.. Be an individual

10. What do you see yourself doing in the future (career, dreams, or big goals)? Coding and editing movies, working in the arts

11. Share a fun fact about yourself most people don’t know! I’ve been taking boxing lessons

12. Is there someone at NSTS (staff or peer) who has made a big difference for you? Former Coach Blaine – great advice on coding

13. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Funny, Creative, and Helpful

14. What makes you proud of yourself this week? Top of my class in history test!

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

From the Director of Academics

The week’s academic focus was:

• Juniors and Seniors met with the TCC Apprenticeship Program on Wednesday to learn about the different programs they offer

• Continued collaborating with Joy Education to explore ways to provide enhanced educational support to our youth

• Worked closely with ODU to bring in additional tutors to the Homework Hub to support youth with assignments

We are proud to see our youth building knowledge, skills, and confidence in their academic journey.

From the Program Director

The week’s experiential learning focus:

• Youth continued to build rapport with coaches and staff while utilizing both the gym and cafeteria

• In the gym, they played capture the flag and other team-building games. So far, their favorite has been having time to play basketball

• In the cafeteria, youth painted gratitude rocks as part of our gratitude activities, as well as created slime to work on STEAM

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

From the Director of Operations

New Phone Number: 757-995-2111

Transportation Reminder – If your child will not be attending NSTS on a given day, please notify us by calling the Main Office at 757-995-2111 or by emailing KRock@nextsteptosuccess.org.
Family Resource Night – Join us on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM for our Family Resource Night. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn about available supports, and engage with our program team.
Attendance Reminder – Regular attendance is an important part of your child’s success at NSTS. All youth are expected to participate consistently in the program. If your child will be absent for an extended period of time, please notify us so that we can ensure accurate records and maintain your child’s placement in the program.

Culinary Corner

From the Kitchen 🍴✨

Big shoutout to my amazing team, THANK YOU for holding me down in the kitchen! 🙌 Your laughs, your reassurance, and yes, even your criticism (lol) mean the world to me as we keep pushing dinner to the next level.

And to my youth….y’all ROCK! 💥 Thank you for trusting me when I said we were going to do big things in the kitchen. I’ve been listening, and I hope you can taste the love, creativity, and energy in every meal we roll out. This is just the beginning, let’s keep cooking up greatness together!