Welcome To CIS Houston

Keith Labrie:21 years of Exceptional Service

2010-05-04T16:44:00.009-05:00

Twenty one years ago, Keith Labrie came to CIS Houston from Tenneco, where he was a Senior Accountant in joint ventures. He says that when he was introduced to CIS and Executive Director, Cynthia Clay Briggs, he “was immediately impressed with the organization and its leadership.” Still, when he joined on, he did not expect to be with the organization for 21 years. He says “each year the work got more and more challenging… and I am now glad I stayed. I have seen through the years great work done by many people working together to achieve good things for others. Field staff, volunteers, partners, administrative staff and the board work extremely hard.”

All of us are glad he stayed, too!

We board members have enjoyed the luxury of Keith’s quiet self-assurance and stalwart stewardship of our finances. Ms. Clay Briggs says that Keith

is the CIS goodwill ambassador with respective school district financial managers and a champion for our cause. He understands the need for integrity in his department and works tirelessly to ensure that CIS’ financial practices follow strict and proper accounting procedures. This is evidenced by the results of yearly audits performed by numerous external independent audit sources.

This year we have once again received an unqualified audit report under his leadership. Ms. Clay Briggs continues: “Keith is a definite asset to our organization and his service far exceeds the responsibilities listed in his job description.”

Congratulations for twenty-one exceptional years of service, Keith!
We board members appreciate you more than you know!

The Happy Board member!

A Lifetime of Dedication Honored

2010-03-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

Our illustrious leader, Cynthia Clay Briggs, just got more illustrious! She has been awarded the National Association of Social Workers Houston Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year this honor is bestowed upon an individual who has exemplified the best social work values and accomplishments in their lifetime. As the 2010 choice for NASW’s Houston Chapter, Ms. Clay-Briggs will now be considered for Texas state-wide Lifetime Achievement honors.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), headquartered in Washington, DC, is the nation’s largest membership organization of professional social workers, with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities through advocacy.

The recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award must be dedicated members who: advocate for their clients; make demonstrable contributions in social policy, social work practice, program development, administration and research; demonstrate outstanding leadership and repeated outstanding achievements; have made contributions of lasting impact; and have employed outstanding creativity.

Sounds like our Executive Director, alright!

Ms.Clay-Briggs has been a stalwart advocate for children in the Houston community. Communities In Schools Houston’s 30 years of successful service to at-risk students remain a shining tribute of Ms. Clay-Brigg’s effective and dedicated leadership. We at Communities In Schools Houston are so very proud!

Both congratulations and good luck are in order!

Yes, 'Communities In Schools" DID Roll Off of the President's Lips! (Video)

2010-03-05T18:40:00.001-06:00

At an event for the America's Promise Alliance, President Obama talked about education and curbing the national drop-out rate. As he discussed ways the $900 millions dollars in grants for schools and school districts will be applied, he promised that the unmet needs of under-served students would be addressed. He said:

"...That's why we'll build on the efforts of places like Communities In Schools, that make sure kids who are at-risk of dropping out have one-on-one support."

How awesome is that? It is very exciting and rewarding to have CIS's work recognized and supported by the President himself!

The America's Promise Alliance was founded in 1997 by General Colin Powell and his wife, Alma Powell. As their website states, "America’s Promise Alliance is a cross-sector partnership of more than 300 corporations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups that are passionate about improving lives and changing outcomes for children." Their mission and "top priority" is "ensuring that all young people graduate from high school ready for college, work and life."

Why I'm Happy, by the Happy Board Member

2010-02-10T15:17:00.007-06:00

The Happy Board Member gives…

Ten reasons why happiness is being on the Communities In School's Board of Directors:

1. CIS is the best run organization in town. And this is not Happy Board Member's own trumped-up gibberish. Check out what others are saying.

2. Our success rate with helping kids stay in school gives me goose bumps, it’s so high! 98% stay-in-school rate and 82% graduation rate!! See our Charity Review .

3. We have the most devoted and hard-working staff in existence…period!! At our 30th Anniversary Inservice, we celebrated an impressive list of long-time employees and outstanding service! Cynthia Clay Briggs, our fearless ED and friend, serving for 30 years and counting, tells us what devotion looks like:

The personal success of each CIS student continues to keep our staff coming to work every day. Each time one is the first in his family to graduate from high school and go to college, every time one breaks through barriers that kept her parents and grandparents from achieving their dreams, every time one returns as an accomplished adult to say, “I couldn’t have done it without CIS,” we have a fresh realization of our extraordinary opportunity to make an impact on young lives. We view it as among the highest of privileges and most serious of responsibilities, and we never forget this: We teach them how to fly, but they are the ones who take wing and soar!

4. The CIS Board is a group of party animals! Check out our Staff/ Board Mixer.

We know how to have a good time! Next Mixer February 25th. I’ll be there with bells on!!

5. We have devoted and generous donors and partners who GET IT! A seriously impressive bunch!

6. We really help parents.

7. We really help teachers.

8. We truly help families.

9. We’re really good at saving students.

AND…

10. We have our vey own theme song

The CIS board experience continues to be a joy and a gift. But you don’t have to take the Happy Board Member's word for it… Hear from the very mouths of other happy boards members like me….

Pat Rosenberg says…

Happiness is meeting young people who have a great future ahead of them and assisting them in that journey.

Happiness is knowing that there is Communities in Schools at our zoned Lamar High School. Knowing that students have a place to go for support, help with life issues, someone to talk to and assistance n finding the resources that they need to be successful.

Dr. Ann Smith Barnes says…

Happiness is amazingly visible impact…

It is amazing to work on a board in which the real-life benefits of the services you help to shape are tangible. Angelica Adams and Tony Martinez are remarkably dedicated CIS soldiers. The partnership they have established with UT Dental Branch is a model for how creative thinking and commitment to kids can result in a win-win for everyone! I relish the smiling “after” pictures of students who were devastated and depressed by poor dental health and who emerge smiling and confident after their dental work is complete. I don’t have to guess what Project MOVE is doing or wonder if they are good stewards of the resource they have been given. I need only look at the satisfying smiles of students to know that we are fulfilling our mission. Click HERE to see new video by UT Dental Branch

Ellen S. Morris says…

Happiness is stability…

In my experience with the organization over the past 2-3 years I have seen that CIS is action-oriented. CIS staff and board member leaders have created a dynamic partnership that provides excellent communication, education and decisiveness, and as a consequence, stability. It is a pleasure to be part of such an efficient, effective group.

Enough Said?!?

The Happy Board Member

Talitha Goes To Washington

2010-01-27T09:01:00.000-06:00

Talitha Halley, Proud Sharptown High School's New Congressional Page

Talitha Halley is on her way to Washington. She has earned a post as a Congressional page for U.S.Representative Al Green. The Sharpstown High School junior's journey to Washington, DC has been a long and bumpy one. Born in New Orleans, Talitha came with her mother to Houston in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. At Sharpstown, Talitha has busied herself by pursuing a path of excellence. She has a 3.3 grade point average; is a member of the Varsity volleyball team; and serves as the 11th grade Student Council Class Representative. Donna Wotkyns, CIS Project Manager at Sharpstown, says Talitha has been an inspiration during her three years on caseload. Talitha's attitude, boasts Ms. Wotkins, is reflected in one of her favorite quotes,"Never a failure, always a lesson," and is the foundation of her success.

In order to qualify for the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program, Talitha had to achieve at least a 3.0 G.P.A. and she had to write two essays. She was chosen out of 300 students and is the only one from Texas. She is now a part of a select group of 150 students, who receive a stipend and will take school classes while fulfilling their page duties.She will be in Washington from January 23rd to June 4th.

We at Communities In schools wish Talitha the very best! We know that she will represent Texas, Sharpstown High and CIS in a manner that will make us all so very proud!

Special Thanks to The Masquerade Theatre

2009-12-09T09:36:00.002-06:00

Communities In Schools Houston would like to thank The Masquerade Theatre for joining with us for a holiday toy drive. The Masquerade Theatre received toy donations on behalf of CIS at select perfomances of "A Christmas Carol." Thank you for your support!

Holiday Cards on Sale

2009-12-02T09:43:00.007-06:00

This year, we wanted to offer all of our friends and supporters the opportunity to purchase holiday cards featuring artwork by some of our very own students. We held a contest for Elementary, Middle, and High School students last month, and have chosen four winners.

These student drawn cards are on sale now! There are 15 cards in a box and you can choose one of the following designs.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Celebrate...
the tradition of giving,
the beauty of the season,
and a New Year of peace
and happiness.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

The cost is $15 per box. Limited quanities are available so get yours today! To purchase a box of holiday cards, please call Heather Martin at 713-654-1515 x 172.

Holiday Toy Drive

2009-11-19T08:26:00.003-06:00

The Masquerade Theatre joins CIS for a Holiday Toy Drive. Please bring an unwrapped new toy/gift card to one of the Masquerade Theatre's perfomances of the Musical "A Christmas Carol."

Performances are as follows:

November 20, Friday, 8 p.m.

November 21, Saturday, 8 p.m.

November 22, Sunday, 2 p.m.

November 27, Friday, 8 p.m.

November 28, Saturday, 8 p.m.

November 29, Sunday, 2 p.m.

2nd Annual Holiday Card Contest Winners

2009-11-04T08:12:00.008-06:00

This year is Communities In Schools Houston's (CIS) 2nd Annual Holiday Card Contest and we are excited to announce that we will have a select number of cards available for sale. The contest was open to elementary, middle and high school CIS students. We picked two elementary and two middle school students as our winners. Winners receive a $15 gift card and their art will be made into our annual CIS Holiday Card which gets sent out to over 500 partners , and will be available to others to order. The winners can also be found on http://www.cantdoitalone.org/, CIS' MySpace & Facebook pages. Congratulations to the following winners:

Artwork by: Mitzy, McNamara Elementary School

Artwork by: Mike, JR Harris Elementary School

Artwork by: Benjamin, Dowling Middle School

Artwork by: Jorge, Dowling Middle School

Empower the Class of 2022 to Achieve

2009-10-26T09:25:00.002-05:00

Sadly, over 50% of these kindergarteners will leave school before their high school graduation.

Communities In Schools is a champion for Houston's children, annually serving more than 37,000 students in our community.

98% of our children stay in school.
Clearly, what we do works!

Will you be a champion too? Make a donation to Communities In Schools today and provide the class of 2022 with the hope, change, and opportunity to stay in school and graduate.

CIS 30th Anniversary Gala: Former First Lady Laura Bush

2009-09-25T15:22:00.008-05:00

The Big Secret is Out!!

Former First Lady Laura Bush will be the Special Honoree and Keynote Speaker at Communities In School’s 30th Anniversary Gala!! Mrs. Bush, a former teacher and librarian whose focus has always been education and literacy, has continued to be a voice for children from the classroom to the Governor’s mansion to the White House and beyond. She best expressed her lifelong commitment to education when, at the 2000 Republican National Convention, she said “education is the living room of my life.” The Former First Lady experienced first hand as a teacher and librarian in Austin, Dallas and Houston schools the delays at-risk children can experience especially in reading. She has been a staunch supporter of Communities In Schools and has expressed pride in the fact that CIS has such a large and esteemed presence in Texas.

Mrs. Bush will help CIS Houston celebrate a very special gala in honor of our milestone 30 years of service to Houston schools. The gala is always a wonderful opportunity to learn all that CIS does for Houston’s at-risk students and our success at reducing the drop-out rate. Communities In Schools can’t do it alone. Our 30^th Anniversary Gala will also be a grand and festive opportunity to thank and acknowledge our more than 300 partners who help make our services possible.

We have so much to celebrate…so much to be thankful for.

If you have not already purchased your tickets, please join us in making this special event an unprecedented success so we can continue our vital work helping kids stay in school and prepare for life.

Here are GALA details:

What: 30th Anniversary Gala, Special Honoree and Keynote Speaker, Former First Lady Laura Bush
When: Thursday, October 29, 6:30 pm
Where: Hilton Houston Post Oak
Benefitting: Communities In Schools Houston, Inc.
Chairmen: Franelle Rogers and Linda Gale White
Honorees: H-E-B, Corporate Honoree and Barrett Reasoner, Community Honoree
Tariff: Tables from $5,000, Tickets are $500.00
Party Notes: Cocktail Attire, Special Guest TBA
Contact: Jessica Reyes, 713-654-1515 x136, Jessica@cis-houston.org

Reflections on the 30th Anniversary In-Service

2009-09-04T15:05:00.006-05:00

What happens when a group of dedicated, high energy, hardworking people decide to let loose and have fun? You get the ‘’Best In-service EVER!”

Michael Gray had the assigned task of pulling together this year’s CIS in-service for all CIS staff and officers. In-service day happens every year. But this is not just any year. Mr. Gray felt that the event needed to be special for Communities In Schools’ 30^th Anniversary milestone and memorable to mark the enormous accomplishment of 30 years of service for CIS Executive Director, Cynthia Clay Briggs.

By all accounts, the 30^th Anniversary In-service exceeded all expectations…and then some! Michael Gray credits the contributions of the many staffers who helped to bring together all of the elements of a meaningful and poignant affair…

*With Dave and Buster’s all to themselves, everyone was able to let loose and play!

*And the irreplaceable Bob Gower who brought greetings and words of gratitude from an appreciative Board of Directors, followed by a heartfelt and touching happy birthday tribute to Mr. Gower.

*With the awe-inspiring surprise from the dapper Allen Schonberg and his U.S. Army Reserves commanding officers. Mr. Schonberg, in full uniform, along with CSM Gary Krpec and MAJ Michelle Bryant, entered the room to a standing ovation and presented Ms. Clay-Briggs with an Employer Appreciation Award.

*And with the delicious and festive fajita buffet dinner!

*With the awards presentation honoring an impressive list of long-time employees and outstanding service.

*And Bill Hurt’s wonderful tribute to Ms. Clay-Briggs (word has it that Mr. Hurt really knows how to party!!)

In all, our happy, reunited CIS family came away inspired, relaxed and ready to start the new school year!

Comments heard around the water cooler… okay, the proverbial water cooler… were

The event was …

“a great outlet!”

“so fun to sit and visit!”

“a really enjoyable time to relax!”

“I enjoyed the chance to bond with those I’ve never had a chance to meet!”

Allen Schonberg said , “I was honored to have an opportunity to give back and recognize how much the organization has done for me as a soldier. Other employers have been known to give their service members negativity and resistance, but I have never had that issue in my 8 years with the agency!"

What was Michael Gray’s response to all of the positive feedback? He says modestly, “For this special year, I just wanted everyone to be happy!”

Well, Michael, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! Great Job!!

Welcome Back!

2009-08-31T07:55:00.004-05:00

On the first day of school Atherton Elementary students got a nice surprise after lunch. Every student received school supplies specific to their grade level and took pictures with the CIS Smart Car. The school supplies were donated by the Christian Community Service Center and were given out with the help of CIS Project Manager, Karren Edwards and school principal Dr. Lemons. We hope everyone at Atherton had a great first day of school!

The Smart Car also made a visit to Frost Elementary on the first week of school to welcome the new principal, Ms. Christine Winn. A few students got the chance to take pictures with the Smart Car as well as receive some essential school supplies. CIS welcomes Ms. Winn to Frost Elementary. CIS thanks Dr. Lemons and Ms. Winn for welcoming CIS onto their campuses!

Back To School Happy Hour

2009-08-10T08:07:00.007-05:00

Help us stuff the smart car!!!

Join CIS from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th
at The Coffee Groundz for a Back to School Happy Hour.

CIS can't do it alone! Help our students start the school year with the supplies they need. Help us stuff the smart car by bringing a donation of school supplies
and you will be entered in a drawing to win 2 Astros tickets for the Sept. 13th game.

CIS Super Stars at the Children's Museum

2009-07-17T15:47:00.010-05:00

A gregarious group of CIS students from Milby High School have been working at the Children’s Museum this summer in connection with CIS’s Summer Internship Program. According to their employers at the museum, the Milby students are shining stars.

The Children’s Museum has been one of the happy beneficiaries of the fully-funded summer internship program, which connects CIS high school students with various companies and non-profit organizations for employment throughout the summer. According to Cheryl McCallum, Director of Education at the museum, the fifteen Milby students are a godsend. Once that the Museum expanded to nearly twice its former size, additional employees were a critical need. Without the internship program, says Ms. McCallum, budget restraints would have made adequate staffing impossible. In addition, she says, the CIS Interns have been exemplary workers and very mature and helpful additions to the team. The museum director has been so impressed with the students that she plans to offer some interns permanent positions at the end of the summer.

Claudia Esquivel, as a Discovery Guide, works in the museum's exhibits. Her work puts her right in the middle of the constant flurry of very active kids. Claudia says she is right where she wants to be! She has loved her job at CMH. She enjoys interacting with the kids and making them smile. "I also enjoy watching parents interact with their kids." She says the museum is a happy place.

Cynthia Gonzalez is a Discovery Guide, too. When I encountered her, she had a walkie-talkie in her hand and was simultaneously helping two different families find their lost children. The children, of course, didn't know they were lost---they were just having fun! Cynthia loves being a part of that fun! She enjoys playing with the children and especially loves the task of formulating the many craft and science projects assigned to her. "We never know what experiment or project we will be asked to do. We often have to figure out how to create them and how to teach them ourselves! I like the challenge."

Diana Martinez works in the offices of the museum. Her office is across the street from the museum and in a different world altogether. Diana is gaining valuable experience on the corporate side of things. She has been working as a receptionist and helping out in the Human Resources Department. She says her job is "really fun". "I truly like it!" Diana says enthusiastically. She has enjoyed gaining experience communicating with the public and she loves the people she works with. "I have really learned a lot!"

We at CIS are all extremely proud of how our Milby High School students have represented themselves and Communities In Schools Houston this summer.

They are our best ambassadors.

CIS Night at the Alley Theatre

2009-07-07T07:55:00.005-05:00

CIS Houston invites you to join us at "CIS Night at the Alley Theatre." Come see Sherlock Holmes and The Crucifer of Blood at the Alley Theatre for three nights in July and take advantage of our special ticket offer.

DATE: Wednesday, July 15 (Opening Night)
Thursday, July 16
Sunday, July 19
TIME: 7:30 p.m. for all nights
LOCATION: 615 Texas Avenue Houston, TX 77002
COST: Ticket prices range from $19-$49, which is a discount of 10%-16%.

Two murders and a treasure of jewels lead to a blood oath and an uncanny mystery that the master detective must solve before more fall victim. Amid fog-shrouded London, Holmes and Watson confront danger and an ingenious villain intent on making a curse come true. This exotic and thrilling mystery driven by greed, deceit and murder is recommended for teens and adults.

To seal the deal, purchase your tickets in person, online at www.alleytheatre.org or call 713-228-8421. Please enter promotion code: CANTDOITALONE. Please do the following to purchase online.

Go to www.alleytheatre.org
Click (Buy Tickets) in the upper left corner
Click (Click here for promotions)
Input (CANTDOITALONE) in the (Enter Promotion Code) field; then click GO
Pick a date; click on the title
Register/Create an account
Enter the number of tickets; then ADD TO CART

CIS Day at the Ballpark

2009-07-02T09:46:00.004-05:00

The Houston Astros are honored to host Communities In Schools Day at the Ballpark on Sunday, September 13th. Celebrate this special night by inviting family and friends for a night to remember!

This day game will take place between the Astros & Pirates at 1:05 p.m. There is special pricing ranging from $12-$39. Log on to https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=astros&o=6051771&g=14 *Create an Account and use Special Password CISH to make your purchase.

For more information and to view the flyer click the "Download Resources" button at the bottom right hand corner of our home page.

Rusty Hardin Challenges Summer Legal Interns to Find Their Passion

2009-06-29T06:55:00.005-05:00

As a part of the HBA/CIS Summer Legal Internship program participating students have the opportunity to attend weekly legal seminars hosted by the Houston Bar Association Program Committee members and the Harris County District Clerk’s office.

On Monday, June 8th, summer legal interns met at the Harris County District Clerk’s Office and had the chance to hear a presentation given by attorney Rusty Hardin.

Rusty Hardin, a prominent lawyer with thirty-one years of trial experience, shared his background and experience with the interns. He emphasized that students should always remember that it is never too late to pursue a career goal, explaining that he did not apply to law school until he was in his thirties. He shared stories of past trials for clients including Roger Clemens, J. Howard Marshall II, and players of the Houston Astros. Mr. Hardin stressed that his true passion is the advocacy of law—he feels very strongly about the justice of the legal system and for this reason spent fifteen years working in the District Attorney’s office. He stated that his trial success is a result of his ability to connect with the jury and told the students that everyday life experience is invaluable in relating to others. The students were given the chance to ask him questions about his legal career and he ended by advising the interns to follow a career path in which they feel truly excited to go to work each day.

Contributed by Angelica Adams. Photo- rustyhardin.com

Colin Powell's Call and CIS' Answers to the Drop-Out 'Catastrophe'

2009-06-19T14:54:00.008-05:00

Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is asking the nation to focus on what he refers to as America’s dropout ‘catastrophe”. According to a 2008 study by America's Promise Alliance, the non-profit group founded by Colin Powell and currently run by his wife, Alma, the national graduation rate hovers around 70 percent; only 52 percent of students graduate in four years from 50 of the largest school systems in the nation; and sadly, only about 57 percent of Hispanic and 53 percent of African-American students graduate with a regular diploma in four years.

We in Texas know that our drop out rate is at a crisis level. But we at Communities In Schools Houston are able to focus on our drop-in rate because our staff is performing miracles in public schools across the city by reclaiming drop-outs and keeping at-risk children in school. Just last month a small group of board members and friends of CIS were allowed to glimpse the inner workings of Lamar High School’s CIS efforts and the school’s highly successful Student Resource Center. CIS is an integral part of how the school identifies and captures kids who are falling through the cracks. The highlight of the morning was the inspirational presentations by two students who are former drop-outs and now highly productive Lamar students. Both of them credited CIS Project Manager, Sheleigh Beggs, with turning their lives around. “She saved my life” and “Without CIS, I do not know where I would be…” were the actual words these students used.

During the June meeting of the CIS board, board members were introduced to two super-star students from Lee High School. Of Lee High’s approximately 1800 students, 80% are at-risk and 50% drop out. These two students were among the many students struggling to stay in school when they came to the attention of Neysa Gavion, Lee’s CIS Project Manager. They had the kind of severe family crisis and on-going personal challenges could immobilize any adult. But on the day of our board meeting, they were all smiles because they came to share with us how they had overcome their obstacles with the help of CIS miracle worker, Ms. Gavion. One student went from being homeless and parentless to becoming an honor roll student heading to college with a choice of three scholarships. The other student was depressed and barely present after her long-time boyfriend was shot and killed in her presence. She is now a devoted ‘A’ student and founder of the school’s Peer Grief Counseling Group.

The happy truth is that these students represent what is occurring on campuses all over Houston where CIS is present, because CIS has had an extremely successful 30 years of experience working in the public school trenches saving at-risk students and motivating those who have dropped out to drop back in. Over 90% of the students on CIS caseload graduate.

Of the high school drop out epidemic, Colin Powell says*: ‘Finishing high school is absolutely basic to being a success at any place in our society. We can’t afford this.” Alma Powell says*, "You cannot afford to let one go….You cannot give up."

Communities In Schools Houston, along with it’s partners and volunteers, does a miraculous job combating the drop-out rate in our city. As Project Manager, Sheleigh Beggs, says, "We give our students whatever they need to stay in school and succeed." But we cannot do it alone. Click HERE to see how you can help.

*quotes from CNN.com article, http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/18/bia.saving.desmond/index.html

Youngblood Intermediate - CIS Activities throughout the 08-09 school year

2009-06-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

Communities in Schools - We have a dream

2009-05-19T08:46:00.001-05:00

Come to Lamar High School 5/20 10:30am to meet CIS students and staff and learn how you can help keep kids in school and prevent them from becoming a negative statistic.

Communities In Schools Welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama

2009-05-13T15:31:00.003-05:00

Communities In Schools Welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama to Ferebee Hope Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about Communities In Schools, visit www.communitiesinschools.org. If you would like to know how to get involved in the Houston chapter, visit www.cishouston.org or www.cantdoitalone.org.

CoffeeGroundz Open House May 7

2009-05-08T12:01:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all who came to CoffeeGroundz yesterday for the CIS Houston open-house. We welcome your support -- there is something for everyone at CIS Houston. Volunteer, mentor, help us raise money or join FOCIS (friends of CIS) and help with our spectacular Santa Sacks Program. Visit www.cantdoitalone.org to see how you can help!

Communities In Schools - Houston's most successful drop-out prevention organization

2009-05-07T12:51:00.001-05:00

Cynthia Clay Briggs Receives 2009 Dorothy F.Caram Commitment to Leadership Award

2009-04-22T16:04:00.001-05:00

Our beloved leader, Cynthia Clay Briggs, is the recipient of Project Blueprint’s 2009 Dorothy F. Caram Commitment to Leadership Award. The award recognizes an outstanding member of the multicultural community whose efforts help to increase diversity in leadership. The recipient is selected on the basis of overall contributions and achievements.*

The United Way established Project Blueprint to recruit, train and place ethnically diverse professionals on nonprofit boards and in other volunteer leadership positions. The Project Blueprint mission is to ensure that participants working in Houston’s nonprofit sector reflect the city’s richly diverse community.

Everyone involved with Houston-area students knows of Cynthia Clay Griggs and her dedicated mission to keep kids-at-risk in school. But some may not know her commitment to developing leaders within the CIS organization from the top down. Throughout her tenure as Executive Director, Ms Briggs has endeavored to hire, recruit and retain an ethnically diverse group of employees, volunteers and corporate partners. These efforts are just one of the many ways CIS- Houston has become, under her leadership, a model for non-profits in Texas and nationwide.

Not only does Ms. Briggs exemplify Project Blueprint’s mission to “be the change you want to see in the world”, she continually empowers and inspires others to do the same.

This honor is especially timely, as Ms. Briggs and CIS Houston celebrate 30 years of service this year.

Congratulations, Cynthia!

Past Recipients of the Dorothy F. Caram Commitment to Leadership Award:

Norma R. Benzon, Ph.D.
Ana Calvo
Erwin Chew (posthumous)
Roland Garcia
Alberto Gonzales
Anne F. Grizzle
Anna James
Marcello Marini
Bobby Moon
Julia Nelson
Norma Olvera, Ph.D.
Shawn Emerson Simmons, Ph.D.
Baldwin Tom
Norma Williams

Click here to see Raise Your Hands Texas' tribute to CIS Houston, featuring Cynthia Clay Briggs.

*Quoted from http://www.unitedwayhouston.org/leadership/pblueprint.html

It was A Night to Remember!!

2009-04-20T16:03:00.010-05:00

CIS Students choose their prom dresses at A Night to Remember

In observance of Financial Literacy Month, The Peoples Trust Federal Credit Union held its 5th annual A Night to Remember program on April 4th. Over 200 CIS students were in attendance. Marcus Davis, community activist and successful Houston restaurateur, spoke to the students about the importance of financial literacy. In his inspired talk, Mr. Davis encouraged students to prioritize saving their earnings, value their education and to persevere. In addition to lessons about fiscally responsibility, the participants received a special bonus--- prom dresses and tuxedo gift cards just in time for prom season.

Thanks to Ventura’s Bridal, each girl was able to choose a dress from over 300 choices. “As far as I could see” said Maleah Similton, CIS’s Program Coordinator in attendance, “everyone was happy with her dress choice.” A Night to Remember was yet another memorable experience afforded our students through the generosity of CIS’s dedicated partners. A special thanks to event sponsor, The People’s Trust Federal Credit Union; and Ventura’s Bridal.

Lemonade Day is Almost Here!!!

2009-04-10T13:07:00.008-05:00

Attention all young and future entrepreneurs!

Lemonade Day is coming May 3rd, 2009!!

On Sunday, May 3rd, CIS will join an impressive group of companies, organizations an d parents to teach kids how to be entrepreneurs and leaders in the fun and refreshing way—LEMONADE DAY!!! All over Houston, and in other cities across the country, kids who register will sell lemonade to their communities at stands that they themselves set up.
Prepared 4 Life, the event sponsor, will provide everything the students need to set-up and start their businesses. Each participant will receive a workbook that teaches them how to budget, secure investors, choose a location, make the lemonade and the advertising signs—as well as , life-long lessons about customer service, starting a saving account and giving back to the community.

Prepared 4 Life’s goal is to impact the next generation of business leaders by reaching one million kids in the next five years and launching Lemonade Day worldwide. By all accounts, Prepared 4 Life is well on its way to reaching that goal. Already the effort has grown from 2,600 stands in 2007 to 11,200 in 2008. This year Prepared 4 Life expects participation to more than double with an estimated 25,000 stands and as many as 75,000 participants.

All of this enthusiasm and growth is largely a result of a long list of event co-sponsors and community partners. If you want to become involved, to go the Lemonade Day Website or inquire with the following sponsors and community partners.

Lemonade Day Count Down Activities—

The following activities happen in the weeks leading up to the Big May 3rd Date—Join in on the FUN:

April 17, 18, and 19, 2009: Houston Astros Lemonade Day- Meet Jeff Bagwell. Find out more—Click here!

Saturday, April 18, 2009: Boy Scouts Fair- Register for May 3rd at the fair. For more info, Click here!

Saturday, April 25, 2009: Best Tasting Lemonade Contest at the Houston Children's Museum- 50 lucky kids will be chosen randomly to set up stands and compete for the Houston Chronicle’s “Best Lemonade” title. A good reason to visit the newly expanded museum!
For more info, Click here!

Project MOVE: National 'Give Kids a Smile Day'

2009-03-13T19:03:00.012-05:00

In honor of "Dental Health Month," and as part of the American Dental Association’s national Give Kids a Smile Day, The Greater Houston Dental Society and The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston joined forces to provide oral healthcare to underserved children. With the help of Dr. Peggy O'Neill, UT's Associate Dean of Patient Care and Ms. Jennifer Smith, of GHDS, CIS' Project MOVE was able to help 50 families receive free dental care that would not normally qualify for Project MOVE's services.

“Many kids in our city don’t get the routine dental care that they need. The result is sometimes tooth pain or a reluctance to smile", says CIS Board Member, Dr. Ann Smith Barnes. “These outcomes can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and how they perform in school.” Dr. Barnes has been actively involved in the evolution of CIS’s dental collaboration. She says, “Project MOVE, CIS’ partnership with the University of Texas Dental School has helped children throughout the city by providing preventive care to elementary school children and restorative care to students with more serious dental needs.” There is a note of pride in her voice as she describes the services participants receive. It's no accident that Give Kids a Smile Day was held on Valentine’s Day. As Dr. Barnes notes, “Maintaining and restoring smiles... now that’s a service that makes us all happy!”

Socially Savvy Students and the Importance of Good Manners

2009-03-08T21:05:00.011-05:00

The idea of committing Emily Post’s classic Etiquette tome to memory might be considered a bit outdated. But good manners remain as important as ever. The rules of etiquette might seem arbitrary and unrelated to the lives of children, but behind those principals lies the noble goal of treating others well and being respectful of their feeling. As Dr.Gail Saltz , psychiatrist and MSNBC’s Today contributor, points out, in order to be a successful adult, everyone should “incorporate certain appropriate manners of behavior, as well as sensitivity to those around you.” She feels that children should be taught manners as early as possible because people skills are harder to master later in life. She says good manners can make the difference between a good impression and a bad one.

Dr. Perri Klass, pediatrician and N.Y. Times contributor, says that manners really can be re-characterized as social skills. And everyone is in agreement that good social skills are necessary for a child’s success at all stages in life. Learning to consider others is vital in all settings—at school, in the playground, at work and in marriage.

With this in mind, the Good Manners and Good Sense: Preparation for Success Program endeavored to teach the students at Spring Woods Middle School the ends and outs of good manners. And the Middle Schoolers have proven that they are ready to take on …and charm the world. This six week program, taught by the very capable and engaging Sally Reynolds of Sally Reynolds and Associates , covered dining decorum as well as email etiquette and internet safety. The highlight of the program was a Social Skills luncheon held at the beautiful Rienzi Houston Museum of Fine Art’s center for European decorative arts. The socially savvy students of Spring Woods Middle School were treated to a tour of the Museum and a four-course meal. After they practiced their newly acquired social skills over lunch, they were awarded certificates and gifts---pearls for the girls and neck ties for the boys.

Can't Do It Alone PSA

2009-01-20T13:16:00.007-06:00

Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) has a new television Public Service Announcement (PSA). This PSA is centered around our Can't Do It Alone campaign, which discusses that schools, parents and teachers can not do it alone. Below is the public service announcement created by Love Advertising, and featuring our students from Lamar High School and three of our wonderful area superintendents. The spot will begin airing soon, as will Spanish and radio versions.

Communities In Schools Houston Observes

2009-01-16T08:27:00.004-06:00

Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) is part of the Community of Respect initiative, a No Place for Hate program of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Community of Respect was developed for organizations to engender respect for individual and group differences while challenging prejudice and discrimination.

CIS will be conducting activities throughout the year to celebrate different heritages and backgrounds. On the 19th of this month, we observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968.

CIS encourages everyone to appreciate all kinds of diversity and to stand up against all forms of prejudice and discrimination so that we can help create a world that is a "Community of Respect."

by - Heather Martin, Development Associate

CIS Celebrates 30 Years

2009-01-15T14:35:00.006-06:00

To start off the new year, Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) celebrates its 3oth Anniversary. CIS began in 1979 with one program in the Acres Homes community at MC Williams Middle School. Today, we are gearing up to celebrate 30 years of serving Houston's at-risk youth on 115 campuses in five school districts. CIS can't do it alone and we would like to thank and acknowledge more than 300 partners who help make our services possible. We would also like to thank all the teachers, parents, and volunteers who support us in helping kids stay in school and prepare for life.

As CIS commemorates its thirtieth year of serving Houston's youth, we look back and reflect on all that has taken place over the past three decades. We want to thank you all for taking part in this journey with us and invite you to celebrate with us. If you have a special CIS memory, please share it with us! You can submit your CIS story by clicking on the Contact Us link on our website www.cishouston.org. Thank you so much for your contributions to CIS. We are looking forward to a year full of memories, celebrations and service!

River Oaks & Texans Event

2009-01-09T10:39:00.006-06:00

Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) students at Foster Elementary were grateful for their relationships with both the Houston Texans and River Oaks Baptist School this holiday season. Both long-time partners of CIS, these organizations went above and beyond to make sure those kids had everything they wanted and needed.

The Texans donated brand new bicycles to all of the Foster CIS first and second graders, and spent a few minutes talking, playing, and posing for pictures with the kids. The 8th grade class at River Oaks Baptist really wanted a more hands-on experience where they really got to interact with the kids, so they invited them all over to the school for lunch and a Christmas party where they all received gifts.

CIS would like to thank the Texans and River Oaks Baptist for all of their support!

To view pictures from the events, please visit www.cantdoitalone.org.

Raise the Boot & Santa Sacks Success

2008-12-17T08:46:00.014-06:00

This weekend Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) held its Third Annual "Raise the Boot" Drive with the help of the Community Volunteer Fire Department. The fundraiser took place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 at the intersection of Bellaire Blvd. & Hwy. 6.

With the help of this fundraiser, CIS was able to raise more than $11,000 to provide gifts for over 750 at-risk youth in the Alief ISD area. CIS could not have done it without the help of our volunteers. There were close to 40 fire fighters and nine CIS staff to help with donations. CIS would also like to acknowledge the following for their support: Nicole Broadhurst and the Domino's Pizza on Bellaire for donating 10 pizzas for the VFD lunch, DiMassi's Mediterranean Buffet on Bellaire and Hwy 6 for donating to the VFD Raise the Boot Drive and to all the people passing by that day that donated.

Also thanks to everyone that made a donation to Santa Sacks, CIS was able to make their goal of providing over 2,000 students with at least one gift this holiday season. A special thanks to American Art Resources, Paul Friedman, M.D. and Nancy Flores, Lowes, The Platform Group Gallery, and Pat Sullivan and his group.

by - Heather Martin, Development Associate

Campaign for a White House Office on Children and Youth

2008-12-15T12:58:00.008-06:00

The children of today are the future of tomorrow! It is very important that children have someone to guide them and prepare them for life. The mission of Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) is to help kids stay in school and prepare for life. It is time for others to get involved in supporting our nation's young people because their future is your future too.

Last week, Connect for Kids (CFK) had a special edition newsletter that raised the question of what will the transition of the new president mean for children and youth. This edition discussed an effort to ensure that children and youth issues remain a focal point of the new administration. This effort is called a White House Office for Children and Youth.

You can learn more about this initiative by going to http://whitehouseofficeonchildrenandyouth.org/.

by - Heather Martin, Development Associate

Third Annual "Raise the Boot" Drive

2008-12-12T10:07:00.005-06:00

This year Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) is teaming up with the Community Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) for the Third Annual "Raise the Boot" Drive fundraiser. This fundraiser supports CIS' 11th Annual Santa Sacks project, which provides more than 2,000 at-risk CIS students with at least one gift for the holidays.

CIS and CVFD staff will be at the intersection of Highway 6 & Bellaire Blvd taking donations this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Every year, thousands of children in the Houston area do not receive anything during the holiday season. The goal of the “Raise the Boot” drive is to help reach CIS’ goal of providing over 2,000 students with gifts.

We hope that everyone will come out and support CIS and the kids of Houston!

by - Heather Martin, Development Associate

Holiday Card Winners

2008-12-09T14:46:00.017-06:00

This year, Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) decided to host a holiday card contest. The contest was open to elementary, middle and high school CIS students. We picked one elementary, one middle and one high school student as our winners. Winners received a $25 gift card and their art was made into our annual CIS Holiday Card which gets sent out to over 500 partners. The winners can also be found on http://www.cantdoitalone.org/, CIS' MySpace & Facebook pages.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Artwork by Dulce, Edgewood Elementary, Kindergarten

Artwork by Wilbert, M.R. Wood Alternative School, 6th Grade

Artwork by Jeremiah, M.R. Wood Alternative School, 11th Grade

Still Struggling Three Years After Storm

2008-12-08T08:38:00.006-06:00

There was an article in The New York Times last week that discussed that there are still a lot of children who are Hurricane Katrina victims that lack stability in their lives. The article discusses how these children are behind in school and really need a lot of help. To view this article, click the following link, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/us/05trailer.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1.

In 2006 Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) announced its involvement in Houston's Kids, a project that addresses Houston’s need for quality out-of-school time programs/activities, a need that grew significantly in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when approximately 20,000 displaced students enrolled in Houston area schools.

CIS provides the summer job/intern program for high school students which trains them in job readiness skills—such as resume writing, job searching and professional etiquette—and provides an internship or job placement that includes above minimum wage salary. CIS staff also coordinates the middle school stipend program, through which students are eligible to participate in an incentive program that provides a stipend for achievement in their summer school coursework and attendance and participation in the programs provided. Elementary and Middle school students participate in YMCA Day Camp, which includes field trips and programming from the Houston Children’s Museum and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

CIS Social Service Coordinators, available at each Houston’s Kids summer program site, serve as the referral person at the campus to perform intake with evacuee students and families to assess their basic needs. The Social Service Coordinators assist students and their families with basic and emergency needs, provide referrals to other community resources, and promote community-building activities that involve both evacuees and existing students, in order to support community building.

Are you still working with evacuee students, and how are they doing?

by - Heather Martin, Development Associate

No Place For Hate

2008-12-05T08:13:00.004-06:00

Imagine what the world would be like if there wasn't any discrimination. Is it possible to live in a world where hate didn't exist? It would be nice to see children/teens be able to go to school and not be discriminated against because of their race, gender or just because they are a little different.

Because we believe there is no place for hate in this world, Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) is a part of Community of Respect, a No Place for Hate program of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The Community of Respect program provides the tools and resources to help individuals and organizations fight prejudices, bigotry, discrimination, and engender respect and appreciation for diversity.

By being a part of this program, you have to complete three or more activities that embrace diversity. Today the CIS central office is having a diversity potluck where coworkers bring a dish and some information to share about the origin their families came from. To find out more information on how you can become a Community of Respect, click or go to http://regions.adl.org/southwest/programs/become-a-community-of-respect.html.

Heather Martin

The Holiday of Sharing

2008-12-02T08:21:00.006-06:00

With the holiday season here, you find people wanting to share the holiday spirit. This time of year you see people doing nice things for one another and making sure no one goes without.

That's what is so wonderful about this season. It truly is the season of giving and sharing. This year H-E-B is sharing its holiday spirit by hosting the 3rd Annual Feast of Sharing. This event makes it possible for Greater Houston residents to enjoy a free holiday meal and live entertainment. With the help of hundreds of H-E-B and community volunteers, more than 7,000 meals will be prepared.

This event takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 at the George R. Brown Convention Center-Hall A. Not only will attendees receive a free meal, but a full evening of fun will be at hand, with a Winter Wonderland, featuring children's activities and crafts; a visit from Santa Claus; and live on-stage entertainment.

What are you doing today to share the holiday spirit with others?

It's that time of year again

2008-11-24T09:00:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year again where the end of the year is nearing and so is Christmas. This is the busiest time of year for CIS. We are working on our 2007/2008 Annual Report as well as receiving donations for our annual "Santa Sacks" project. This year marks our 11th year of making sure our CIS students receive at least one gift this holiday season. This year our goal is to have gifts for 2,000 children.

Today I will be working on gathering recent success stories to share in our Annual Report and hopefully going shopping to buy items for our "Santa Sacks" project.

What are you doing today to help your cause?

Heather Martin

Back to Blogging

2008-11-20T11:24:00.006-06:00

CIS has returned to blogging! Yes, it has been a while. Actually, it's been a whole year! We hope that with this blog we can have a discussion with our community about different ways to help the ones we serve. I hope that you will share with us what you are doing to help your cause and any ideas that you may have for us.

So today I am working on our monthly e-newsletter, which this month is dedicated to giving thanks to all of our supporters. CIS can't do it alone! With the help of our supporters, we are able to help kids stay in school and prepare for life. As I learned yesterday at the 2008 Power Tools for Nonprofits annual conference, our donors should be our primary customer. CIS hopes that all our supporters know how much we appreciate them.

What are you doing today to help your cause?

Celebrate American Education Week

2007-11-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

This week marks "American Education Week." The National Education Association (NEA) has dubbed this year's celebration "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility."

A great education for ALL of our kids is indeed the responsibility of each and every one of us. After all, the youth of today will be the leaders of our tomorrow, the staff taking care of us in our old age, and the workers paying in to our social security system. This is our next great group of philanthropists, civic leaders and volunteers.

Communities In Schools Houston invites you to visit the NEA's website at http://www.nea.org/aew/index.html and find out how they invite us to observe and engage in their 86th annual American Education Week (AEW).

The recent buzz about Houston's "drop-out factories"

2007-11-05T15:32:00.000-06:00

It was difficult to miss the Houston Chronicle's screaming headline "42 Houston-area schools 'dropout factories'" on Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

According to that article, Houston is home to 42 of the 185 Texas high schools that are considered dropout factories-those schools "with an attrition rate of 40 percent or higher."

The issue of dropout is a complex one. There are many different factors that can impact a student's success in school, including but not limited to: family issues, including divorce, violence or abuse, socioeconomic difficulties, or an incarcerated parent(s); students who are pregnant or parenting; students with special educational needs; and students who have been retained one or more grades.

The effects of dropout on our community are equally complex, and affect everyone. A community with a high level of dropouts will likely see an increase in incarceration and other involvement in the criminal justice system; an increase in violence and crime; an increase in social services needs; a decrease in available, qualified workers; and a decrease in overall economic productivity.

Schools can't do it alone. Communities In Schools of Houston removes barriers to learning by placing social service professionals directly on the school campus to provide social supports to students so teachers can teach and students can learn.

We invite you to become part of the solution to the dropout crisis in our community. For information on how you can help Communities In Schools of Houston keep kids in school and prepare them for life, contact us at 713.654.1515 x 121 or visit our website at www.cishouston.org. Together we can truly make a difference.

CIS Salutes Project GRAD

2007-10-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

On October 20th, volunteers from all over the city sacrificed their Saturday to reach out to students and encourage them to stay in school. CIS partner Project GRAD hosted its annual "Walk for Success," going door to door to encourage students to enroll in classes and come back to the schools. Students signed contracts promising to stay in school and pursue a college education, and some were eligible for scholarships through Project GRAD if they stuck to their contract.

This kind of dedication to keeping kids in school is at the heart of the Communities In Schools mission and cause. Now more than ever, we know that it takes the entire community working together to make sure that all students have a safe and positive place to learn, and have the resources needed to focus on education. With a new school year under way, we want to encourage all of you out there in the community to consider the ways that you can help keep a kid in school. It can be as simple as lending an ear, or just spending time with a child who needs a positive role model. Drop-out really does affect us all, and we can all affect drop-out.

We wanted to share this picture from one of our after-school programs in partnership with Project GRAD:

Our Kids Need Us

2007-05-18T09:27:00.000-05:00

I read a really interesting editorial by Dorothy Rich. Ms. Rich makes some excellent points about the importance of making sure our kids know we care about them.

That doesn't seem like rocket science, but, according to Rich, a new study on the reasons that high school students drop out of school indicates that, in addition to family and economic reasons, about 24 percent cited their feeling that "no adults in school cared about them."

Rich is on target when she points out that caring for students is more than academics and accountability-its about the perception on the part of the students that teachers really do care. My daughter, a senior in high school, recently received her fourth letter from her favorite teacher. This teacher makes it a point to write a letter to his students at the end of each semester. The letter may be a form letter, but it's filled with thoughts and ideas about their futures. Then, at the bottom, he handwrites a note to each student, telling him or her how they are special or how they have stood out in his class. My daughter was so proud of this that she ran home and showed me.

Not all students have what they need at home. Parents work hard, and many times, through no fault of their own, they just aren't able to give their kids the time and attention they need. That's why it is incumbant upon each and every one of us to make a difference to a child.....our kids need us.

Melissa Simon

"The Dropout Exodus" Issue at the Forefront

2007-05-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

The problem of high school dropout has been around, to some level, ever since children have been compelled by law to attend school. Thankfully, the issue is being recognized by more than educators and parents.

Drop out affects us all. Just look at the disproportionate numbers of prison inmates, social service recipients, and un- and under-employed individuals in our community who have less than a high school diploma. We simply can't brush this under the rug with "I don't have any kids in school" or "It's not my problem." OUR kids will be OUR leaders tomorrow.

The article in Time Magazine this week highlights the problem in New York City-and points out that the problem is bigger than many of us thought. It goes one step further, though, by providing some ideas for addressing the issues.

What can we do locally? CIS Houston encourages everyone to get involved in addressing this crisis. Our students are our future, and we all bear the responsibility for ensuring that all kids have an opportunity to learn, graduate from school, and go on to succeed in life. So what can you do?

Tutor or Mentor a child. Not only does research show that children who are mentored demonstrated an increase in self esteem and sense of empowerment, but it also shows that mentors benefit from the relationship with increased efficacy and pride (mentoring.org). Your mentoring relationship may be the only one that child has. Creating that bond and modeling consistent caring for an at-risk child can mean the difference between staying in school or dropping out, failing or excelling.

Help a parent. More than 90 percent of the students on the CIS Houston caseload receive or are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch and/or other public assistance benefits. Many of their parents work more than one minimum wage job and still struggle to make ends meet. The next time you see a parent struggling, extend a helping hand. Offering to help a child with homework after school or volunteering at one of the many parent-centered social service agencies in Houston can make a difference in a child’s ability to concentrate in school.

Take a child to a museum or the zoo. The majority of the students on the CIS Houston caseload had never left their neighborhoods until they participated in the program and visited one of the many museums and other cultural centers in Houston. When a child can see and experience things bigger than his/her immediate surroundings, he/she can begin to dream bigger and achieve more.

To learn more about what you can do to help a child stay in school and prepare for life locally, please visit www.cishouston.org. To learn more about the crisis nationally, please visit www.silentepidemic.org.

CIS Partner to be Honored by HISD

2007-03-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

CIS Houston brings more than services to the schools......it also brings a network of indespensible partners. One of these partners is the Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program, which provides mentoring services at McReynolds Middle School. Below is a letter written to Juan Torres, CIS Field Supervisor, from Blanca Garza, CIS Project Manager at McReynolds Middle Schoo, about the Mentoring Program. CIS is proud to partners with such wonderful community organizations!

Dear Mr. Torres,

Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program was selected to receive the North Region Community Partnership of the Year Award presented by Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) HISD's Strategic Partnership Department.

It has been a pleasure and a great experience working with the Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program here at McReynolds. Since the beginning of the school year, we start to work with the program by selecting the participant students, planning the sessions, scheduling, planning field trips, serving lunch, and coordinating every meeting with the students. The program has been a total success and the mentors and coordinators are very happy with CIS help and participation. I personally feel double the accomplishment because I'm part of CIS and also a mentor of this program. I would like you to see what Mr. Harter (Taxis Fiesta owner and president of the mentoring program) wrote me back after I congratulate the mentors and program:

"I don't think there is anything more important than what cis does everyday in the schools. You have dedicated your life to helping these kids that need guidance. I am glad that as mentors we can be another voice for these kids to hear that they can be successful."

I certainly believe this is a great achievement not only for the mentoring program, but also for CIS participation, dedication, and commitment to students. The award ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Arabia Shrine Center starting at 8:00 a.m.

Sincerely,

Blanca Garza
CIS Case Manager
McReynolds Middle School
Wheatley Feeder Pattern
HISD North Region
713-672-0402

CIS Houston says goodbye to a great friend and supporter

2007-03-06T13:09:00.000-06:00

NONA JANE NATHAN MARKS passed away on February 27, 2007. Nonie was born in Houston, Texas, on June 24, 1930, a twin daughter of Gertrude and Seymour Nathan. She graduated from San Jacinto Senior High School and the University of Colorado, where she studied education. Nonie's professional and civic careers were expansive. She was a teacher in the Houston Independent School District for 13 years, after which she launched a successful business career as co-founder of Needle Nuts, Inc., a retail needlepoint materials distributor, which she ran for 20 years. Nonie's passion for service to others guided her civic endeavors. Nonie served on the board of trustees of The Hospice at the Texas Medical Center as a member, officer and co-chair. She was the founder of the Center for Hearing and Speech's Auxiliary; vice-president of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel; a member of the Foundation Board of Houston Eye Associates; and a volunteer at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Communities in Schools and End Hunger Network. Nonie loved the arts, and was an avid collector of paintings, prints and sculpture and a patron of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Symphony. Nonie's life revolved around her family. She was married to Richard E. Marks, principal of GEM Insurance Agencies, for 47 years until his death in 2001. Together, they raised two wonderful children, cultivated a community of friends and colleagues, and traveled the world. Nonie is survived by her daughter, Betsy Schreiber and husband, Edward; son Kenneth Marks and wife, Elena; grandchildren Jessica and Emily Schreiber and Andy, Elliot and Evan Marks; and her twin sister, Joanna Brofman and husband David Brofman. Nonie had many wonderful, lifelong friends with whom she shared her life. She was especially grateful for the love and care shown to her by Candy Blackwell, Yolanda Sam-Tillman and Doris Cash. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, the 28th of February 2007 at Temple Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood with Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Robert M. Gerber officiating. Interment will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery (Antoine). Donations can be made to TIRR Foundation, 4605 Post Oak Place, Suite 222, Houston, Texas, 77027.

Spring Branch ISD to Implement 5-Year Education Plan

2007-02-27T09:09:00.000-06:00

A five-year education plan is set to be put in place in the Spring Branch school district following board approval Monday. Under the plan, the district has laid out a comprehensive set of objectives and strategies for achieving them over the next five years in a bid to be an exemplary rated and top college focused school district. A year in the making with input from parents, teachers, administrators and community members, the plan covers everything from narrowing the achievement gap between student groups in standardized tests and beefing up writing programs to increasing student use of technology and decreasing the dropout rate among middle school pupils.

CIS has programs in 12 schools in the Spring Branch School District, and enjoys the support of Superintendent Duncan Klussman and school district personnel. CIS Houston applauds Spring Branch ISD for its efforts to decrease the dropout rate among its middle school students!

Politics Not Just for Politicians

2007-02-15T09:12:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have heard about Senate Bill 127. The bill proposes to increase CIS statewide funding by more than 30%. Needless to say, this is an important issue to those of us involved with CIS, and we hope it will become an important issue to the rest of you as well. So far, we have successfully gained a fair amount of bi-partisan support for the bill thanks to Senators Fraser (R-District 24), Van de Putte (D-District 26), Janek (R-District 17-Houston), Wentworth (R-District 25), and Zaffirini (D-District 21), all of whom have signed on to the bill. Once the bill moves out of the Senate, Representative Myra Crownover (R-District 64) has agreed to carry the bill in the House.

We at CIS want to emphasize the fact that rallying support for this bill has been and will continue to be an interactive process between CIS staff, students, and other supporters and our Texas Representatives. Three CIS Houston staff members have already been to Austin to meet with Representatives, educate them about the important mission of CIS, and encourage them to support Bill 127. On March 8th, CIS staff, students, parents, and other volunteers from around the state will convene in Austin for a full day of meetings aimed at gaining further support for the bill and for the CIS cause in general.

If you would like to support this or any other issue that's important to you and your community, we urge you to get involved with the political process! You can access complete information about your district, your representatives, and your local political issues by visiting the Texas Legislature Online.

Happy Birthday Sylvia!

2007-01-29T10:52:00.000-06:00

Here's to Sylvia!!!!!! Happy Birthday, Truly Getting Better--
All of Us Wishing You the Best Birthday--Best Year!!!

Love you,

Gayle McCloud

Thanks to Alief ISD!

2007-01-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

January has been deemed “School Board Recognition Month” in Alief Independent School District, and CIS Houston would like to join in by sending out a big “thank you” to everyone in AISD!

Communities In Schools programs are now in 17 schools in Alief ISD. During the 2005/2006 schools year, more than 15,000 at-risk students received services through their CIS office on Alief campuses. Alief ISD was the site of the pilot project Houston’s Kids, a collaborative effort of Alief ISD, the Houston YMCA, the United Way, the Houston Children’s Museum, and CIS. Through this program, more than 500 evacuee and non-evacuee students participated in summer activities, and continue to receive services through Houston’s Kids after school.

The staff at Alief ISD has worked tirelessly to ensure that ALL of its students receive a quality education and the social services necessary to keep kids in school and prepare them for life. CIS salutes the staff and board members in Alief ISD for their commitment to kids!
by Melissa Simon, CIS Development Director

Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T08:28:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all of you from Communities In Schools Houston! I know we all enjoyed our time away with our families and friends, and are ready to start a new year. 2006 went out with a bang here at CIS. Thanks to Doug and Linda Manner, some 80 families from 41 CIS schools received help this Christmas. Thanks to the Community Volunteer Fire Department in Alief, the Friends of CIS (FOCIS), and many other generous donors, more than $6,000 was raised to help us reach our goal of filling 2,000 Santa Sacks for CIS caseload students.

The list goes on and on, and we hope that if you haven’t already signed up for our monthly e-newsletter, you will now so you can see the January Newsletter, devoted to the special things that happened during the holiday season for our CIS students.

Houstonians are generous, and your generosity helped CIS touch the lives of its at-risk students again this year. We are truly grateful to you all, and look forward to a wonderful 2007!

by Melissa Simon, CIS Development Director

12-Point Plan Addresses School Dropout Crisis

2006-11-27T08:51:00.000-06:00

If you’re reading a blog dedicated to keeping kids in school and preparing them for life (which is what CIS Houston does every day in more than 100 Houston area schools), you’re probably aware that we are facing a drop-out crisis in our country and in our community. You might be interested in what the National Education Association has to say about this crisis and its suggestions to curb it.

The nation is experiencing a dropout crisis -- one that has many contributing factors, demanding a wide range of tactics. That is the news from the National Education Association (NEA), which has unveiled a 12-point plan that will require the efforts of parents, teachers, business leaders, and lawmakers. Speaking at a press conference, NEA president Reg Weaver said, "We've identified the crisis, and it will take everyone sharing responsibility to correct it. This is no longer about students slipping through the cracks of our educational system. Those cracks are now craters." Among the key elements in the plan are mandatory graduation or equivalency, workplace options that would allow parents to participate in their child's education, and early intervention in the form of universal preschool and full-day kindergarten programs. For more, click here.

by Melissa Simon, CIS Development Director

November Texas Legend

2006-11-21T09:10:00.000-06:00

CIS is grateful for all of the people who donate their time, talent and treasure to helping more than 40,000 at-risk students stay in school each year. We would like to join Cadillac in honoring their November Texas Legend, Catherine Campbell-Hevrdejs, who has served on dozens of Houston area nonprofit boards of directors, including CIS. Congratulations Catherine, and thank you for helping us keep kids in school!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Lessons in Life Begin at Houston’s Kids Program

2006-11-18T12:50:00.000-06:00

The Houston Chronicle’s Alief Community Newspaper highlighted Glenn E. Donaldson this week. The 16-year old junior attends Hastings High School and participates in Houston’s Kids employment program. CIS Houston is proud to be part of the Houston’s Kids project, a collaborative effort supported and initiated by America’s Promise, the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, and the Houston Joint City County Commission on Children.

What began as a summer program to provide evacuee students with activities and enrichment has grown into an after-school program that serves more than 500 students from elementary through high school. The unique collaboration between the Alief Independent School District, the Houston YMCA, CIS Houston, and the Houston Children’s Museum works because each organization focuses on the same thing: helping children.

by Melissa Simon, CIS Director of Development

Immigrant Students at Newcomer Charter School

2006-11-14T10:27:00.000-06:00

This inspiring story appeared in the Houston Chronicle on November 10, 2006. Newcomer Charter School, housed within HISD's Lee High School, is unique in that it educates approximately 200 students who have chosen to attend school despite challenges and demands that could easily stop them. These students range in age from 17 to 21, speak English as a second language, and are immigrants from Latin America, Asia or Africa.

Mr. Monico Rivas, the school's director, is an immigrant himself, and knows the challenges these at-risk students face. Working closely with Mr. Rivas is CIS Project Manager Sol-Angel Garcia, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides social service support so students can stay in school. CIS salutes the work Mr. Rivas and Ms. Garcia are doing every day at Newcomer Charter School.

by Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CIS Director of Development

Society of Petroleum Engineers Donation

2006-11-09T15:16:00.000-06:00

CIS would like to thank the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) for their continuing support of CIS. We were honored to have Roger Hite and Ricky Pena attend our CIS Board meeting last night and present us with a donation.

We are thrilled to call SPE one of our many valuable partners. Each year, they provide job readiness training for many of our students who are getting summer jobs or interships through the CIS Youth and Employment Training Program.

To learn more about SPE, please click here.

Thanks for your support!!

Roger Hite & Ricky Pena from SPE along with Bill Hurt, CIS Board President, Carlos Duncan, CIS Board Member, and Cynthia Clay Briggs, CIS Executive Director

by Jonathan Timms, CIS Development Coordinator

Don't forget to vote tomorrow

2006-11-06T15:43:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder to everyone to make sure and vote tomorrow. If you don't know where to go and vote, click here to find out.

Also, this article describes the bond issuses concerning schools and education in and around the Houston area.

by Jonathan Timms, Development Coordinator

Katrina's Kids

2006-10-30T13:00:00.000-06:00

America's Promise, a national non-profit organization dedicated to at-risk children, has created a program called Katrina's Kids with the help of the Joint City County Commission on Children, YMCA, the Houston Children’s Museum, Alief Independent School District and CIS' John Perry, Project Manager at Chambers Elementary School in Alief ISD. This program has helped bring together various resources to help students and families who relocated to the Alief area after Hurricane Katrina. Click here to visit the America's Promise website and view a video on the program featuring John.

by - Jonathan Timms, CIS Development Coordinator

New Study on Attrition in Texas Schools by the IDRA

2006-10-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this new study conducted by the Intercultural Development Research Association, a non-profit organziation dedicated to the improvement of public schools for all children.

As a dropout prevention program, Communities In Schools Houston is working hard to make sure kids stay in school. And while we are encouraged by the fact that this study shows the percentage of students who leave school without graduating has decreased, it is alarming that the gaps between white and hispanic and white and black students who drop out continues to increase.

- by Jonathan Timms, Development Coordinator

CIS in the Houston Chronicle

2006-10-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

For over a year now, thousands of evacuee students and their families have been living and attending schools in the Houston area, and for a majority of them, Houston is now their home. CIS Project Managers have been working with these students since their arrival to help them cope with this difficult transistion and we continue to work with these students today.

Click here to read a story in the Houston Chronicle about how CIS Project Manager Danyella Mims is helping evacuee students at Hastings High School.

- by Jonathan Timms, CIS Development Coordinator

CIS SANTA SACKS PROJECT

2006-10-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

CIS invites you to join in the holiday spirit and become Santa's helper.

We supply the sacks. You supply the stuffing. Every year, thousands upon thousands of children in the Houston area receive nothing during the holiday season. The goal of the Santa Sacks project, which is organized by The Friends of CIS (FOCIS) volunteer guild, is to make sure these children receive at least one gift for the holidays. Each year, CIS fills red and green sacks with fun gifts and necessary wares and gives them to select CIS students at designated school campuses.

Sacks for this year's project will be available beginning October 23, 2006 and need to be returned to CIS by December 1, 2006 so that we can give them out to students before they go on holiday break.

If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact Jessica Reyes at 713-654-1515, ext. 136.

Sack Suggestions
When filling your sacks, please try not to exceed $25 each.If you want to do more, we’ll be happy to get you additional sacks. You can drop off Santa Sacks at the CIS Central Office:Monday – Thursday 8-4:30pm and Friday 8-4pm2150 W. 18th Street, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77008. Please use red bags for girls and green bags for boys.

The following is a list of suggested items:

Reading Books

Educational Books

Puzzles

Clothing Items

Socks

T-Shirts

Stuffed Animals

Cartoon Pens and Pencils

Cartoon Notebooks

Coloring Books

Colored Pencils

Crayons

Pencil Erasers

Baseball/Basketball Cards

Hot Wheels

Model Cars

Paint Sets

Balls

Games

Culturally Diverse Dolls

Hair Accessories

Toothbrushes

Play-Doh

Bubbles

Purses

Board Games

Family Games

Trading Cards

- by Jonathan Timms, CIS Development Coordinator