The Power of a Backpack Note
For one 6th grade student in Bellingham, Communities In Schools helped her move from chronically absent to thriving in school. Although school staff had tried to contact the student’s family multiple times, they could not reach a family member, and the student was about to be referred to truancy court. It was then that the student met Ari Wright, an AmeriCorps member serving as a Site Coordinator with CIS of Whatcom-Skagit.
One Tacoma Student’s New Outlook on Life
When Ray first came to Communities In Schools of Tacoma, he was struggling to get to where he needed to be academically. In his junior year, he was behind in credits and did not really believe that he deserved more out of life. Then one of his peers referred Ray to CIS, and he started […]
CIS of Peninsula Site Coordinator Wins National Award for Helping Kids Succeed in Gig Harbor
We’re excited to announce that Lara Unger, Site Coordinator with Communities In Schools of Peninsula, recently won the prestigious All In For Students Award from CIS National. Lara is all ‘heart’ when it comes to the kids she works with. She is passionate about equalizing opportunities for students on her caseload despite the challenges they […]
$39,000 of School Supplies Collected at 2019 State Fair Drive
Fun facts from this year’s State Fair School Supply Drive: We collected and sorted over $39,000 worth of school supplies Fairgoers and community partners donated over 19,500 individual items All the supplies weighed in at 5,700 pounds–that’s the same as one hippopotamus! On September 6th and 7th, over 100 volunteers collected, sorted, counted, and packaged […]
Lakewood Student Finds Her Voice with CIS
Georjina first came to Communities In Schools of Lakewood in elementary school for help with math and reading. Leah Livingston, CIS Site Coordinator, also worked with her to become more comfortable speaking in a group. Through afterschool CIS programs, Georjina began to build up her confidence and find ways to express herself to others.
AmeriCorps Awards $379,800 to Keep Kids in School with 25 AmeriCorps Member Positions
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve received $379,800 in AmeriCorps funding through Serve Washington and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). With this grant, 25 AmeriCorps members will serve students at risk of dropout through Communities In Schools of Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Whatcom-Skagit and Spokane County. During the 2019-20 school year, members […]
Message of Hope from Peninsula Area Graduate
When Kayci walked across the stage to accept her diploma with other Henderson Bay High School graduates, there were the usual loud cheers and happy tears, but for this graduate it was an extra special celebration. Kayci’s graduation day not only marked the rite of passage of completing high school, but it also celebrated her […]
Mardi Gras Dinner and Auction Raises Record $258,000 to Keep Kids in School
Top left: Guests donned masks and beads to get in the Mardi Gras spirit. // Top right: Our Presenting Sponsor Denali Advanced Integration // Bottom left: Amber and Kileigh Ann from CIS of Federal Way share mission moments. // Bottom right: Raise the Paddle generated $71,500 in support of youth empowerment. On March 9th, Communities […]
CISWA Receives $2.1 Million from Ballmer Group to Expand Services
We’re excited to announce that Ballmer Group has awarded Communities In Schools of Washington $2.1 million to support students at risk of dropout in Washington state. Over the next three years, funds will expand services to new school districts and communities, providing wraparound supports to about 25,000 students. “This generous investment from Ballmer Group will […]
Richland Student Overcomes Homelessness, Graduates with Honors
At eighteen years old, Sharon was working five jobs to support herself when she received a call saying that she would have to either attend school or drop out. In a bold move, she decided to quit working and concentrate on school. Sharon entered her senior year of high school with painful memories of homelessness […]