 Children
cannot learn or concentrate when they are cold, hungry or
being abused at home. Most students who drop out of school are
dealing with multiple problems that present barriers to their
education, i.e. poverty, unattended health needs, hunger,
unemployed parents, domestic violence. ...until Communities In
Schools steps in.
Communities In Schools (CIS)
is about changing the lives of children. Each and every young
person is a precious life full of potential and promise, yet,
as we enter a century that is full of new challenges, millions
of these children are falling through society's cracks. The
mission of CIS is to help young people stay in school. Without
help, one in four ninth graders will not graduate high school
this year.
When our children perform
poorly in school or society, the entire nation is affected.
According to one study, this results in over $17 billion
annually across the state in lost wages, tax revenue, health,
prison and welfare costs. The human costs, which are harder to
measure, include the effects of drug abuse, poverty and
reduced quality of life. This is a problem that will have a
disastrous impact on our nation.
For all these reasons, and
many more, our nation's children need extra support and help.
They need a community of concerned adults who are committed to
their success in life. They need us. CIS is a member of the
nation's leading school-based, dropout prevention network, and
strives to improve attendance, academic performance, behavior
and reduce the dropout rate by helping children stay in school
and prepare for a successful life.
CIS creates a network of
volunteers, social services, businesses, and community
resources that work together to break down barriers and help
students succeed. CIS is a non-profit organization that was
founded in 1977, and is the nations largest stay-in-school
network. CIS views the situation of dropping out as not only a
school problem, but also a community problem.
CIS has championed the
connection of needed community resources with schools. By
placing social workers on school campuses to address
children's unmet needs, CIS provides the link between
educators and the community.
The success of Galveston's
young people-of our entire education system-depends on the
steady increase of national and community support. We urge
everyone to join CIS in helping kids stay in school. Whether
as a funder, a partner, a volunteer, or a provider of
resources, your support will help us help our children succeed
in school and prepare for life. Let us keep this excellent
program active.
Volunteer for "Lunch
with a Leader:, a new program to CIS that promotes awareness
with individuals in our community to those students of CIS. It
provide an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of the
students and to give them the ultimate message "To be
successful you must remain in school and graduate".
This year Communities in
Schools is honoring outstanding community involvement and
support by presenting the Starlight Award. The recipient of
this year's award is Albert Shannon, Market President of Frost
Bank, who has demonstrated exemplary service and a commitment
to the mission of our organization. Bilie J. Rinaldi,
Principal of Rosenberg Elementary School will be presented
with the Shining Star Award for her dedication and commitment
to the student body. The awards are being presented at our 3rd
Annual "Starlight Award" benefit and fund-raiser
that will be held April 21, 2005, at 5:30 in the Davidson
Ballroom at the Tremont House, tickets are $35.00. This
fund-raiser would not have been possible without the help and
generosity of all that supported by a donation or their time
and for that we thank you. If you are interested in learning
more about CIS, or how you can help please call 762-6994.
Patricia Bolton-Legg is
a board member of Communities in Schools
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