Adrian Public Schools

Communities in Schools 2010 Voices for Change Event video from the Daily Telegram. Adrian High School students featured in video are Kaitlyn Germain and Drew Collins. Article

Communities In Schools of Lenawee (CIS) Introduction

Communities In Schools of Lenawee (CIS) is the local arm of the nation’s largest nonpartisan nonprofit organization devoted to helping kids stay in school founded in 1977.Incorporated in 1996, CIS is directed by a local volunteer Board of Directors representing business, education, service providers, local government, and others.

CIS is a partnership process that brings together communities with schools to more effectively serve students and families.The process is not only inclusive; it is built on a win/win philosophy for all participants.Existing programs and services are enlisted and coordinated by School Based CIS Coordinators to provide services in schools based on identified specific students’ needs.When it works well, the process enables changes (better attendance, decrease in discipline incidences, improve attitudes, greater family/community involvement, etc.) to occur with students and families.In a sense, a broad application of the process results in systemic reform.

In 2005, CIS added a renewed focus on intentionally educating the community about the importance of strengthening the 40 developmental assets in our youth.

What is CIS?

1.A process . . . for the development of public/private partnerships;

2.A process . . . for the effective and coordinated brokering of existing community services through the schools;

3.A process . . . for cutting across institutional lines to provide “comprehensive services” and community support for children and families in need;

4.A process . . . for “systemic change.”

CIS in not

·Simply another school program.

·Focused on at-risk youth only.

·A social agency.

·A partisan program.

·A charity; it is more about justice and doing what is right.

VISION

To create a community where children feel valued and are successful

MISSION

To champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help Lenawee's young people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.

GOALS

We believe that our communities need to develop the assets our youth need to be successful in life. Every young person needs and deserves five basics to succeed and not give up on themselves:

* A healthy start with a potential for a healthy future
* A safe place to learn and grow
* A personal one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
* A marketable skill to use upon graduation
* A chance to give back to peers and community

2008-2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During the past school year CIS and it's community partners facilitated more that $131,307 worth of supportive services in 15 buildings in 7 districts. Over 868 volunteers delivered 5,988 hours of services to 1,702 students and 656 parents.

DEVELOPMENTAL YOUTH ASSETS

CIS is responsible for educating the county on the importance of Youth Asset Development. Each year, CIS reorganizes a list of the 40 assets and sends weekly emails for the entire county to focus on each week of the school year."Asset Builders" utilize these hints and tips in their newsletters, bulletins, announcements and share them with friends, families and co-workers. Our goal is to have EVERYONE talking about how they are building assets in the youth they know!

(Link to the weekly assets for the 2009 - 2010 School year. Click on the week to learn how YOU can build youth assets! Contact CIS Lenawee if you want to receive this information via email.)

How You Can Help CIS to Help Lenawee Kids Choose Success

1. Become a mentor by serving as a reading buddy, lunch buddy or afterschool partner.

2. Serve on a CIS school or community committee, sharing your expertise to make a difference.

3. Volunteer to conduct an after-school activity or coach a sport.

4. Meet with CIS school personnel to find out what support you can offer to advance the school or district.

5. Advocate for school programs and issues by speaking at community forums, writing letters to local newspapers, and lending financial support to organizations that focus on education.

6. Identify appropriate funding sources or contribute to needed school and community programs through CIS of Lenawee.

Communities In Schools looking for Lunch Buddies

Communities In Schools of Lenawee County (CIS) is proud to announce that we are now facilitating the Lunch Buddies Program.The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee decided late last summer to turn the administration of this valuable program over to CIS.

Lunch Buddies is a great fit for CIS to achieve our mission of Championing the connection of needed community resources with schools to help Lenawee’s young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.Lunch Buddies are asked to make a weekly commitment for about an hour during lunch for the duration of the school year to develop a one-on-one relationship with a child in need of an adult mentor.

CIS Coordinators already have waiting lists of students who need a “Big Buddy” so we need YOU!The Lunch Buddy Program will be at the following schools:

Alexander Elementary – Shawna Wilson 263-9533

Lincoln Elementary – Tracy Richard 265-8544

Michener Elementary – Dawn Stewart 263-9002

Prairie Elementary – Judy Gurica 265-5082

An Orientation to the Lunch Buddy Program will be held on January 13, 2010 from noon – 1:00 pm at the LISDTechCenter in classroom #1.

If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child, please contact the CIS coordinator at the school of your choice at the number listed above, or Christine MacNaughton at 263-4591.

CIS STAFF and APS CIS School Links

Christine MacNaughton, Director

517 - 263-4591

macnaughtonc@michigan.gov

http://www.cislenawee.org

Brenda Everingham, Administrative Assistant

517-265-6289

everinghamb@michigan.gov

Alexander Elementary

Shawna Wilson, CIS Coordinator

517-263-9533

swilson@adrian.k12.mi.us