What's ahead in our April newsletter:

• Our joint op-ed with MNPS on how we're addressing chronic absenteeism
• Stories from our schools (including a reading partnership with Nashville SC!)
• A look at two community partnerships at Paragon Mills
• How you can get involved in our work (check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities!)
• A recap of our February Bingo + Bourbon fundraiser... and save the date for our fall breakfast on Sept. 26!

Kickstart to Reading

Tom Joy was selected as one of five MNPS schools to participate in Nashville Soccer Club’s Kickstart to Reading program, an initiative aiming to help Nashville students develop a passion for reading by creating a fun, engaging program that incentivizes student readers. Students recently had several special guests at a pep rally!

Prom Pop Up Shop

Students at KIPP Collegiate High School needed assistance in finding dresses and hair and makeup services for their upcoming prom. Our program manager partnered with Mrs. Sabrina Bulter of Design to Adore Gowns and More, who was able to offer new gowns at a discounted price and help these students feel beautiful for their prom!

March Madness Champs

Students at Warner Elementary and Madison Middle participated in March Madness-style attendance competitions where homeroom classrooms went head-to-head to battle for the best attendance. Each week, the classrooms with the best attendance moved forward in the bracket for a chance to win the tournament!

Community Food Drive

Our program manager at Whiteville Elementary School held a month-long food drive in partnership with over 10 local businesses. It was a great way to restock the food pantry, as well as educate local businesses about CIS and engage them in supporting the school.

Attendance Incentives

Our program manager at Hattie Cotton facilitated a series of attendance incentives last month; a total of 75 children had perfect attendance. One student who had missed 28 and 30 days respectively the last two years has made great progress this year with the support of CIS; he has only missed 10 days. 

A New Partnership

Living Water Temple, a new community partner at Apollo Middle School, delivered food to the school that was sent home with 25 families to help them get through the spring break week. The Temple, led by Pastor Riley Baxter, was connected with the school through another partner, United4Hope.

Our program manager at Paragon Mills recently helped facilitate two community partnerships to ensure students have the basic needs items, like clothing and shoes, they need to show up to school every day on time and ready to learn.

Shoes That Fit recently distributed a brand-new pair of shoes generously donated by New Balance to every student at Paragon Mills Elementary School. Read more about this event in our joint op-ed with MNPS.

Strong Tower Bible Church visits Paragon Mills once a month with its clothing trailer. Students "shop" for clothes and volunteers make sure the kids get what they need, what they like, and what will fit. The church has clothed nearly 150 students so far this year and our program manager noted the partnership has been "absolutely life-changing for our families."

We are so grateful to our volunteers, including those from HCA, who recently completed service projects at two schools, and Delta Dental, who read to students at Tom Joy Elementary.

Looking to get more involved? We are always looking for volunteers! Click here to see our latest opportunities, including a school Field Day next month!

Other Ways You Can Support Our Work:

• Send supplies directly to one of our schools by shopping their individual wish lists.
• Support our work with students and families across the state through a direct donation to CISTN.

We had a great time at our Bingo + Bourbon event in February! A special thank you to John Brittle from Whiskey House Nashville for providing bourbon and whiskey tastings and bottles for the auction and to Laura Schweizer from Local on 2 for being our bingo caller for the night! Together, we raised $29,615 to support our work with students and families across the state. Save the date for our next event: our annual breakfast, set for September 26, 2024.