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Dear Communities In Schools of Central Texas Friends,
Congratulations on a successful back-to-school season! Each school year begins with a communitywide invitation to help our students achieve their wildest dreams.
We start to do that by ensuring that every student has what they need to succeed. CIS’ Ready for School Drive is at the heart of that work, providing students with what I call “invisible” school supplies such as shampoo, deodorant and hygiene items. Many students are more comfortable asking for a pencil than a personal hygiene item.
- This year, HEB named CIS their presenting partner for their statewide Back-to-school Supply Drive. Because of your and our communities’ support, we are able to provide essential supplies to students—when they need them where they need them.
- HEB also recently hosted CIS for a regional team volunteer activity to prepare 500 weekend meal packs for our students.
This partnership is a perfect example of how we leverage community assets and bring them directly to campuses. We are so grateful for partners like HEB who see the work of CIS as essential to the community.
HEB really lives up to its commitment to ensuring, “Here Everything is Better!"
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For nearly 40 years in Central Texas, we have been honored to support our students and their dreams, providing direct services throughout schools in Austin, Elgin, Hays, Lockhart, Manor, San Marcos—and our newest community in Taylor. | |
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Our researched-based model centers community relationships and leveraging those relationships to bring services directly on to campuses.
In addition to strengthening our work with our current school district partners, we have been hard at work learning about and supporting the proud Taylor ISD community. #WeAreTaylorISD.
It’s a fantastic time to join the Duck family as the community celebrates its rich history and 100 years of the beloved mascot during the Year of the Duck.
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On Sept. 16, our community ushered in Hispanic Heritage Month, which is an extra special day for me as it is when I embarked on my journey as the CEO of CIS of Central Texas.
On the heels of my two-year anniversary, I am writing to you more deeply confident in the collective power of our students and communities—and more in love with our shared vision.
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At CIS, we believe in a world where every student knows that they have someone who believes in them, someone who shows up for them, every day. When adults in our community make the choice to be present for our students, we see the ripple effects in the health and vibrancy of our entire community.
As students returned to the classroom, we know this is an exciting time for some and a stressful season for others. Our students have real lives and real needs and they often miss school because there are gaps in their lives—from housing and transportation to health and mental care.
Throughout the nation and closer to home, we continue to address the challenge of chronic absenteeism:
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Each year, Central Texas students are absent 2.4 million days of school; and
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On average, Central Texas students from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be absent than in any other urban area of the state, including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso.
To help better understand the challenges our students face, please take a few seconds to watch our most recent PSA, “The Longest Roll Call.”
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Whether it's a lack of support, resources, or simply someone who cares, this is where CIS steps in to fill the gaps that can strip our students of hope. Poverty, if we let it, can be the most powerful disruptor of dreams.
During my listening sessions with students, they often say, “I don’t know if I can do that” or “I would be the first in my family to…” or “I don’t see hope for my future.” But, that narrative quickly changes once a student feels seen and cared for. When a student has strong developmental relationships, they can reclaim their futures and their full potential.
By being there to engage students fully, we help reclaim their hearts and they, in turn, reclaim their power to fulfill their potential—and reclaim the future they deserve.
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What does being there look like? | |
We show up for students everywhere they are learning, living, and leading—from building campus communities to developing personal bonds to opening up and exploring the world together.
During the past year, CIS has served 64,427 students and provided 8,486 students with intensive case management.
Understanding the power of relationships to transform lives and to create a brighter future, last year, we strengthened and expanded schools’ capacity to serve students with:
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- 187 professional CIS team members
- 111 social work interns and AmeriCorps members
- 538 community mentors and volunteers and
- more than $706,000 in direct family financial assistance to pay for basic needs such as food, housing and utility bills.
This community-based work throughout the school year is made possible because of your consistent care and compassion. I am grateful for your support each and every day.
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Coming Together in Community | |
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We are looking forward to a fireside chat in San Marcos next Friday.
We are entering our fifth year of partnering with San Marcos CISD—and are proud to fully saturate the district’s school communities with services.
We recently earned a federal grant in partnership with the district, which is allowing us to strengthen our programs and provide more support across all 12 campuses, including robust mental health counseling and the Male Student Achievement Program for college-, career- and military-readiness,
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CIS can do this work only in deep partnership with great school district leaders who build deeply in trusting relationships. In San Marcos, we are working with a dedicated board of trustees who are committed to supporting the whole needs of students, as well as Dr. Michael Cardona, an educator and superintendent who leads with heart and opens the doors of the district to communities.
We are happy to be invited to celebrate and showcase our partnership with such an amazing district.
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And, I hope to see you at CIS’ 28th annual Food for Thought, Austin’s Premiere Tasting Experience, Wednesday, Oct. 30! | | | | |
Thank you for being All in for Kids. You are part of our CIS mission—and part of our movement to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. | | | | |
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Sharon Vigil
Chief Executive Officer
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| Communities In Schools of Central Texas3000 S. IH-35, Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78704 US | | | | |
