April 3, 2024 edition



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Dear CIS Team,


I hope this message finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I share some important news with you all. Our Senior Director of IT, Jim Thompson, will be out for an extended period of time. Currently, we are uncertain of when Jim will return. We are in close contact with his family, who are managing all communications during this challenging time.


I understand that Jim's absence may raise questions and concerns among us. Please know that we are doing everything within our power to support Jim and his family during this period of uncertainty.


For those of you who are familiar with Jim, you'll understand his deeply spiritual nature. With this in mind I want to extend an invitation to all of you, If you feel compelled to do so, please send your prayers or thoughts of strength to Jim and his family. Your support and positive energy will undoubtedly provide them with comfort during this difficult time.


As soon as we have more information to share regarding Jim's situation, we will communicate it to you promptly. In the meantime, please continue to direct all IT support requests to [email protected]. Aaron, our trusted consultant, who has been an integral part of CIS for the past six years, will be managing these requests, supported by Dian until further notice.


I want to express my gratitude for your understanding, patience, and continued dedication to our mission during this challenging period. Let us keep Jim and his family in our thoughts and hearts, sending them love and support.


Warm regards,



Nominate someone for Employee Excellence. Click here for the form and here to learn about employee recognition & appreciation at CIS of Central Texas. 

CEO Corner 

The Apple | April 3. 2024 

 

Happy Spring!

 

On the heels of Women’s

History Month, I have been reflecting on the thinkers, doers and

community-builders whose trailblazing legacies inspire and shape our collective

work today—from poet Audre Lorde to activist Dolores Huerta to every migrant

and first-generation college grad who embarks on their first steps toward a

brighter future. 

 

Close to home, I am grateful for the women who have inspired and shaped me and who have supported Communities in Schools, as well as my new leadership role as CEO:

 

  • Sandra Aguilar, my beloved mother, and my Tia Yoli,

who exemplify women’s multifaceted strength, resilience and commitment to community.

  • Cynthia Clay-Briggs, who helped establish Communities In Schools in Texas in 1979. She served as the first CIS social worker and

later became CEO of the agency. 

  • Yreen Ortiz, who is our regional talent acquisition coordinator. She works tirelessly—and with great love—to recruit and welcome our amazing team members. 

 

Your work is at the heart of all we do. I am grateful for you—and our more than 200 colleagues throughout Central Texas—for helping to shape brighter todays and tomorrows for all of our students. 

 

Sharon 

Finance Update

Important Information regarding the Summer Programming 2024


Please click here to watch the recording regarding the Summer Programming Fiscal Guidance.


Please click here for the full pdf with all important information regarding Summer Programming Fiscal Guidance.

Click to answer questionnaire

From Staff to Staff Apple Submission(s):

Kendra Berry shares a podcast. Click here to listen!

CISCT Job Openings


Visit our Career Page: https://ciscentraltexas.org/career-opportunities/ for a complete list of career opportunities.

Intern Department Updates


Attention campus-based staff:

If you have expressed interest in supervising an intern (social work, counseling, etc.) for Fall 2024, be on the lookout for emails from us as we work on matching intern applications. To submit an intern request, fill out the Intern Interest Form. Please note, you are eligible to supervise if you have been in your role with CIS for at least a year. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

Mental Health and Wellness Department Updates



Lunch & Learn April 10th 12:00-1:30 both in person and virtually.


“This Lunch and Learn will focus on how Dungeons and Dragons has been introduced into the mental health field and how it can be applied! DND is great for helping to build relationship and communication skills, problem solving, emotion regulation, and so much more. Sometimes we just need to go on an adventure to work through the hard things! Oh, and there may be free dice involved.”

ASPIRE Family Literacy Program

CAMPUS FEEDBACK SURVEY & FEEDBACK SURVEY DASHBOARD NOW AVAILABLE

The moment you've been waiting for – the Campus version of the Community Feedback Survey is now available! This survey is available both in paper and online via the Community Feedback Survey link. The Administration Guide has been updated with information about the Campus survey, as well as information about the Community Feedback Survey Dashboard (found on the CBS Home Page):


 

APOLLO 201: REPORTS & DASHBOARDS TRAINING 

There are two more Apollo trainings remaining! Register next week's virtual Apollo 201 session here, or attend an in-person session in May here

 

ONGOING RESOURCES & SUPPORTS 

  • PMD Office Hours are Mondays 3-4pm and Fridays 8-9am via Teams. 
  • Read the Inactivation Guide - it will set you up for success as you request inactivations for students rolling off caseload.
  • Read the Closeout Guide - it will set you up for success this summer!
  • Email [email protected] if you need support, have questions, or have a feature request/suggestion. 
  • Apollo FAQs.docx is a document that contains answers to commonly asked questions. PMD updates this on a weekly basis. 
  • Video Walkthrough Links.docx is a list of common Apollo functions (everything covered in 101/102 and then some!) 
  • PMD Apple Updates Archive.docx is a new document that lists out all of PMD's Apple updates for the year! Thanks for bearing with us as we streamline our communications. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Dobie Middle School

"Calling any willing CIS staff and or AmeriCorps Members, Dobie Middle School will be celebrating 50 years this Saturday April 6th and we are looking for some volunteers. In true carnival form we will have different stations of games, arts and crafts, snacks and more. If you happen to have some time on your Saturday to volunteer or even to stop by and just celebrate together, all are welcome. The sign up link can be found below, for follow up questions please feel free to reach out to the campus PM Nadia Bastien. Hope to see some of you there, Beep Beep!" https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A0A4FAAAA2BA1F94-48818184-dobies

SAFA Department Updates

Communication Department

The Communications Department is looking for campuses to participate in the Spring Photoshoots, starting in April. Please reach out to Kelly @ [email protected] to schedule your session date and time!

YED Department Updates

Full PDF here!

CCMR Department Updates and Resources

4ATX Foundation is seeking driven, passionate first-generation college students for a valuable career-building opportunity. Spend your summer learning about the sports industry while shadowing Austin FC, 4ATX and Netspend employees! Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/grb4J6vn

Resources

Female identifying staff & AmeriCorps members are invited to join one of CIS’ newest partners, Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns, for an “extraordinary afternoon of self-care and indulgence” at Divine Decadence: Real Queens Half Day Wellness Retreat. This in-person event will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at The Cathedral located on East 16th Street in Austin, TX, USA. Tickets are $15 or 2 for 1 through the end of March. Learn more and buy tickets here.

“Get ready to pamper yourself like the true queen you are! Indulge in a variety of luxurious wellness activities designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. From soothing yoga sessions to invigorating discussions, our retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation and self-discovery. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of The Cathedral, a serene sanctuary that will enhance your wellness experience.

Our team of expert instructors and therapists will guide you through a series of rejuvenating discussions and activities. Unwind with a calming meditation session, or learn the art of self-care, slow movement yoga, and motivational conversation. Discover new ways to nourish your body and enhance your well-being. Throughout the event, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for self-care and personal growth. Engage in meaningful conversations, make new friends, and build a supportive community that will uplift and inspire you long after the retreat ends.

Indulge in a delectable spread of healthy snacks and beverages, carefully curated to nourish your body from within. Our wellness retreat is all about treating yourself like royalty, so expect to be pampered with divine treats fit for a queen!”

Congrats this weeks Winner of an Starbucks Gift Card is: Frederick Cage


Click to enter this week's drawing for a prize! 

Basket of Support full of goodies for Tom Green Elementary.

For AISD PRIDE Week at Linder ES, we held a door decorating contest - each classroom had the opportunity to be creative and share what PRIDE means to them. The top 3 classes were awarded prizes, with the 1st place winner getting a Popcorn & PJ party, kindness bracelets, 15/20 minute break ticket for the classroom teacher, and a keepsake class polaroid picture. It was awesome to see such great class participation and understanding, that here at Linder ES, all students belong!

Seth Cohen Program Manager at Wooldridge ES during his Tier 1 Event. Students at Wooldridge ES have the opportunity to earn Quail Bucks and exchange them for prizes at the Quail Store!

CIS CEO Sharon Vigil and MSAP Leadership Kendra, Xavier, and Aurelio presenting at Commissioners Court.

CEO Sharon Vigil and In Living Color Affinity Group members Alicia, April, Kerline and Keyanna representing CIS at the Links Incorporated Brunch.

CEO Sharon leading a fireside chat with students at the Camino Real Elementary campus visit.

Rendi Nutt and Alma Alfar, AMC created a dream catcher with Rodriguez ES students!

CIS Day at Goodnight Middle School!

ASPIRE Family Literacy Program Campus Visit

Communication Material Request Form
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Communities In Schools of Central Texas surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.