Communities In Schools of North Texas Celebrates
"Masterpieces in the Making"
Living Magazine--March, 2008: "Every child is a masterpiece in the making. Through education, family support and enriching life experiences they can become a living, breathing work of art.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of children in our community who have little chance of realizing their potential without our help. That’s where Communities In Schools of North Texas comes in – by bringing together the compassion and vast resources from the community to support at-risk children. Each year, Communities In Schools of North Texas celebrates the outstanding work of volunteers, businesses and community organizations at “Celebrating Successes,” their annual fundraising gala.
"Every child is a masterpiece in the making. Through education, family support and enriching life experiences they can become a living, breathing work of art.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of children in our community who have little chance of realizing their potential without our help. That's where Communities In Schools of North Texas comes in - by bringing together the compassion and vast resources from our community to support at-risk children. Each year, Communities In Schools of North Texas celebrates the outstanding work of volunteers, businesses and community organizations at "Celebrating Successes," their annual fundraising gala.
On Saturday, May 17 th at 7 p.m., EDS will present “Celebrating Successes: Masterpieces in the Making,” an elegant evening of celebration hosted at the Omni Park West Hotel. Communities In Schools of North Texas invites you to share an evening of significance as you enjoy jazz music and casino games, experience culinary delights, participate in the silent auction and walk the “Gallery of Successes.”
The “Gallery of Successes” is an inspiring experience that features amazing stories of passion, generosity, commitment and perseverance. Flower Mound High School Breakfast Buddies and Math Buddies, The Village Church “Transform” project, General Electric’s “In the Community for the Community” and ePals partnership, Lewisville ISD PTA Dressed to Learn program, Food4Kids, Saturday Connections, mentoring and a host of other inspiring stories will leave you saying “I can do that!”
Learn more about Celebrating Successes event sponsorship or ticket sales by calling 972-436-6377 or visit www.CISNT.org.
THE UNTOLD STORY
The need for more Communities In Schools of North Texas programs grows each year. In the last two years, the number of students at risk of failing in the school has increased nearly 30 percent in the school districts (Denton ISD, Lewisville ISD, Little Elm ISD and Northwest ISD) served by Communities In Schools of North Texas. The waiting list for schools in need of a Communities In Schools of North Texas program continues to grow each year.
“The students I mentor found his mother dead in their apartment. He failed third grade and has more obstacles to deal with than I could ever imagine. The time I spend with him at his school as a Communities In Schools of North Texas mentor each week has allowed him to develop trust is my most fulfilling hour of the week,” explained Bob Scheinman, Liberty Mortgage U.S.A. partner, who added “Liberty Mortgage believes so deeply in the work of Communities In Schools of North Texas is doing that we donate a portion of the proceeds from each transaction to them to help support their work. Celebrating Successes is an important time for the community to come together, not only to celebrate a year of tremendous accomplishments, but to expand awareness that there is much more work to be done.”
Bob Scheinman is just one of hundreds of Communities In Schools of North Texas mentors who, before becoming involved, had no idea of the magnitude of issues facing children who live within minutes of their homes. The Texas Education Agency Academic Excellence Indicator System Report for 2006-07 shows 10,439 Lewisville ISD students as “economically disadvantaged.” That’s 1 in 5 students. Communities In Schools of North Texas staff and volunteers provide and coordinate vital services in Lewisville ISD at Central Elementary School, Hedrick Elementary School, Lakeland Elementary School, Peters Colony Elementary School, DeLay Middle School, Griffin Middle School and Hedrick Middle School. But there are at least twice that many Lewisville ISD schools who need and want Communities In Schools of North Texas on their campus.
GET INVOLVED!
It’s not a school problem. It’s a community problem, and it takes all of us to shape the future. Whether giving one hour a week as a school-based mentor, conducting drives for school supplies or uniform clothing, or helping to raise much needed financial support, there is a way for everyone to get involved.
Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help children who are at risk of dropping out of school succeed. Proceeds from Celebrating Successes allow Communities In Schools of North Texas to provide dropout prevention services across Denton and Wise Counties.
Celebrating Success Chairperson
Susanne Hutchinson, Texas PTA Area President
Celebrating Successes Oversight Committee
Paul Castillo, Combustion Media, CPG Brand Manager
Dr. Kitty Hudnall, Lewisville ISD Director of Guidance
Lori Krouskos, ViewPoint Bank, Market Manager
Emily McGill, University of North Texas, Graduate Assistant
Julie Rae, Lewisville ISD PTA Council, Secretary
Blake Sharum, Wal-Mart, Assistant Manager
Melanie Barry, CISNT Director of Finance
Dana Smith, CISNT Community Investments Coordinator
Gary Henderson, CISNT Executive Director
“2007 Fast Facts about CISNT”
Total Services Provided – 464,633
Total Hours of Case Management to At-Risk Students – 225,324
Percent of 7 th-12 th Grade Case Managed Students Who Stayed in School – 99.3%
Total Individuals Served – 15,959
Total Volunteers – 1,112
Total Volunteer Hours – 16,612
Total Staff – 28