Founder Bill Milliken began Communities In Schools (CIS) in New York City in the 1970’s. He came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools-where they are accessible, coordinated and accountable. “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children,” Bill once said. “A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
CIS of Mid-America continues to carry out Bill’s vision and has a proven track record of improving student outcomes in academic achievement and behavior patterns. Students participating in CIS of Mid-America projects have increased promotion and graduation rates, improved attendance, improved academic performance and have fewer discipline referrals.
If you’re interested in getting involved with CIS, one great way to meet the coordinator at the Crossroads Preparatory Academy is by attending Motivational Monday. I went to the last one and it was so much fun to high five all of the kids before they got to school! Here’s more info:
Happy Volunteering!