The first school where I taught had a mentoring program where a group of volunteers from local businesses would come and read with our elementary school students every Wednesday. I loved walking by the library to see adults sitting with the same child week after week sharing a story over lunch and spending their recess chatting.
In many cases the same volunteers would come back year after year to work with the same kids. These volunteers gave up an hour of their time each week to support public school students. Time that their employer deemed as volunteering but made a huge difference in the lives of these children who could always use an additional adult role model.
Having witnessed the power of a mentoring program makes me proud that Splash Creative Media has partnered with Communities in Schools for this year’s Fill the Backpack campaign.
About Communities in Schools
Communities In Schools works within the public school system, determining student needs and establishing relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations to provide needed resources. We work within public school systems and maximize the use of dedicated volunteers and community partners. We develop national programs based on best practices for improving student achievement. We provide training for staff and ensure each local affiliate serving students adheres to our standards of quality.
-From Communities in Schools What We Do
History of Communities in Schools (8 minutes)
Fill the Backpack’s Partnership with Communities in Schools
Splash Creative Media is donating 10% of our campaign proceeds from Fill the Backpack to Communities in Schools to help them continue the amazing work that they have been doing in public schools for the past 30 years. 90% of all donations funds student services where Communities in Schools works to build support systems and organize and deliver needed resources within schools so students can focus on achievement.
Here are some facts about Communities in Schools’ work in public education:
- 1.35 million students have been affected by Communities in Schools
- 98% of students stay in school.
- 88% of students were promoted to the next grade
- 87% of seniors graduate on time
- 82% of students reduced their high risk behavior
- 4th and 8th grade students are more proficient in reading and math thanks to the program
- 2/3 of teachers surveyed believe the program helps students succeed
- There are 180 Communities in Schools affiliates in 25 states and Washington, D.C.
Besides those incredible statistics that demonstrate the effectiveness of the program, Communities in Schools assistance and support goes beyond the traditional public school. The Communities in Schools Charting for Success program helps students develop plan to continue education beyond high school. They also have small non-traditional high schools to serve those students who have trouble in traditional school settings.
For more information about Communities in Schools, visit their website. To get involved, find a local chapter and volunteer your time and/or donate to support students in your area. CIS is also on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
This post is sponsored by Splash Creative Media. Communities in Schools is our Fill the Backpack nonprofit partner for our 2011 campaign and will be receiving 10% of our proceeds.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
I tweeted @gizmoboaks.tks for the chsnce to win
Thank you for mentioning The Communities in Schools Charting for Success program. They are doing a wonderful job! /Linda