Helping Kids Succeed in School and in Life

On March 27, 2009, I was honored to be invited to the “Communities In Schools Dallas Region” (CISDR) luncheon at the Walnut Grove Middle School.

Communities In Schools Dallas Region endowment was established in September 2003, with an initial gift of $1 million dollars pledged by Alon USA for the specific purpose of providing financial support and long term stability to CISDR.

I was greeted by Ms. Sandra Chavarria, President & CEO, and other members from the CISDR.  Dr. Kennedy and several board members from MISD were in attendance to show their support.

The mission of “Communities In Schools Dallas Region, Inc.,” is to help students at risk of failure stay in school, achieve academically and graduate to become productive and contributing members of our communities.

In 2007-2008, the CISDR completed an extraordinary year with an unprecedented 29% increase in the number of students receiving comprehensive, one-on-one services and academic support.

Currently, CISDR is helping approximately 10,085 at risk students in 62 schools, 8 school districts and 4 counties. Thousands of people invested their time, resources and funds in CISDR, with the full trust and confidence that the return on their investment will exceed all expectations. 

There are approximately 972 community volunteers helping 10,085 case-managed students. The results from the dedicated staff and volunteers are overwhelming:

·       97% of the students remain in school

·       89% improve their academics, attendance and/or behavior

·       95% eligible seniors graduated

Research has determined that school dropouts earn $9,200 less per year than high school graduates and more than $1 million less over a lifetime than college graduates.

In Texas, 119,000 students dropped out in 2007-2008, costing $19 million in lost tax revenues and increased cost in public health, crime and welfare payments.

The Midlothian Independent School District (MISD) is a school partner with CISDR, with support services available to Midlothian High School, Frank Seale Middle School, Walnut Grove Middle School and JA Vitovsky Elementary School.

CISDR is inviting you to become acquainted with them.  You are invited and encouraged to consider joining this proven program, to see first hand the return on your investment in the smiles and pride of the individuals as they succeed in school and in life.

Please get involved in the future of our children.  If you know a student facing personal problems at home or school, get involved in that student’s life through CISDR.  Become a community volunteer or mentor to a troubled student.  Contact CISDR at 214-827-0955.  Tell them you want to be a CISDR volunteer. Your life will change knowing you helped someone achieve a more quality life.

God Bless

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