Communities in Schools
There has been much in the media recently about the state of our schools. Itís been encouraging to see community members step forward to offer assistance.
Improving education requires community-wide action in ways both big and small.
At Communities in Schools, thatís what weíre all about. We are a United Way agency that has been in Rowan County since 1998 and are the nationís largest dropout prevention program.
Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Challenge yourself to make a difference in the life of a Rowan-Salisbury student by becoming a CIS volunteer.
No special skills are required and the time commitment is only 30 minutes to an hour a week.
We are placing volunteers at the following sites where there is CIS staff: Hanford-Dole Elementary, Koontz Elementary, North Rowan Elementary, Overton Elementary, Knox Middle, North Rowan Middle and South Rowan High.
A short orientation session is required and a willingness to submit to a criminal background check, both of which are free.
During the training, you will learn about general responsibilities, legal concerns and procedures for working with the children.
Volunteers may choose to be a mentor, tutor or both.
Tutors will work with children on specific subjects such as reading or math depending on the individual childís needs.
Materials to be used with the tutoring will be provided by their teachers. Mentors are a caring adult presence and a listening ear for a student.
Most mentors will come to the school during lunch and visit with their students during that time.
Children are referred to the program by teachers, principals, guidance counselors and parents. It truly does take a village to raise a child, so please step up and help do that in your own community.
Contact CIS Volunteer Coordinator Doris Yost at 704-797-0210 or email her at cisvolunteer@ aol.com to register for a training date.
Dates for the training sessions are:
5 to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Sept. 15
9:30 to 11 a.m., Sept. 22
9 to 10:30 a.m., Oct. 5
5 to 6:3 p.m., Oct. 13,
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 18
9:30 to 11 p.m., Oct. 27
9 to 10:30 a.m., Nov.3
10 to 11:30 a.m., Nov.8
5 to 6:30 p.m., Nov. 17
9 to 10:30 a.m., Dec. 7
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Dec. 13.