May, 2009 -- Kalamazoo Communities In Schools is extremely happy to announce we have commitments that exceed the $2.7 million goal of our advancement campaign, A Promise in the Making. We would like to offer those who were a part of this campaign our deepest thanks for making the success and well-being of all children in our community a priority, even during these times of economic uncertainty. This support enables KCIS to fulfill our mission: to champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.
The past year has been one of growth for KCIS. In the fall of 2008, we adopted the National Communities In Schools (CIS) model for Integrated Student Services (ISS). This means that we now function as a data-driven, needs-based organization, assessing individual and school-wide needs. After a needs assessment is complete, KCIS recruits community resources that will meet the identified needs. The ISS model is proven to be an effective and evidence-based approach to improving 4th and 8th grade reading and math proficiency, decreasing the dropout rate, and improving the graduation rate.
In alignment with National CIS, KCIS has established anticipated outcomes of improving reading, writing, math, attendance and behavior. We do this not only through academic supports, such as mentoring and tutoring, but also through health care, dental care, eyeglasses, mental health, literacy programming, parent engagement, after-school care, and by providing food, clean clothing, hygiene items, and more.
Please consider joining KCIS during the next few months as we host a variety of information sessions to connect community members with an active understanding of how we provide services to schools and students through the ISS model. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a guided tour of a KCIS site, please contact Brooke Buys, KCIS Director of Development, at 337-1601 x209 or at bnbuys@kcis.us.