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Learn more about the Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital $40,000 Matching Campaign
July 29, 2010
Dear Friend,
In June, Singer/Actor Tyrese Gibson stood before the students of Ferebee-Hope Community School Complex with a warm smile and encouraging words. The star, known for his roles in Transformers and The Fast and the Furious, took time to visit with the after-school program participants while on a break from filming his latest movie. Gibson spoke passionately to the students and their families about the importance of education, and its positive impact on his life. His message was simple, but firm –
"Dropping out of school is NOT an option."
At Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CIS), we share the same attitude. CIS strategically connects students and their families to needed community resources, enabling them to successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. We partner with local businesses, social service organizations, parents and volunteers to meet individual student needs.
CIS established a presence at Ferebee-Hope Community School Complex during the 2005-2006 school year. On any given afternoon, you might see students learning Japanese, writing plays, or taking computer classes in the 21st Century Community Learning Center Extended Day Program. On a Friday afternoon, a student might rush past you in the hall with healthy food in hand for her family to eat that weekend. On Tuesday, in the school courtyard, a service-learning class might amaze you as it learns about the life cycle of a plant in a community garden they helped to create.
These are just a few examples of the work done by CIS for students and parents, and with your help CIS is poised to build on this work next year.
Our success with more than 2,000 underserved students throughout the District of Columbia lies heavily with the involvement of the community. We are asking that you support CIS of the Nation’s Capital by contributing to our 2010 Matching Donation drive. We hope that you will join us in meeting our financial goal, as well as help us continue raising awareness about our work keeping kids in school, and on the path to graduation. With this campaign, we can work together to provide children with the support they need to stay in school. Through September 7, every donation to CIS will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000. To donate today and take advantage of this generous matching offer, visit www.cisnationscapital.org/donate.
We want every student attending our partner schools– Browne Education Campus Elementary School, Ferebee-Hope Community School Complex, Hart Middle School, M.C. Terrell/McGogney Elementary School, Spingarn Senior High School– to benefit from CIS delivered programs. We want each student to have the tools needed to maintain a high-level of academic performance. With your contribution, our efforts will continue to provide the necessary support to boost graduation rates. Your gift will have a significant impact on their ability to maintain their studies, stay in school and successfully graduate.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, and for helping CIS continue to provide our children with the option that leads to success!
Donate today, and take advantage of this generous matching offer! To donate online visit www.cisnationscapital.org/donate.
Sincerely,
Tobeka G. Green
Chief Executive Officer
July 8, 2010
Dear Friend,
As a 12-year-old, Cory would sit cross legged for hours reading everything Harry Potter. He savored every word, mesmerized by the story’s magic, and captivated by the character’s adventures. His eyes popped when he unwrapped the 800-page Book 5 – the only item on his graduation gift list. Two years later, instead of enjoying the world of make-believe, the teenager in high school now worried about the violence in his neighborhood. Instead of seeing schoolwork as a choice, he succumbed to peer pressure. Cory struggled to keep up with his studies. Unsupported and unengaged, he began skipping classes, fell deeper behind, and at 17, officially gave up on his education.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated story. There are countless students who could benefit from a network of support. What if there had been tutors Cory could have gone to whenever he had difficulty with class work? What if there had been mentors in the community that Cory could have met with whenever he had questions? Would he have gotten off course if those in the business community had shown him the path to employment?
At Communities In Schools, we work together with families, schools, and the community to help our children be successful in school and life. Our goal is to provide a link that allows students easy access to the support networks they need. First, we marry community outreach and support services with the students, parents and teachers, then bring the services directly into the schools.
We are asking you to join us in reaching our goals. Through your contributions, you help us continue to provide these valuable connections, and allow us to meet the needs of thousands of students throughout the DC area.
Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CIS) plays an important role in helping students in underserved communities deal with everyday challenges as they try to focus on their education and meet academic standards. Our model of Community-Based Integrated Student Support Services aims to improve the academic performance, behavior, attendance and graduation rates of students. An affiliate of the nation’s largest dropout prevent organization, the mission of CIS is to champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.
We do this in partnership with health, social and academic support services existing in the community. Students attending our partner schools, Ballou Senior High School – Twilight Academy, Ferebee-Hope Community School Complex (Elementary), Hart Middle School, and M.C. Terrell/McGogney Elementary School benefit from programs that include mentors, tutors, employment services, business partners and you. We know improved attendance, behavior and academic performance equals higher stay-in-school and graduation rates.
We are asking that you help support our efforts this year by contributing to our 2010 Matching Donation drive, a fundraising campaign where we raise awareness and money to help children stay in school. Last year, gifts from the generous individuals in our community allowed CIS to deliver integrated school-wide and targeted services and resources to more than 2,000 of the District of Columbia’s most at-risk students. For two months, July 8 – September 8, every donation to CIS will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000.
We hope you will contribute to our campaign. Your donation will provide the network of support needed to help our children stay on track for successful learning. Remember, your tax deductible gift will be matched, making for a double contribution.
Donate today and take advantage of this generous matching offer! To donate online visit www.cisnationscapital.org/donate.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Tobeka G. Green
Chief Executive Officer
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