Tomatoes, squash, lettuce, and cucumbers are just some of the vegetables discovered by participants of the Communities In Schools of Brunswick County Learn and Serve Summer Camp program at Southport Elementary School. The program focused on the connection between the garden and the table with visits to local farms and farmers markets as well as cooking demonstrations. “Children no longer have that daily reminder that the food they eat does not have to come wrapped in plastic from the grocery store,” says Jennifer Fuller, environmental educator. “They need to reconnect and discover knowledge of plants and animals that is being lost as we move further away from an agricultural society.”
Fuzzie Mae’s and Baked with Love provided fresh healthy lunches, while Mr. Phil Joyner and Dr. Jugta Kahai invited students out to tour their urban vegetable gardens. The NC Cooperative Extension System and Downtown Southport participated with children at Wednesday’s Southport Farmer’s Market. Brunswick County Soil and Water Conservation Specialists played games discussing where our food comes from and the difference between processed and non-processed foods.
The Learn and Serve Camp was offered free to students through a competitive grant process offered by CIS of North Carolina. Over 50 community children were served through the grant. “We are blessed by all the support from the community partners who have helped plan and implement this project for the children,” says Cynthia Tart, Executive Director. CIS has submitted a follow up grant for additional funds to sponsor the second phase of the School Garden in which the actual design and planting will become a reality. Participating students will form a school garden club and use what they learned this summer to expand the existing school garden at Southport Elementary School in the fall.
Volunteers and civic groups are needed to help with construction of the school garden in the fall. To get involved and help make this a worthy project for our children or for more information about CIS summer camps and after school programs, contact 253-5327x1432
BIG TOY DAY
By: CIS
The 2nd Annual Big Toy Day was a success! Click here to read about it in the State Port Pilot. We're on the front page, too!
2nd Annual Little Princess Ball
By: CIS
February 13, 2010 A procession of princesses from across the county traveled through a winder wonderland to attend the sold-out 2nd Annual Little Princess Ball with the special men in their lives. A joint venture by Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and Communities In Schools (CIS), the Ball attracted over two hundred fifty kindergarten to fifth grade girls and their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other male role models. “For two hours my daughter had my undivided attention, something that doesn’t happen every day,” “Girls from every walk of life were made to feel like princesses, and every man there can be proud of having taken the time to make them feel that way.” said CIS Board Member Alan Cheatham whose daughter Catherine attends Union Elementary School.
The County’s new Brunswick Center at Southport was transformed into a ballroom fit for royalty. Guests were greeted by Gina and Doug Fritchey of Southport who appeared as Queen and King of the Ball. Gracie the Clown’s decorative face painting enchanted the princesses while manicures by Olivia Hood of Charisma Salon provided that finishing touch of glamour. More than two dozen other volunteers became “ladies in waiting” to assist with these and other activities including jewelry making, a trivia contest, and more. And when leaving the ballroom floor, guest refreshed themselves at a banquet table which included cookies provided by Sugar Confections and The Confectionary. Raffle items were provided by Planet Fun, Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, and Thunder Alley.
Communities In Schools of North Carolina Receives Grants from Progress Energy and IBM for National Mentoring Month
By: CISNC
RALEIGH – 1/27/10 - Communities In Schools of North Carolina announced that it distributed $9,324 in grants to its local affiliates to promote National Mentoring Month. CISNC applied for and utilized $4,995 from Progress Energy and $4,329 from IBM. As a result, CISNC distribute grants of $333 each to 26 of its local affiliates that applied. Two local affiliates will receive two grants each.
“Progress Energy is a strong supporter of education and we are proud of our partnership with Communities In Schools of North Carolina,” said Woody Dicus, manager of corporate community relations at Progress Energy. “We know that mentors can make a difference in the lives of individuals who may be lacking a needed role model. We are pleased to invest in programs that help ensure students have an opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential.”
"IBM is a strong supporter of Communities In Schools of North Carolina and its efforts to support student achievement through programs such as mentoring,” said Tina Wilson, manager of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs for IBM. “CISNC has a proven track record of helping students stay in school and graduate.”
“Mentoring is one avenue in which we can help make sure our students stay in school and receive positive reinforcement,” said Linda Harrill, president and CEO of CISNC. “With the help of corporate sponsors such as Progress Energy and IBM, we are able to take time this January during National Mentoring Month to thank mentors statewide for the work they do to keep North Carolina’s students in school and on track to succeed.”
This year's National Mentoring Month, themed Expand Your Universe, Mentor a Child, focuses on developing ways to mobilize more community volunteers to mentor a young person and increasing knowledge about how mentoring can greatly enhance their prospects for leading a healthy and productive life. Research shows that mentoring has beneficial and long-term effects on youth by increasing their chances of high school graduation and college attendance and decreasing the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors.
For the past 20 years, CISNC has been helping communities connect resources with schools and other sites to help young people learn, stay in school and prepare for life. Corporate partnerships, like those with Progress Energy and IBM, are key to this strategy, resulting in CISNC being the leading statewide dropout prevention organization.
Below are the CIS affiliates who received grants:
Brunswick County
Cabarrus County
Caldwell County
Cape Fear
Carteret County
Clay County
Cleveland County
Cumberland County
Forsyth County
Gaston County
High Point
Lee County
Lexington/Davidson
Madison County
Mitchell County
Montgomery County
Moore County
Northeast
Pitt County
Randolph County
Robeson County
Rowan County
Transylvania County
Wake County
Wayne County
New Board Members
By: CIS
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) is proud to announce nine additions to their Board of Directors. At the September Board Meeting, Judy Hylton of BEMC, Tracey Long of Novant Health/Brunswick Community Hospital, and Jeff Roberts of Trinity Methodist Church joined the CIS family. The December meeting welcomed Leroy Brown of The Bridge Pizza and Grill, David Kesterson of First Bank, Earl Oxendine of First Federal, Tom Rogers of Brunswick County Emergency Services, John Titrington of Progress Energy as well as County Commissioner Phil Norris. “We are grateful to have so many dedicated community leaders give their support to our organization,” says CIS Executive Director Cynthia Tart.
Pictured: Jeff Roberts, Judy Hylton, Leroy Brown, Tom Rogers, David Kesterson, Earl Oxendine, John Titrington
Some Brunswick County teachers may think the grass is greener on the other side of the Cape Fear bridge, but Principal Bob Grimes says it’s greener right where he is, back home.
Grimes, from North Brunswick High School, was named Brunswick County’s Principal of the Year Friday. The 65-year-old spent much of his career in the district, then left in 2001 for New Hanover County Schools, ultimately becoming Laney High’s principal.
Grimes returned to Brunswick County Schools in the 2007-08 school year, taking over North Brunswick High as it struggled academically. He has led the school from a 49 percent pass rate in state test scores in 2007 to 73 percent this year.
“This is the greatest leadership that anyone could ever ask for,” county schools’ Superintendent Katie McGee said at the Friday ceremony, held by Communities in Schools at the Progress Energy Visitors’ Center in Southport. The other nominees, chosen by their peers, were Supply Elementary’s Dwight Willis, Town Creek Elementary’s Helen Davis and West Brunswick High’s George Kelley.
McGee said Willis told her he was flattered but felt he wasn’t the year’s top principal, an attitude she commended publicly. At the end of the ceremony, Willis hugged Grimes and told him he deserved the honor.
Grimes said North Brunswick High now has the third-highest pass rate and the most growth in test scores among 77 schools in “turnaround status,” schools monitored by the state for low performance. If it does well again this year, his school will be off that watch list, he said.
To attack the low scores, Grimes introduced tutoring during the school day, rather than hoping that students would show up for it after school, as well as transitional classes for those not ready to go to the next level in academic subjects. He credits Deanne Meadows, whom he replaced as principal, with putting in place the staff that helped make those changes happen.
“I think more than anything it really validates what my staff has done,” Grimes said of being elected Principal of the Year, an honor he also won years ago at Shallotte Middle. “I’m very appreciative of it.”
McGee said she pestered Grimes until he agreed to come back to North Brunswick High, where he had previously taught English and coached. Brunswick County school board member Scott Milligan said he remembers being a sophomore at the school and having Grimes as a substitute teacher.
“He has not changed,” Milligan said. “He’s always walked softly and carried a big stick.”
That means Grimes is a nice guy but is tough when he has to be. In his 25 years in education, he has had a history of lifting up schools’ academics and discipline as principal, something he did at Brunswick’s Shallotte Middle and New Hanover’s Trask Middle, McGee said.
The Friday Principal of the Year ceremony featured speeches by McGee and South Brunswick High Principal Vann Pennell, last year’s Principal of the Year in the school system, region and state as whole.
Better Business Bureau Ranks CIS
By: CIS - National
The Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator Rank Communities In Schools
In the Top Tier of Nonprofits for Its Financial Stewardship and Sound
Operations
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities In Schools is proud to show its commitment to the highest standards of charitable giving by being recognized by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. Along with the organization's second four-star rating from nationally recognized Charity Navigator, participation in the Wise Giving Alliance places
Communities In Schools in the top tier of nonprofits for its financial
stewardship and operational transparency.
"At Communities In Schools, we believe our mission is a trust - one that we
take very seriously and that is a core part of helping young people achieve
their true potential and succeed both in school and in life. Recognition from
two nationally respected charity evaluators with such rigorous criteria is
another example of how we validate that trust in what we do every day," said
Daniel J. Cardinali, president, Communities In Schools, Inc.
While many nonprofits continue to receive support despite tough economic
times, the public and key funders are demanding that organizations such as
Communities In Schools show unprecedented transparency and proven results to
justify continued contributions. In many cases, nonprofit organizations are
being asked to do more with less, and donors are looking for proof that a
nonprofit's operations are effective.
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance is nationally recognized for
their rigorous evaluation process that helps foster sound giving decisions and
advances high standards of conduct among nonprofits. Formed by the merger of
the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business
Bureau's Foundation (which housed the Philanthropic Advisory Service), the
Wise Giving Alliance offers a century of experience in providing the public
with the information they need when deciding whether to contribute money, time
and effort to a nonprofit.
Charity Navigator is the nation's largest nonprofit evaluator, issuing
comprehensive reports on more than 5,000 national organizations that are used
by more than four million donors.
The endorsement of the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator are born
out by CIS' numbers. The organization has network-wide revenues of more than
$222 million. There are 214 CIS affiliates across the country and a labor
force that is 94 percent non-paid volunteers. These resources mean that
nearly 2.1 students across the country have access to services and attend
schools in which CIS has a presence. Organizational accountability is at the
heart CIS' 30-year promise to the public and young people it serves.
Communities In Schools is the nation's largest dropout prevention
organization, working in more than 3,200 K-12 public schools. Founded in
1977, Communities In Schools is headquartered in Arlington, Va. Today, more
than 1.3 million young people annually receive direct services through nearly
200 Communities In Schools local affiliates in 26 states and the District of
Columbia. Between 80-90 percent of Communities In Schools' tracked students
show improvement in academic achievement, attendance, behavior and promotion to the next grade level. Visit our website at www.communitiesinschools.org.
BIG TOY DAY
By: CIS
May 30, 2009
Planes, trains, automobiles and just about anything else you can think of made it to Big Toy Day at the Brunswick County Airport on Saturday, May 30. Designed to provide a fun-filled educational experience for kids of all ages, the day gave a behind-the-scenes peak into the careers of pilots, truck drivers, fire fighters, law enforcement agents, sanitation crews, race car drivers, construction workers, commercial fishermen, and more. Eighty children, ages 8 to 17, even got to fly as Young Eagles thanks to the EAA Chapters 186 and 297 who provided the airplane and helicopter rides.
“My favorite was the helicopter ride,” said nine-year-old Jordan Smith from Belville Elementary School. His little brother Justin, age 4, preferred climbing into the trucks and honking the horns according to their mother Nicole. “The big kids enjoyed it as much as the little ones,” added Mike Sears of Triple T Parts and Equipment which provided three vehicles.
Sponsored by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS), Big Toy Day was a family-oriented event first and a fundraiser second. “We are all about keeping kids in school and helping them prepare for life,” said Executive Director Cynthia Tart. “It’s heart-warming to see how many individuals, municipalities, and businesses came out to share their “toys” and let the kids play make-believe.” A family of four reported “it was the best time we’ve had as a family in our entire lives.”
Airport Director Howie Franklin says, “The Brunswick County Airport Commission has always wanted to utilize the facility for functions like this.” Franklin, a former CIS board member, was instrumental in ensuring safety precautions were taken and traffic to Oak Island flowed freely.
Those participating in the event include: Affordable Fishing Charters; Black’s Tire Service; Brunswick County Animal Services Department; Brunswick County Health Dept.; Brunswick County Sheriff’s Dept.; Brunswick County Wildlife Enforcement; Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation; Jimmy Bullard – “Never Grow Up”; Bruce Goins (Rivers Edge Plantation); Gregory Poole Equipment Co.; John Russ Wrecker Service; Richard & Ginny Largent (EAA Chapter 186 – Winchester, VA. – Airplane Rides); Long Bay Boats; Marine Mart/TC Marine; Ken McGee (EAA Chapter 297 – Burgaw, NC – Helicopter Rides); Bob Moore (Rivers Edge Plantation); Oak Island EMS & Fire Dept.; Oak Island Police Department; Rex & Sons RVs; St. George Society; Southport Concrete; Southport Fire Dept.; Stewart Enterprises Locksmith; Triple-T; U.S. Army – Military Ocean Terminal – SUNNY POINT – ADSO (Safety) Rail Operations; U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island; Don & Jo Ann Wadsworth – Ocean Isle Beach; Waste Management; and Yaupon Beach Fire Dept.
The event would not have been possible without the following volunteers Quiana Alsabry; Mariah Brazil; Monique Bryant; Paul Chopko and the Southport Kiwanis; Margie Glover, Annette Goins; Linda and Dan Lynes; Breanna McDonald Denise Moore; Tikila Morgan; Faye Nelson; Melanie Paceco; Nicole Smith; Heather Soucek; Sherrie Stevens; Monique Stenquist; Miranda Roberts; Danny Tart; Travis Tart; Randy Thompson; and Kathy Woods.
Participating vendors were: Oak Island Dairy Queen; Ocean View United Methodist Church; Dr. Tara Parnell; Party Time; and Sunset Slush of OKI.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Awards Grant to CIS
By: CIS
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Awards Grant to CIS
To fund recreational opportunities
April 23, 2009
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation recently awarded a grant to Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. to implement Let’s ALL Play – Inclusion in Recreational Programs. The grant will allow children with developmental disabilities to enjoy a successful summer camp experience in an inclusive setting.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has been actively developing its Let’s ALL Play Program since the program’s inception in 2004. Today, the Foundation supports over 35 recreational programs across the country. Providing this grant to CIS is another exciting step toward TBAF’s goal of full inclusion. “We feel that partnering with CIS will help us further our mission to open doors in communities nationwide for children with disabilities to experience everything life has to offer,” says Jerry Aiken, Executive Director. Through the Let’s ALL Play Program, the Foundation supports recreational programs in their efforts to implement inclusive camps by providing a program model, funding, and training. Read more...
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
By: CIS
North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
The Ribbon of Hope
Emphasizing the Importance of Health, Science, and Education to North Carolina
April 9, 2009 A GlaxoSmithKline Ribbon of Hope grant to help enhance after school programs with hands-on science activities was awarded to Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. The funds will provide 100 students with opportunities to "Expand their Horizons." For four weeks starting April 20, children from Southport, Belville and Lincoln Elementary Schools will be engaged with hands on science activities provided by Mad Science and focusing on the environment. Ten additional weeks of activities will be included in the summer camps at Supply, Southport, Union, and Belville Elementary Schools. The Museum of Coastal Carolina, Bald Head Island Conservancy, and the Ingram Planetarium will partner with CIS and Mad Science to expand the horizons of children in grades 3, 4 & 5. Environmental Educator Jen Fuller will volunteer her services to help educate the children in fun filled ways on the eco system. Children will visit the museum and planetarium for further exploration and take nature hikes to the beach. For more information, contact Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director at 754-9515.
Students View Environment through Art
By: CIS
March 3, 2009 Students in the Communities In Schools (CIS) After School Program at Virginia Williamson recently participated in a guided tour of the Art Shak Gallery in Southport. Owners Thom and Linda provided the tour while discussing how artists showcased in the gallery use coastal ecosystems as inspiration for their pieces. The trip was made possible by a grant from the Brunswick Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, as part of a larger environmental education through art program known as “Dream Seekers.” Students in the program learned about unique ecosystems in Brunswick County through a variety of hands-on nature studies and art projects. For more information, contact Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director, at 754-9515 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.
Verdict is in – Teen Court a Success
By: CIS
January 8, 2009 Ten years ago, Brunswick County had a problem – too many young people entering the juvenile justice system for demonstrating poor judgment and having that mistake follow them forever. Thanks to Teen Court, first time offenders are now given a second chance at a clean slate.
Teen Court is an alternative justice system which encourages youth to take responsibility for their actions and correct their mistakes. The youth is defended and prosecuted by peers. A jury of peers then imposes constructive sentencing which may include restitution, community service, or counseling. Since 1999 over 700 first time offenders have participated in the program, saving the county over a million dollars. Working with Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS), former Representative David Redwine, Representative Dewey Hill, and Senator R.C. Soles were instrumental in providing funding for and implementing this program.
Brunswick County District Attorney Rex Gore credits Teen Court with turning a problem into a passion for the adult and student volunteers, as well as judges who preside over the cases. At the recent anniversary celebration, Mr. Gore recognized Judge Napoleon Barefoot for chairing the task force which started the program. Volunteers Pete Erbe, John Kelso, Fred Amman and Ed Kay were honored for their years of dedication to the program, acting as mentors and instructing the student volunteers in courtroom etiquette. A special award was presented to Glenda Ansley, Teen Court Director for the past nine years.
Teen Court is a partnership program between the District Attorney’s Office and CIS. For more information contact Glenda Ansley at 253-8220 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.
A grant from the Brunswick Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council is being used for a seven-week environmental education through art project at Virginia Williamson Elementary School. Known as “Dream Seekers,” students in the Communities In Schools (CIS) After School Program are learning to identify the ecosystems in Brunswick County, including the plants and animals which live here. “By including natural world components in their studies, the students are encouraged to investigate wildlife and nature as an inspiration for art,” says Environmental Educator Jennifer Fuller.
The Dream Seekers program has five basic goals. “We want the students to become familiar with the ecosystems in Brunswick County; identify threatened or endangered species; identify ways to help conserve or improve the ecosystem; investigate wildlife and nature as inspiration for art and use art to promote awareness in our community; and, finally, investigate careers that promote and encourage conserving, protecting and improving the natural world around us,” explains CIS After School Director Kathy Smith.
Conservation Enforcement Officers Bill Lester and Matt Long from the NC Wildlife Resource Commission visited their After School program last month to help students understand the diversity of ecosystems and how each plant and animal plays a special role in ecosystem sustainability, including humans. Student had an opportunity to see, touch and hear objects such as beaver and fox hides, deer antlers, and rattlesnake rattles. Students drew their interpretation of a forest and its creatures, and created individual or group artwork out of local aquatic plants.
More recently students spent an afternoon participating in show and tell with native turtles, snakes and lizards during a visit from Jeff Harms of the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Other activities planned include creating a collage from litter collected during a clean-up event, making kites painted with a native plant or animal discussed, and a visit to The Art Shak in Southport to view art inspired by native coastal ecosystems. Students will present their collective artworks to parents and after school staff during their very own art show at the end of the Environmental Education through Art program. For more information, contact Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director, at 754-9515 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org.
Brunswick County schools could see fewer high school dropouts in the future if two programs to begin early next year do what they're supposed to.
Both funded through grants from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the programs include a $125,000 dropout prevention program at Shallotte Middle School and a $145,500 program at Brunswick County Academy.
Preventing dropouts is a big issue in Brunswick County, where the school dropout rates are among the highest in the state.
The middle school program, organized and coordinated by Brunswick County Communities in Schools, will bring together a variety of community and school-based resources to help 60 students who are identified as being at-risk of becoming dropouts.
The school system is directing the program at the academy, which will seek to stimulate students academically through exposure to visiting artists.
Research shows that students who participate in the arts have higher grades on standardized tests and are at less risk for becoming dropouts, said Rita Hargrove, Brunswick County schools' director of school safety.
The CIS program is supported by an outside audit that said the organization's dropout prevention program "is one of a very few in the United States proven to keep students in school," according to a synopsis of the audit.
Additionally, the audit found the CIS program is the only one in the nation "with scientifically based evidence to prove that it increases graduation rates."
The program at Shallotte Middle School will use student appearances before the school's Peer Court to identify those who need the special assistance, said Patsy Thrift, program operations officer for Brunswick CIS.
Once they are chosen, Thrift said, students will be eligible for a variety of services aimed at resolving low academic performance, low attendance rates and behavior problems. In addition, the program will include parent counseling to help assure the family's buy-in both to education in general and the program's assistance in particular.
Counseling and tutoring services will likely be offered by paid professionals while other program offerings such as mentoring will come through volunteers, Thrift said.
The idea is to surround the student with help.
"Some will take it and use it," Thrift said of the help, "and some won't. It's just like any other program."
The only difference in the Brunswick program and the standard CIS dropout prevention program is that the students locally will be identified through Peer Court.
A CIS-backed program, Peer Court is the equivalent of Teen Court, which conducts student-led trials of other students who have chargeable offenses that must be adjudicated. Peer Court also handles lesser, nonchargeable offenses, Thrift said.
The CIS national audit of the program said that of 1,000 students in schools with the program, 36 more will stay in school and 48 more will graduate on time with a regular diploma.
Both the CIS program and the school system's program will begin in January and run through June 2010.
No matching funds are required for either grant.
Contact STEVE JONES at 910-754-9855.
Principal of the Year
By: Hilary Snow - State Port Pilot
11/19/08
Pennell Honored - Head Cougar is Principal of Year
When he became principal of South Brunswick High School nearly four years ago, Vann Pennell didn't make any promises. Click for full story.
Community leaders consider what deters dropouts
By: Steve Jones - Sun News
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
SUPPLY, N.C. — Bill Milliken, the founder of the national Communities in Schools organization, said Tuesday at a luncheon in Brunswick County that the country will be making a big mistake if it cuts funding to education because of the current economic crisis. The 1.2 million students who drop out of schools nationally each year are already a big hole in the national ship, he said, and it will be almost impossible to right it without fixing the hole. “We’d better not shrink what we’re spending on our children,” Milliken warned the nearly 200 people at the Brunswick County Education Luncheon sponsored by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce.
Communities in Schools has proved itself a vital part of student success with its 30 years of linking schools with businesses, churches, governments and volunteers to enwrap students with the help many need to stay in schools, he said. Brunswick County Communities in Schools is the second- or third-largest in North Carolina and has 2,000 volunteers and a number of programs that have proven successful in keeping some students in schools and raising test scores so that program participants are learning at the same grade level as other students.
“We’ve proven in Communities in Schools that children can learn no matter what their background,” Milliken said. But, he emphasized several times, it’s not programs that give students success. “It’s relationships that change people,” he said.
And yet, Brunswick County Schools’ top officials said after the luncheon that the system needs a vocational education high school and a new state law to bring down the state’s fourth-highest high school dropout rate. Some at the luncheon agreed that there seems to be a disconnect between the system’s high dropout rate and one of the state’s strongest Communities in Schools programs. When asked what’s missing locally, they paused to think.
“I don’t know the answer,” said Brunswick County District Attorney Rex Gore, who was given Progress Energy’s annual Power of One Award at the luncheon because of his involvement with Communities in Schools. Gore was instrumental in encouraging and helping Communities in Schools locally to start the teen court, peer court and parent education programs. Perhaps the missing link is parental involvement, Gore said.
Maybe, said Brunswick County Commissioner Marty Cooke, a Communities in Schools board member, more one-on-one mentoring is needed.
Cathy Altman, Brunswick County chamber president, said she hopes a program started recently between the chamber and Shallotte Middle School can help. The program will identify students’ interests and then offer speakers from those areas to the schools.
Katie McGee, Brunswick County schools’ superintendent, said she thinks a change in state law will help lower the dropout rate. Currently, she said, students who leave high school early but then enroll in community college are counted as dropouts, and she doesn’t think they should be. “The perception is that dropout means that the kid is going to the streets,” she said. The change in who is counted as a dropout would help, she said, even though she doesn’t know how many of Brunswick County’s high school dropouts then enroll in community college courses.
Shirley Babson, Brunswick County school board chairwoman, said the vocational education high school the board wants to build could be the answer. The school system has tried a number of things to get students to stay in school, she said, but she believes the targeted-learning high school might be key in finally turning the ship in the right direction.
“I wouldn’t be here today if that person hadn’t spent a year helping me turnaround,” Milliken said of his own experience. He was kicked out of high school in Pittsburgh, he said, and was rudderless until an organization called Young Life reached out to him. He’s since been to college and began his work helping other students at a storefront in Harlem. That evolved into a program called Cities in Schools in Atlanta and to the organization that today commands a seat at the table of national leaders who work to solve education issues. He has counseled four presidents on education. Without the hope that a community can give them, Milliken said, young people who drop out of school are either going to hurt themselves or others. “Programs don’t turn people around,” he said, “relationships do.”
"A Taste of Brunswick County" benefits Children
By: CIS
Sample the culinary creations of the area’s finest chefs at “A Taste of Brunswick County.” As the highlight of the 7th Annual Benefit Gala for Children, eighteen local restaurants and caterers have donated their tastiest dishes to benefit Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS). This year’s Honorary Chair and presenting sponsor is David Gooden, U.S. Cellular Platinum Certified Authorized Agent. Dance the night away to the music of The 360 Degrees! Bid on a wide array of items in the live and silent auctions! The Gala is Thursday, October 16 from 6-10 pm at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center in Sunset Beach.
Funds generated by the Gala benefit the children and families of Brunswick County through Academic Scholarships, After School Programs, Teen and Peer Courts, Adopt A School and Volunteer Program, Family Resource Centers, the Family Literacy Center, and the Parenting Education Program. Tickets to this black tie optional event are available for $100 per person by calling Kimberly Bandera at 910-457-2916 or kbandera.cis@bizec.rr.com. For more information about CIS, its programs, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.cisbrunswick.com.
Communities in Schools welcomes new board members
By: By KATHRYN JACEWICZ, Brunswick Beacon
7/16/2008
Communities in Schools of Brunswick County (CIS), local chapter of the nationwide dropout prevention program, is preparing to begin the school year with a new board chairman and five new board of director members.
Jim MacCallum was nominated to be the new chairman. MacCallum and his wife moved to Brunswick County about seven years ago in hopes of retiring. Instead, he opened a new law firm and they both became involved in various community organizations.
MacCallum joined CIS board of directors about two years ago and previously served as the vice-chair.
Before moving to North Carolina, MacCallum served on a local school board and the state school board in West Virginia. A frequent speaker in the public schools, MacCallum has given about 200 presentations on topics such as careers, job skills and student success.
“Education has been my ‘other’ career,” MacCallum said. “It’s just a passion of mine. I really enjoy what I do.”
MacCallum will serve as the board chairman for two years but said he has no plans to make changes to the operations of the organization.
“I will be trying to continue what we’ve done well in the past,” he said.
One of his main jobs will be to further educate the community about CIS. The organization, which has been active in Brunswick County since 1995, helps students stay in school by acting as a liaison to help connect the community, parents and schools.
More than 700 students were helped by CIS last year in after school programs that offer assistance and tutoring. Family Resource Centers in Leland and Waccamaw provide parent and adult education, GED and ESL services and a Hispanic outreach program.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center has served 75 at risk students who showed a 71 percent improvement in reading scores last year.
Teen and Peer Court programs provide alternative offenses for students as a diversion from the juvenile court system.
“As chairman, I will tell the story of CIS, and I will tell it often,” MacCallum said. “It’s such a great and compelling story and I’m eager to tell it.”
Cynthia Tart, executive director of CIS, said the past leadership has been “awesome,” and the organization would not excel without it.
“The chairs clearly understand the commitment when they come on board and are voted into office, and they understand the importance of their leadership and the effect it’s going to have on the programs,” she said.
“They connect the dots from their position as a chair to the actual delivery of the program to the people we are trying to serve. I look forward to working with Jim and getting to know him and his family.”
The board of directors consists of 31 members so all areas of the community are represented, Tart said. New board members include Anna Blizzard, Allan Cheatham, Julie Morris, Juan Ramos and Art Wilband.
To become a volunteer or for more information about Communities in Schools and its services, call the main office at 457-3494.
CIS has anti-gang initiatives
By: Linda R. Harrill, CIS NC
7/23/08 - Brunswick Beacon
To the editor: The anti-gang legislation passed by the General Assembly this week is a good step in the right direction for putting an end to the gang violence in our state.
The legislation truly gets to the heart of the matter because it focuses on the source of gang activity—older adults who deliberately target our youth to join gangs by making the life of a gang member more alluring than reality.
By focusing on reducing recruitment and increasing community support toward prevention, the legislation puts the focus where it should be—creating alternatives for those most vulnerable to gang activity.
Communities in Schools of North Carolina (CISNC) has been working for several years to reduce gang activity in local communities.
By hiring a staff member to focus on gang prevention and addressing gang issues through targeted outreach through local affiliates, CIS is well aware of the issues that face some young people today.
Our youth are looking for a place to belong; a place to feel needed and accepted by someone who cares.
Consequently, when they don’t find this in the traditional places—home, a house of worship, school or organized sports—many of our young, vulnerable children and youth turn to gangs, which provide false promise of acceptance and belonging.
Those of us who are older and wiser know gangs do not provide that safe haven, but when one is young and impressionable, the influence of a street-smart older gang member is hypnotizing.
By focusing attention on the older group of gang members and providing harsher penalties, the new legislation should help put these predators behind bars.
At the same time, however, we must also provide additional youth-development experiences in our communities.
Well-run and properly managed programs that provide engaging and healthy opportunities for all of our children and youth must receive the funding necessary to keep up with the demand.
By combining the “weed” concept—removing those who prey on our children by enticing them into gang activity—and the “feed” concept–fertile and safe places for our children to grow, we can re-cultivate all of our neighborhoods into nurturing places to be kids and to raise kids.
CIS provides area students with a 'funsational' summer
By: KATHRYN JACEWICZ, Brunswick Beacon
7/30/08
Going to the beach, bowling and a trip to the movies may not sound educational, but they are for students in the Communities in Schools (CIS) Funsational Summer Program.
Evelyn and John Marlow run the summer program at Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School and have between 10 and 25 students each week.
While the goal is to help each child reach his or her full educational potential, the Marlows make sure the students have fun every step of the way.
During the week, students keep busy with scheduled activities such as silent and group reading, writing activities, art, physical education and drama. Students have free time to play.
“Their favorite is the Leapfrog,” Evelyn Marlow said. “They learn so much from that.”
Marlow said one student started off the summer not being able to read. His reading ability is now at grade level, Evelyn Marlow said.
“Their progress is so good,” she added.
Playing organized games outside is also something students look forward to daily, but before going outside, students must recite all the playground rules.
“Play nicely.”
“Don’t hurt others’ feelings.”
“No going up the slide the wrong way.”
“Don’t wrestle.”
“No sitting on the monkey bars criss cross applesauce.”
“You might fall and break your head,” 7-year-old Tommy Detorres added.
Outside the school, students go on “study trips,” where they learn from different hands-on activities. At the beach, they learned about ocean life. At the aquarium, they learned about sea animals.
Putt-putt helps students with hand-eye coordination and teaches them how to be good sports.
“The students call it fun, and I make it that way,” Evelyn Marlow said. “I make it a learning experience, but in a fun way.”
Evelyn Marlow is a retired kindergarten teacher, having taught more than 30 years. Her husband John is a retired captain with the sheriff’s office. The two began teaching the summer program and the CIS after-school program at Jessie Mae five years ago.
“To teach a student is to reach a student,” Marlow said. “It makes me sad if they’re sad. This is a fun place they should want to come to.”
The students have fun, and each have a favorite part of the day. Tommy likes silent reading, and his favorite book is The Pagemaster.
“It’s awesome!” he said.
Fifth-grader Joey Carpinello has attended the CIS summer program since first grade and enjoys spending the day with his friends while making new ones.
Walker Soucek, 7, likes when they play games outside, especially kickball and 4-square.
Taylor Barbee, 7, enjoyed when they took a study trip to Caswell Beach.
“I swam underwater and we played tag where we had to try to swim and tag the other person,” she said.
All the students said they enjoy CIS and would come back next year if given the choice.
“We just have a good time in CIS,” Evelyn Marlow said. “I’m so proud of them.”
Kathryn Jacewicz is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or at kjacewicz@brunswickbeacon.com
AVID Tutoring
By: CIS
New Volunteer Tutor Opportunity
June 6, 2008
Volunteers!!! Are you ready for a fun and exciting new educational opportunity? Brunswick County Schools and Communities In Schools want to invite you to take part in a non-traditional tutoring experience. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an up and coming new program which allows volunteer tutors to interact with small groups of students. These students want to excel academically, but just need a little extra help.
AVID volunteer tutors work with small groups of students in a particular area such as math, science, etc. The students work together to help the "presenter" (the student with the problem) by asking questions that encourage understanding his/her question or problem through the use of inquiry and collaboration. The tutor only needs to understand the process and monitor the progression of the session; they do not need to be experts in that subject.
The AVID program will begin next year at the following schools: West Brunswick High, North Brunswick High, Leland Middle, Shallotte Middle, South Brunswick Middle and the Early College High School. The program runs two times a week for 45 minutes each session (volunteers can facilitate one or more sessions per week). To implement the program, we will need retired professionals. Applicants must have a high school diploma and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with school personnel, students and the general public.
AVID training is tentatively scheduled during the month of August. Don’t miss this opportunity! Contact us now as training space for this program is limited. Please contact Mary Emsweller, CIS Adopt A School and Volunteer Director, at 910-754-9536 or ciskids@2khiway.net for any further information and to reserve your space.
Teen Court Success
By: CIS
Brunswick County Students Placed 2nd
in Mock Trial Competion Held During the
North Carolina Teen Court Summit
New Bern, April 25, 2008 - Brunswick County Mock Trial Competition Team placed 2nd in the State during the recent North Carolina Teen Court Summit. Team Coaches were Fred Ammann and John Kelso, adult volunteers and team members included Perry Smith and Josh Theroux, Prosecutors; Ashley Williams and Tabitha Causby, Defense Attorneys; Dakota Evans, Bailiff; and Keith Hughes, Clerk of Court. Attorney alternates attending the Summit were Amber Albright and Taylor Theroux. They competed with students throughout North Carolina with Craven County placing 1st and Person County placing 3rd. Ashley Williams was recognized with an award for “Outstanding Trial Advocacy”. Jocelyn Frink was awarded 1st place in the Court Reporter category and Hailey Tippett won 2nd place in the Courtroom Sketch Artist category.
Dakota Evans, Bailiff opened court with the traditional “Oh yes, Oh yes, Oh yes”. In a separate courtroom Clerk of Court, Keith Hughes called the case number and swore in “Casey”, the defendant, telling her to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” “Casey” was on trial for possession of alcohol on a school campus. Defense attorneys Ashley Williams and Tabitha Causby pointed out mitigating factors in “Casey’s” life such as she had never been in any kind of trouble before, her parents were divorcing and she was experiencing a lot of pressure from her friends to drink. Prosecuting attorneys Perry Smith and Josh Theroux used their questions to point out the seriousness of underage drinking and consequences such as slipping grades, suspension from the basketball team and poor school attendance. During closing arguments, Perry Smith told the jury, “We’re asking for a firm, constructive sentence to get this woman right track.”
Adult leaders and 10 youth from Brunswick County joined 152 others from across North Carolina for the 10th annual Teen Court Summit held in New Bern, North Carolina. The event is sponsored each year by the North Carolina Teen Court Association. The Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis sponsored four individual team members to attend the Summit.
Objectives for the three-day event included gathering volunteers from every Teen Court in North Carolina; improving volunteer effectiveness in Court; gaining practical experience through the Mock Trial Competition; developing friendships; and sharing information and experiences. Workshops included a “hands on” student lead investigation into a staged crime scene; review of Constitutional Law and Courtroom Objections; Technology and Effects on Espionage, and Forensic Evidence.
Glenda Ansley, Director stated, “Our Mock Trial Team under the leadership of Fred Ammann and John Kelso did an excellent job. Mock Trial Competition is the time the students can take on their courtroom roles and just have fun with the whole process. The rest of the year their courtroom time is spent holding real trials involving real juveniles charged with real crimes.”
Teen Court is an alternative system of juvenile justice that offers first-time offenders ages 12-18 an opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions and make restitution for their offenses through community service and other educational opportunities. Juveniles referred to Teen Court are given a constructive sentence by their peers after a trial designed to be as much like regular court sessions as possible.
Teen Court is a partnership program between Rex Gore, District Attorney and Communities In Schools. The Brunswick County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council provides funding for the program. If you have questions concerning the program or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Glenda Ansley, Teen Court Director at 253-8220 or email at teencourt@brunsco.net.
Lots For Learning Program Update
By: CIS
Newest “Lots For Learning” Partner:
The Villages at Goose Marsh by Dilsheimer Communities of North Carolina
Bolivia, NC (February 21, 2008) – Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc.(CIS) is pleased to announce a new partner in the “Lots For Learning” program. Dilsheimer Communities of North Carolina, LLC is the developer of The Villages at Goose Marsh in the heart of Brunswick County. “As a family owned and operated business, we understand the importance of kids reaching graduation, for the children, their families, and the community as a whole”, says Thomas Dilsheimer.
Lots For Learning engages local real estate developers, builders, real estate companies and their representatives, mortgage brokers, appraisers, homeowner’s insurance companies, and attorneys in a giving way (time and/or resources) that is affordable for them and benefits underserved children and families. “Every nine seconds, somewhere in the United States, a student drops out of school,” reports Cynthia Tart, CIS Executive Director. “Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing areas of the state and will need a well educated workforce. We need to help the schools encourage the students who are the future of this county.” For more information about Lots For Learning and the programs of CIS, visit www.cisbrunswick.org.
Pictured: Richard Dilsheimer, President of Dilsheimer Communities of North Carolina, LLC; Maury Johnson, CFO of Dilsheimer, Cynthia Tart, Executive Director Communities In Schools, Thomas Dilsheimer, Vice President of Dilsheimer, Mark Koval, Resource Development Director , CIS
Grandparenting Support Groups
By: Star News
February 20, 2008 Groups provide support for grandparents raising grandchildrenBy Brenda C. Birmelin,
Star-News Correspondent
Some grandparents find visiting with grandchildren fun but exhausting. How do grandparents who become full-time caretakers of their grandchildren cope with the situation?
Across the United States, more than 6 million children are being raised in households headed by grandparents and other relatives as parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence and other serious problems, according to an AARP Web site, www.aarp.org/families/grandparents/.
According to the AARP site, of the children living in households headed by grandparents or other relatives in North Carolina, more than 80,000 are living there without either parent present.
In Brunswick County, two support groups help grandparents with raising grandchildren. One group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Communities In Schools Family Resource Center in Leland. Margaret Roseman, center director, coordinates the group's activities. The meeting begins with supper and follows with an educational program.
The children have their own group, sometimes participating in fun activities and sometimes having programs that parallel the adult programs.
Pam Vaden, a registered nurse who volunteers for the group, leads the discussions. Recent topics include stress and anger management.
Denise Pritchard, who recently adopted her grandson, said parenting has changed a lot since she raised her own children.
"Discipline is totally different and the children are so much smarter. I took computer classes to help me keep up," Pritchard said.
Grandparent Marina Ellis defines the situation as a "role reversal."
"We keep the kids and the parents get to visit. We have to do all the discipline and the parents have no rules at their house," Ellis said.
At a recent meeting, all of the grandparents said they find the group supportive. Several members said, "We're all in the same boat." There was also a consensus that they had more patience with their grandchildren than they had with their own children.
Members of the support groups share resources and experiences, and there is a close bond among them because many are responsible for children with emotional scars. Some of the children also have physical problems and developmental disabilities.
Along with group meetings, field trips help. Members visited the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, took a boat ride on the Cape Fear River and traveled to Ingram Planetarium at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach. At Thanksgiving, the group has a traditional feast, and at Christmas, members decorated a tree for the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter's Festival of Trees.
The group is supported by grants from Communities In Schools and the Brunswick County Department of Social Services.
At the south end of Brunswick County, a group for grandparents raising grandchildren meets at 9 a.m. every Wednesday morning at Seaside United Methodist Church in Sunset Beach. The group is informal and members share their experiences, good and bad.
Doris Ruehle, who has been a member since the group started three years ago, said the group's discussions are confidential. Ruehle said she is happy to report that her granddaughter, whom she raised from infancy, is now attending college.
The group has 10 regular members, both grandfathers and grandmothers. Rev. Liz Roberts, who began the group, serves as consultant.
Both the Leland and the Sunset Beach grandparents raising grandchildren groups welcome new members. There is no charge. If you are raising a grandchild, you'll likely find some friends who are "in the same boat."
CIS is Mad About Science
By: Communities In Schools
January 25, 2008
This month Mad Science of Coastal Carolina was invited to provide interactive demonstrations of scientific concepts to the students enrolled in the CIS After School and 21st Century Learning programs at Southport, Belville, Bolivia, Lincoln, Monroe, and Supply Elementary Schools.
Mad scientists "Question" Mark Smith and "Jupiter" John McQueen use a trash can, beach ball, toilet paper, and some dry ice to explain complex concepts such as air pressure and sublimation in ways which not only make the students understand but make them excited by the discovery . Nine-year-old Kelly Adams of Southport exclaims, "I've never seen so much science in my life. It was boom, Boom, BOOM! I love science!"
"Mad Science is an example of the additional enrichment programs we hope to offer in the future," states Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director. "We are working with local agencies and service providers to possibly enhance the after school experience and bring more hands-on opportunities for children that go beyond the imagination. Although these enhanced services can be expensive, we would like to make the extended opportunities available as a choice for the parent and child. With help from the community, possibly we can make it affordable for all." Such programs provide students with experiences which bring their studies to life and encourage them to explore the world around them through a variety of activities.
About Mad Science of Coastal Carolina
Mad Science® of Coastal Carolina, located in Carolina Beach, NC, is part of the world's leading science enrichment provider. They deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. Mad Science encourages scientific literacy in children in an age when science is as vital as reading, writing and arithmetic. For more information about Mad Science, visit www.madscience.org/coastalcarolina.
WECT Meteorologist George Elliott Shares His Job
By: CIS
February 8, 2008
Students at Belville Elementary School had an opportunity to find out what it's like to be a meteorologist when WECT's George Elliott stopped by to visit the CIS 21st Century Learning Center. "By exposing the students to a variety of careers, we open the doors to new futures for them," says Sandra Williams, program director. Through guest speakers and other enrichment activities, the students discover how what they learn in the classroom translates into real world experience. If you have an interesting job you'd like to share with the students, please call 279-9288.
New CIS District Coordinator for North Brunswick Area
By: CIS
February 8, 2008
To address the needs of the growing student population in the North Brunswick Area, Communities In Schools hired Lori Heath to be the Adopt-A-School and Volunteer District Coordinator serving North Brunswick High, Leland Middle, Lincoln Elementary, and Belville Elementary schools. In this new part-time position, Heath will serve as a liaison between the schools and the community. "Businesses don't realize the potential they have to offer the schools," states Heath. "We need to get more supplies and volunteers into the schools to help the students achieve higher scores."
Progress Energy Mini-Grant Supports Children
By: CIS
February 6, 2008
A mini-grant from Progress Energy gave parents an opportunity to meet the mentors who volunteer at Lincoln and Belville Elementary Schools. January is National Mentoring Month and concluded with a dinner at each school celebrating the benefits of mentoring. Parents and mentors were able to meet and discuss how the mentors' interests, skills, and strengths benefit the students academically, socially and culturally. Research has shown that programs which rely on volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence, while greatly enhancing a young person's prospects for leading a healthy and productive life.
Proving a one-on-one ongoing relationship with a caring adult is one the basic tenets of Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS). "It's a matter of building trust and you don't want to let that die," says James Knox, mentor at Lincoln Elementary. Last year CIS arranged mentoring for 1,825 students in Brunswick County. For more information on how you can become a mentor and have a positive impact on the life of a child, contact Chris McIntyre, CIS Volunteer Director, at 754-9536.
First Books Arrive In Brunswick County
By: Communities In Schools
January 9, 2008COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND FIRST BOOK
TEAM UP TO HELP KIDS READ
CIS of Brunswick County receives sixty boxes of books to distribute to area students.
Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CISNC) and First Book are teaming up to provide over 200,000 free books to students across North Carolina. These brand new, first quality books, are being distributed to all thirty-nine Communities In Schools local affiliates, including CIS of Brunswick, over the next several weeks.
"These books will be a great resource to many students and schools involved in the CIS of Brunswick County program," stated Cynthia Tart, executive director of CIS of Brunswick County. "By having the continued support of CIS of North Carolina and organizations such as First Book, our students here in Brunswick County are able to gain resources we might not otherwise receive."
CIS of Brunswick County received sixty boxes of books with approximately twenty three different titles from this donation. The books will be given to students living in families with limited means, who are enrolled in pre-kindergarten through middle school grades.About First Book
First Book is a nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Through hundreds of local Advisory Boards, the First Book National Book Bank, and the First Book Marketplace, the organization provides an ongoing supply of new books to children participating in community-based mentoring, tutoring, and family literacy programs. First Book has provided more than 50 million new books to children in need in thousands of communities nationwide. For more information about First Book, please visit www.FirstBook.org or call 866-393-1222.
Wal-Mart Presents CIS with Donation
By: Communties In Schools
Judy Roberts, Support Manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Shallotte presents Candace Hobbs, Deputy Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. with a $1000 check as part of their matching grant program. The funds help support the after school, parenting, family resource centers, and literacy programs in Brunswick County.
NC Rep Bonner Stiller Attends CIS Board Meeting
By: Communities In Schools
NC Rep Bonner Stiller attended the Quarterly Board Meeting of Communities In School of Brunswick County on December 13, 2007. Representative Stiller has served as a Trustee of CIS for three years.
A Touch of Nature
By: Steve McDaniel, Star-News Correspondent
There's nothing like a couple of live snakes to get the attention of a group of elementary school kids.
Reactions from the third- and fourth-graders at Belville Elementary ranged from overt curiosity to cautious uncertainty to utter avoidance. But the aim of the after-school outreach program held at the school's gymnasium Nov. 14 was on the mark; the youngsters were learning something about the natural world around them.
Theresa Mowrey, an environmental educator and naturalist at HalyburtonPark in Wilmington, brings the world of cold-blooded creatures to schools in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Her demonstration at Belville featured a pair of corn snakes (one an albino), an Eastern box turtle, a yellow-belly slider turtle and a squirrel frog.
She said the outreach program was started when Halyburton opened in 2004. The park has a nature trail and nature room, and Mowrey said students come to the park to see some of the same animals she takes to her presentations in their natural habitat.
"It was great," third-grader Mireya Ibarra said. "I was so excited. I never touched a corn snake before. And I thought the turtles were the best." Mowrey teaches the children the difference between reptiles (rough skin) and amphibians (smooth skin), how to tell a male from a female snake (the male is larger and has a tail that gradually tapers to a tip), and explains some of the animals' natural defenses. "A lot of these kids have never seen reptiles up close like this," she said. "This gives them a chance to see and feel what they look like."
Charmaine Cox is the site coordinator at Belville Elementary for Communities in School/21st Century, an outreach education program that offers alternative learning experiences to students who need to raise their end-of-grade testing scores. The nature presentation was part of that initiative.
"We find students who need extra testing help," Cox said. "This program gives them a hands-on situation not normally available in classroom settings."
She said she's received positive feedback from parents of children who have participated in the program. "When parents tell me their kids are doing better, it gives me the incentive to keep doing this," Cox said.
Fourth-grader Tierra Graham was one of many children who braved a close encounter with a new species, and she was eager to share some of what she learned from the presentation. "They (the snakes) were smelling with their tongues, they have red eyes and shed their skin," she said. "And they feel funny."
Shallotte Cleaners Gives Back to the Community
By: Communities In Schools
Allan Cheatham, Owner of Shallotte Cleaners and Chris McIntyre, Adopt A School and Volunteer Director for Communities In Schools, show off just a few of the 200 coats that were collected during the "The Coats for Kids" coat drive. Allan collected coats at his Shallotte and Southport locations from October to January. The coats were cleaned and given to the Adopt A School /Volunteer Program to be disturbed within the Brunswick County School System. For information about becoming an adopting partner or volunteering your time, call Chris McIntyre at 754-9536.
CIS
By: Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County received funding from BEMC for the Brick Builders I material while the Smart Connections Grant award by ATMC provided the staffing.
The program, called the "Brick Builders II" supports the expansion of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School enrichment activities at Belville and Lincoln Elementary Schools by using a the Brick Lab concept with a cross-curriculum that promotes team building, listening, visual skills, small and large motor skills, literacy and math.
The program kicked off at Belville Elementary on January 10th and at Lincoln Elementary on January 11th.A total of 15 students began expanding literacy skills by reading and following instructions on constructing various models. The weekly Brick Builders activity will encourage students to use teamwork in solving challenging designs while building using various sizes and colors of bricks which resemble the model viewed on a paper diagram. The After School Brick Builders curriculum will cover construction, engineering, communication, math and physics with intentional learning.
"The Brick Builders II is an enrichment activity that students really enjoy.It's all hands on and at 4:45 when students are tired of a classroom setting, this gives them one more thing to look forward to," said Kathy Smith, project director for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. We'd love to get this in all the After School programs and have county-wide competitions. This activity may lead students to think about future job skills. At some point we may invite a local architect or builder to visit the program and talk to the kids about the type of things they do and what skills they need to complete a job. Since teamwork is critical in building, students are asked to think and work as a team.
The Brick Builders II activity is also for the families of the elementary students. As the activity moves forward, the instructors will involve the families and give students an opportunity to teach what they have learned. The intention is that parents will attend the After School session and be trained by their child in the construction of building the Brick Builders models. Parents and children will then compete in building the challenging models for prizes donated by area merchants. Food and entertainment will be provided as part of the family events and the Brick Models will be on display for the community to view.For more information on this activity, please contact Kathy Smith at 754-9548.
CIS Receives Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Grant
By: Communities In Schools
Cape Fear Area United Way has awarded Communities In Schools of Brunswick County a grant for their Parenting Education Program.The CIS Parenting Education Program is designed to increase family communication, cooperation, closeness and respect.Parents and children will learn to handle feelings, communicate their needs, understand each other better, and take charge of their own behavior.Practical and effective techniques will be taught for handling challenging behavior and conflicts.
The Parenting Education classes take place in group settings whichprovide a supportive and confidential atmosphere.Parents and children are taught by trained facilitators.The classes are free of charge.
The Waccamaw Family Resource Center is currently offering The Strengthening Families Program.This is a 12 week program geared for families with children 6-11 years of age.
The Leland Family Literacy Center, is currently offering The Nurturing Program. This is a 12 week program geared for families with children 0-5 years of age.
For more information or to pre-register for parenting classes, please call Linda Perry, Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Parenting Education Coordinator at 910-371-5411.
Appreciated Stocks - A Gift CIS Can Now Appreciate
By: Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. now has the ability to accept donations of appreciated stocks.What happens if you make a gift of stocks to CIS? A potential tax break for you and the heartfelt thanks from the children and families in BrunswickCounty who benefit from CIS programs.
The funds generated by these generous gifts will support children and families through academic scholarships, the After School Program, Teen Court, Family Resource Centers and the Adopt-A-School and Volunteer Program.In 2005-2006, CIS served over 5,000 children and families.
Donating appreciated stock allows you to contribute a sizable gift, even if the amount you initially invested was relatively small.For example, perhaps you purchased $500 of stock three years ago and that stock is now worth $2000. By donating it to CIS, you are able to donate $1500 more than you originally invested, and you avoid the capital gain tax that may be incurred in selling the stock.
Even though you paid only $500 for the stock, if itemizing, you may receive a charitable income tax deduction of $2000 in the year you donate the stock.
Please consider a holiday gift to CIS and a potential tax break for yourself.The process of executing such a gift is simple.For additional information call the CIS office at 457-2914.As always, please consult with your tax advisor first.
CIS
By: Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County is pleased to announce a grant award by the Landfall Foundation to enhance the 21st Century Community Learning Center after school programs at Lincoln and BelvilleElementary Schools. The intensified service called the "Mentoring Project" is expected to begin in January by matching students showing the greatest academic need with mentors.
The "Mentoring Project" will match adult volunteers with students, based on shared interest. This will be accomplished by developing a profile of the mentors? interests, skills, and strengths during the application process and matching it with a similar student profile of interests, needs and strengths.
The project is aimed to help students academically, socially, and culturally through the help of community involvement. The $2,850 grant award will be used for the recruitment of volunteers, training materials, and other associated expenses. For further information, please contact Kathy Smith, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Director, at 755-5277
Brick Builders II Receives Funding
By: Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County is pleased to announce a Smart Connections Grant award by ATMC to enhance the 21st Century Community Learning Center after school programs at BelvilleElementary School. The program called the "Brick Builders II" will support the expansion of after school enrichment activities using a the Brick Lab concept with a cross-curriculum that promotes team building, listening, visual skills, small and large motor skills, literacy and math. The program is expected to begin in January.
The $1,620 grant funding will enable CIS to contract the resources needed to implement the Brick Builders program activity. For further information, please contact Kathy Smith, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Director, at 755-5277
Ed Kay, Recipient of Power of One Award
By: Communities In Schools
Ed Kay Recipient of Power of One award
When it comes to making a difference in the life of a child, Ed Kay knows what it takes and is willing to give 100%.Ed Kay is unique among many of the volunteers for Communities In Schools.He divides his time equally between two diverse programs, serving each with a passion and dedication that truly deserves to be recognized.
The "Progress Energy Power of One " award, sponsored by Progress Energy, is to recognize a business, community of faith, agency, organization or individual who has displayed dedication and commitment to the children and families of Brunswick County through a Communities In Schools program.
Mr. Kay has volunteered for the Adopt A School and Volunteer Program for four years.He reads, helps children with math, and reviews difficult assignments with Ms. Kasey Abbott's class at Union Elementary.These 2nd graders love to see him come to their class.In fact, it's the highlight of their routine.By day, Mr. Kay puts smiles on the faces of these young children.
By night, however, Mr. Kay moves from working with these 2nd graders to working at the courthouse.Mr. Kay has volunteered for the Teen Court Program for over 3 years now.His specialty is helping the prosecution prepare their cases for trial, but he works with all the student volunteers as needed.Destiny Fullwood, a student volunteer with Teen Court, says, "When I see him, he is always smiling and always cheerful, ready to help anyone who needs his help."The students have learned to look for his smile in the crowd.
As a volunteer for the Adopt A School and Volunteer Program, Mr. Kay has worked directly with Ms. Abbott's class.Ms. Abbott writes:
"As an active volunteer at Union Elementary, Mr. Kay always exhibits a positive attitude. The children enjoy his bright smile and kind words. His dedication to our students shows in the improvements made by the children. Mr. Kay's ability to explain a complex word problem or review difficult work make the children want to try even harder. Students always know that their time spent with Mr. Kay is special. He addresses each student on an individual and personal level. Mr. Kay enriches our students both academically and emotionally. He realizes that students sometimes do not receive adequate nurturing at home, so he takes time to make each one feel special. He is a true mentor."
"We are so honored to have Mr. Kay working with us. He not only creates a positive relationship with our students but with the staff as well. Mr. Kay always strives to communicate with me about the progress my students have made. He notices small details about each child and shares that with me. Mr. Kay is a powerful individual. We commend him for a being such a wonderful asset to our school."
When we asked Ms. Abbott to tell us about Mr. Kay, her first response was to thank us for allowing her to brag on him.She is truly thankful to have him in her classroom.
As a volunteer for the Adopt A School and Volunteer Program, Mr. Kay began hearing about Teen Court and it started to pique his interest.He also heard Judge Marion Warren speak to the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club about Teen Court.The Teen Court
Program offers first-time offenders an alternative to traditional juvenile justice.Offenders who have been charged with non-violent misdemeanor crimes can have their cases heard in Teen Court.They are prosecuted, defended and sentenced by their peers.First-time offenders, who complete their sentence, have their cases dismissed with no criminal record.The students who volunteer train for the different courtroom positions and ultimately run the court.It is "justice for youth by youth."Judge Warren encouraged Mr. Kay in volunteering for the program.With Mr. Kay's vast amount of experience working with troubled youth, it was a perfect match.
Mr. Kay immediately filled a niche in the program, working with the prosecution, and he quickly became indispensable.Mr. Kay comes early to Teen Court to work with the student volunteers.Sometimes a student will come in and tell everyone that they are very nervous since this will be their first case.We immediately send that student to Mr. Kay.His relaxed demeanor, smile and confidence soon calms the student and they progress to the what, when, where and how aspects of the case.He challenges the more experienced student attorneys in their thinking and lines of questioning.On Teen Court night, plans can change, people run into conflicts and all different kinds of needs arise.Mr. Kay is flexible and fills in wherever he's needed.He has served as Jury Monitor, Attorney Advisor, Trainer, and has even opened court.
In addition to helping on Teen Court night, Mr. Kay has served as the Chairman to the Teen Court Program Committee, helping to guide and direct the program.His insight, problem solving skills and experience all work together to help make a good program better.He works on strengthening partners for the program, including the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department and the South Brunswick Islands Rotary.The Rotary Club now gives the Teen Court Program $500 to help send student volunteers to the annual North Carolina Teen Court Summit, where Brunswick County will send a mock trial competition team to compete with other teams across the state.
This year Mr. Kay has taken on the additional responsibility of recruiting and training volunteers for the new Peer Court program.Peer Court offers an alternative to traditional juvenile justice, but it is school based.The program will reach younger children and in addition to handling misdemeanor charges, it will also focus on truancy.Truancy has been identified as an early indicator of subsequent delinquent behaviors.Recognizing the need to work with the younger children and their families, Mr. Kay advocated to the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club to provide matching funds for the pilot program.With his support, the South Brunswick Islands Rotary and the Shallotte Rotary have agreed to provide the matching funds and to volunteer their time to the program.By working in the community to promote this new endeavor, Mr. Kay has provided an auspicious beginning for this needed new program.
In conclusion, Judge Marion Warren said it best, "Ed Kay exemplifies the qualities of not only a good volunteer, but a good citizen.He is willing to better his community by sharing himself without giving it a second thought."
Communities In Schools, the Adopt A School and Volunteer Program, Teen Court, and Brunswick County are all the true beneficiaries of this talented man.
CIS is the Program with The Most Potential To Make A Difference
By: Communities In Schools
We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society. We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society. We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society. We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society. We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society. We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life - the issue is how to go about it. CIS operates as a link between the community and the schools by addressing the needs of children and families through a process that mobilizes existing community resources and directs them to the areas of greatest need. With over 290 community partners and 32,000 volunteer hours in Brunswick County, CIS directly impacts individual lives and strengthens our community. CIS is committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive lives, and become contributing members of our society.
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Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. PO Box 10087 Southport, NC 28461 Tel (910) 457-3494 Fax (910) 457-2293 e-mail: info@cisbrunswick.org
Fuzzie Mae’s and Baked with Love provided fresh healthy lunches, while Mr. Phil Joyner and Dr. Jugta Kahai invited students out to tour their urban vegetable gardens. The NC Cooperative Extension System and Downtown Southport participated with children at Wednesday’s Southport Farmer’s Market. Brunswick County Soil and Water Conservation Specialists played games discussing where our food comes from and the difference between processed and non-processed foods. 
A procession of princesses from across the county traveled through a winder wonderland to attend the sold-out 2nd Annual Little Princess Ball with the special men in their lives. A joint venture by Brunswick County Parks and Recreation and Communities In Schools (CIS), the Ball attracted over two hundred fifty kindergarten to fifth grade girls and their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other male role models. “For two hours my daughter had my undivided attention, something that doesn’t happen every day,” “Girls from every walk of life were made to feel like princesses, and every man there can be proud of having taken the time to make them feel that way.” said CIS Board Member Alan Cheatham whose daughter Catherine attends Union Elementary School.
Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS) is proud to announce nine additions to their Board of Directors. At the September Board Meeting, Judy Hylton of BEMC, Tracey Long of Novant Health/Brunswick Community Hospital, and Jeff Roberts of Trinity Methodist Church joined the CIS family. The December meeting welcomed Leroy Brown of The Bridge Pizza and Grill, David Kesterson of First Bank, Earl Oxendine of First Federal, Tom Rogers of Brunswick County Emergency Services, John Titrington of Progress Energy as well as County Commissioner Phil Norris. 
Planes, trains, automobiles and just about anything else you can think of made it to Big Toy Day at the Brunswick County Airport on Saturday, May 30. Designed to provide a fun-filled educational experience for kids of all ages, the day gave a behind-the-scenes peak into the careers of pilots, truck drivers, fire fighters, law enforcement agents, sanitation crews, race car drivers, construction workers, commercial fishermen, and more. Eighty children, ages 8 to 17, even got to fly as Young Eagles thanks to the EAA Chapters 186 and 297 who provided the airplane and helicopter rides. 
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation recently awarded a grant to Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. to implement Let’s ALL Play – Inclusion in Recreational Programs. The grant will allow children with developmental disabilities to enjoy a successful summer camp experience in an inclusive setting.
A GlaxoSmithKline Ribbon of Hope grant to help enhance after school programs with hands-on science activities was awarded to Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. The funds will provide 100 students with opportunities to "Expand their Horizons." For four weeks starting April 20, children from Southport, Belville and Lincoln Elementary Schools will be engaged with hands on science activities provided by Mad Science and focusing on the environment. Ten additional weeks of activities will be included in the summer camps at Supply, Southport, Union, and Belville Elementary Schools. The Museum of Coastal Carolina, Bald Head Island Conservancy, and the Ingram Planetarium will partner with CIS and Mad Science to expand the horizons of children in grades 3, 4 & 5. Environmental Educator Jen Fuller will volunteer her services to help educate the children in fun filled ways on the eco system. Children will visit the museum and planetarium for further exploration and take nature hikes to the beach. For more information, contact Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director at 754-9515. 
Students in the Communities In Schools (CIS) After School Program at Virginia Williamson recently participated in a guided tour of the Art Shak Gallery in Southport. Owners Thom and Linda provided the tour while discussing how artists showcased in the gallery use coastal ecosystems as inspiration for their pieces. The trip was made possible by a grant from the Brunswick Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, as part of a larger environmental education through art program known as “Dream Seekers.” Students in the program learned about unique ecosystems in Brunswick County through a variety of hands-on nature studies and art projects. For more information, contact Kathy Smith, CIS After School Director, at 754-9515 or visit www.cisbrunswick.org. 
Brunswick County District Attorney Rex Gore credits Teen Court with turning a problem into a passion for the adult and student volunteers, as well as judges who preside over the cases. At the recent anniversary celebration, Mr. Gore recognized Judge Napoleon Barefoot for chairing the task force which started the program. Volunteers Pete Erbe, John Kelso, Fred Amman and Ed Kay were honored for their years of dedication to the program, acting as mentors and instructing the student volunteers in courtroom etiquette. A special award was presented to Glenda Ansley, Teen Court Director for the past nine years. 
January 9, 2009
“I don’t know the answer,” said Brunswick County District Attorney Rex Gore, who was given Progress Energy’s annual Power of One Award at the luncheon because of his involvement with Communities in Schools. Gore was instrumental in encouraging and helping Communities in Schools locally to start the teen court, peer court and parent education programs. Perhaps the missing link is parental involvement, Gore said.
Sample the culinary creations of the area’s finest chefs at “A Taste of Brunswick County.” As the highlight of the 7th Annual Benefit Gala for Children, eighteen local restaurants and caterers have donated their tastiest dishes to benefit Communities In Schools of Brunswick County, Inc. (CIS). This year’s Honorary Chair and presenting sponsor is David Gooden, U.S. Cellular Platinum Certified Authorized Agent. Dance the night away to the music of The 360 Degrees! Bid on a wide array of items in the live and silent auctions! The Gala is Thursday, October 16 from 6-10 pm at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center in Sunset Beach. 
