Mayor Brown encouraging students at Donuts for Dads

 Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and various father figures were recognized for their undying dedication to their children at Biltmore Elementary. “Donuts for Dads” was organized by Communities In Schools of Jacksonville Site Coordinator, Bramley Ross. As the fathers and their children marched into the library they were greeted by The Honoarable Mayor Alvin Brown and other VIP guests. Mayor Brown gave a captivating speech about the important role of fathers in a child’s life, “You have to know your kids. You have to know the kids in the community. We can’t expect them to grow into role models one day if we are not leading by example every day!” said Mayor Brown.

Mayor Brown also spoke about his mentor initiative. Last year, there were 1369 mentors that volunteered their time towards making a difference. This year, Mayor Brown has a mission to add 500 Mentors by April! The importance of mentoring was emphasized and the benefits resulting from mentoring was reinforced at this event- “When I talk about education I’m talking about more than books and lessons, I’m talking about empowering young people to reach their God-given potential.”

             As Mayor Brown looked into an audience of father figures and students, he reassured the students that with the right education, “the next great teacher, the next great entrepreneur, the next mayor…is sitting in this room today!”

Mayor Brown showing his appreciation for the father figures in our community

Other Honorary Guests:

Mr. Jon Heymann, CEO Communities In Schools

Read more about the Mentor Initiative at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-12-08/story/mayor-alvin-brown-announces-mentoring-initiative#ixzz1lzb0CwXz

Be the change that will empower our children to reach their God-given potential, Be a Mentor!

When AT&T Florida State President Marshall Criser presented a $100000 check to Communities In Schools of Jacksonville. The four-year, $400000 grant …

AT&T Inc. presented its fourth and final $100000 grant to Communities in Schools of Jacksonville, as part of its Aspire initiative.

Program Manager Lonnie Lewis and Principal Kimberly Dennis

120 students were expected to take part in Communities In Schools Afterschool Team Up program at Sadie T. Tillis Elementary…we currently have 194 enrolled. TEAM UP at Sadie T. Tillis is run by Communities In Schools Project Manager Lonnie Lewis with the support of Principal Kimberly M. Dennis. Mr. Lewis inspires the students to strive for excellence through competition with other TEAM UP sites. “We will take home some trophies, both in sports and academics”, promised Mr. Lewis, “We want the students to build from each others skill’s and be the best they can be”.

TEAM UP is  a medium for student enrichment and social development. Communities In Schools enrichment staff consists of trained and passionate individuals that engage the students in supportive and meaningful activities and conversations.  TEAM UP begins with a nutritional snack, provided by Chartwell,  followed with an hour of academic instruction by certified teachers. The academic portion of TEAM UP is an extension of the students day time curriculum incorporated with extra tutoring in math, science and language arts.  Afterwards the students can choose to participate in any of the following activities:

• Basketball
• Home Economics
  

  Shooting hoops and releasing some energy

• Drawing
• Arts and Crafts
• Cheerleading
• Fashion Etiquette

The students’s choice is followed with skill development in that field as well as relationship building, or as Shandra (3^rd grader) called it… “Friend Making”. The festivities are then wrapped up with a hot dinner for all the students!

Nationally, 96% of Communities In Schools TEAM UP students were promoted in the year 2010-2011! “It’s educationally fun” stated Marion (5^th grader). “It’s Cool” announced Jahlon (5^th grader). “TEAM UP!” answered Chris (4^th grader), when given the choice between his PlayStation 3 or TEAM UP. With both the approval of parents and kids alike, it’s no wonder that Communities In Schools TEAM UP is one of the most effective after school programs. Communities In Schools oversees TEAM UP in 20 Duval County public schools, going on Monday through Friday, from 3pm-7pm (depending on the school), 152 out of the 180 school days, and free of charge to the students and families!

Program Manager Lonnie Lewis with excited TEAM UP students!

Mr. Foster comes to mentor on a consistent basis and is very dependable.   He has a deep personal interest in Adrian that shows his level of commitment.  When Mr. Foster finds out Adrian is absent from school, he makes phone calls to Adrian’s parent inquiring about the absences.  He is also personally involved with Adrian.  If his mentee is lacking anything Mr. Foster takes it upon himself to support him.  For example, Mr. Foster provided Adrian with a book bag full of school supplies at the start of the school year.  Mr. Foster is a father figure and a friend who cares about Adrian’s short term and long term development.  We are proud to recognize Mr. Foster as an excellent mentor and friend.  Thank you for your true dedication to Adrian!

Do you want to make a difference and become a mentor? Get in touch with us at 904-354-5918 or email mconger@cisjax.org

“Some dreams come true in a week, some in a month, and some in years…but hold on to it!” exclaimed Mr. Davis, “When you have a dream, you prepare for it!”. That was the focus of the 2nd Annul Man up Young Men’s Conference at Terry Parker High School- for the students to realize their dreams and work until they become a reality. Communities in School’s site coordinator, Terra Harold-Jackson, has gathered over 200 students at Terry Parker as well as Middle school students from Arlington and Joseph Stilwell middle to attend this conference.

Terry Parker put their resources together to deliver this moving presentation. NJROTC started things off with the pledge of allegiance, followed by the school’s alma mater, sung by the school choir, which led to an energized performance by the step team. No matter what these performances may show, the underlying message is clear. The commanding respect of NJROTC, Choir’s soulful voices, and the precision of the step team were all a result of their dedication to what they love, their work, their goals, their dreams.

Pastor Thomas David, was first introduced by our host Joseph Kohn, and gave an inspirational speech about self advocating for a better future. Dr. Julius Demps followed by giving the men a new perspective on leadership and how it is to be attained. The students then had a chance to interact with and question successful men of the same background (Leon Baxton, Gibson Holmes, Charles Griggs, and Octavius Holiday). C.I.S’s CEO, Mr. Heymann, closed out the conference to the sound of a standing ovation from a group of inspired high school men. Wow! Special thanks go out to these gentleman and all those that volunteered to make our community a better place!

View Man Up! Press Release

Every year, men from all over Jacksonville gather at Lake Forest elementary to show how important reading is to the students of Lake Forest by…that’s right! Reading! Real Men Read works on the notion of “leading by example”. Mr. Leon Baxton, COO of CIS, and Mr. Bill Hodges, Director of CIS’s Student Enrichment Program were among the many men that showed up. There really is no better way to stay true to the mission of CIS then to work on the other notion of “practicing what you preach”.

Mr. Baxton and Mr. Hodges along with other male volunteer selected a book to read to a class. By reading to the class, the male volunteers show how important and exciting reading can be. The students talked about what they learned from the stories and are given the opportunity to connect to their lives. These men shared stories from their personal lives and encouraged the children to talk about their own experiences. Needless to say, connections were built, and by the time the volunteers were leaving…the children were more eager to grab a book.

From the suspense of “Where the wild things are”, to the moral values taught by “The Giving Tree”, reading is educational and it is vital to let the children know just how important it is now. When the opportunity arises, read to a child in your life; give them a tool to build a better future for themselves and our community.

Kenneth & Carlos at the Mayor's Mentors Kickoff Event

Kenneth James was matched with his mentee, Carlos, in October of 2010 (last school year).  Carlos was excited about having a mentor and still looks forward to his visits with Kenneth.  Carlos and Kenneth have a great relationship.  Carlos does open up to Kenneth about different things, such as challenges he faces, as well as goals in his life.

Kenneth is very consistent in his visits with Carlos, and comes on a weekly basis.  If Kenneth is unable to visit  Carlos that week, he will contact the school’s staff and Carlos to let them know.

Kenneth and Carlos do a variety of things during their time together, such as play games, talk and work on homework.

Danielle says her mentor is “amazing.”  They have a great relationship and both have the ability to make each other laugh. 

Danielle candidly describes Tina as her “best friend” and someone she trusts to keep their conversations private.  Tina provides support and a listening ear while Danielle shares experiences with her about being a middle school student and a daughter. 

Ms. Kicklighter, JEB Stuart’s Achievers For Life Achievement Advocate, says Tina is very consistent with her visits and this strengthens their relationship.  If Tina is unable to see Danielle, she is sure to communicate this ahead of time.  Tina also brings surprises for Danielle that she knows Danielle will like.

What seems to be important to Danielle is that Tina makes her feel like what she has to say is worth hearing and responding to.  Tina encourages Danielle to do her best which makes Danielle want to do her best.

Having been a mentor for more than 10 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the impact mentors can have on mentees – and vice versa – which is why I believe so strongly in it.  Meeting with Tina and Danielle to prepare this spotlight was truly inspiring for me.  In the future I can only hope to have the obvious impact on my mentee that Tina has had on hers. 

~Melissa Conger, Mentor Recruiter for Communities In Schools of Jacksonville

MaryAnn Foster, Site Coordinator at Frank H. Peterson, and students exploring the College and Career Fair

We had 44 colleges, local businesses and all branches of the military in attendance. MaryAnn Foster, site coordinator with the Student Enrichment Program at Frank H Peterson Academies of Technology has been excited each year to offer vendors the chance to speak to students about educational and career opportunities with their individual institutions. “Community partnerships, such as these, are vital to the overall success of our school system. Their presence serves as a reminder that there is something greater in store for those who sacrifice and work hard to do well in school. Events like these show our high school students that there truly is life after graduation!  The information given to our students was a valuable reminder of the many options available to help further their education, begin their career and/or serve in one of the branches of our brave military. Even our SEP students here at Peterson volunteered to help with prep & clean up as well as being responsible to help welcome guests and assist vendors set up their displays. This provided those CIS students with community service hours & refined their interpersonal skills as they interacted with many different types of adults and students. All comments from vendors, staff & students have been very positive as they have shared that the event was very worthwhile for all involved!”