ABOUT US
Communities In Schools (CIS) closely monitors the academics, behavior, and attendance of military children and at-risk students in Bell and Coryell Counties, Texas. These two counties encompass Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world. Through professional campus support addressing individual student needs, increased parental/family involvement, and closely supervised activities, CIS strives to promote students staying in school and graduating, thereby improving their chances of success in life.
Since our inception in 1992, we have grown from serving 1 campus to 54, from serving 1 student to over 40,000, and from serving 1 school district to serving 5 districts: Killeen, Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove, and Salado. Seventy full-time staff members span 2 counties in order to reach at-risk youth and their families. Of the 27 CIS programs in the State of Texas, we are currently the largest in terms of students served.
Our target population is made up of students, K through 12, who meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. At-risk of academic failure as identified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Legislature.
2. Economically disadvantaged
3. Currently in a crisis situation; e.g. deployment, death of a family member, divorce, etc.
Communities In Schools is the only non-profit organization housed on school property. Our program specializes in the individual case management of students who find themselves in challenging or at-risk situations. Highly trained and professional staff, all possessing one or more qualifying degrees, and 31 having been active duty or military spouses, have proven to be critical and effective, especially with school counselors stretched to the limit.
By bringing caring adults into the schools to address children’s unmet needs, CIS provides the link between educators and the community. The results: Teachers are free to teach and students—many in jeopardy of dropping out—finally have the opportunity to focus on learning.