CIS Coordinator Tim Simms, Principal Barbara Barter and CIS
Coordinator Florence Courtney proudly display their new CIS apparel at
St. John Central High School in Burgeo.
Please note: The role of administrator is crucial in the successful implementation of a CIS whole school model. The administrator should share the CIS philosophy and be willing to provide on-going support for the CIS coordinator. Hosting a CIS program is a two way street; both CIS and the school must contribute to its success.
The administrator's guide includes a Collective Agreement(which is meant to be customized based on the individual school assessment); a recommended timeline for CIS implementation, and comments from CIS principals.
TIMELINE
1. A meeting with representatives of CIS.
2. Familiarization with CIS documents and philosophy.
3. A school assessment to determine needs which might be met by a CIS program.
4. Meet with CIS representatives to customize a Collective Agreement.
5. Formation of a school based advisory committee.
6. A meeting with CIS reps (including the CIS community coordinator or community resource person) to review the school's needs assessment and determine what the co-ordinator/resource person will do in the school.
7. Orientation of the coordinator/resource person to the school.
8. Administrator facilitates a meeting of CIS representatives with staff.
9. Meeting of CIS representatives with representatives of the student body.
10. Administrator holds regular, weekly meetings with CIS coordinator/resource person for updates and support.
11. Monthly (or as the need arises) meetings of the school-based advisory group.
12. Support for the ongoing participatory evaluation.
SHARING OUR VOICES - COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
"One of the major advantages I see with CIS is its flexibility to deal with things that schools see as important but never have the time or people to get it off the ground."
Eugene May, Principal
"Of my nineteen years in education, I feel that I can safely say that Communities In Schools has been the most beneficial to a school! Education and schools, by their very nature are slow to change yet in less than one year this program has made substantial positive changes to Stephenville Integrated High."
David Warren, Vice Principal
"One short year ago, the Communities In Schools (CIS) project was introduced to St. Stephen's High School and its impact has been outstanding. I can confidently say that this initiative has affected all aspects of school life. It has been one of the most rewarding ventures that I have had the privilege to be associated."
Greg Penney, Principal
"The CIS mission is to inspire and mobilize caring communities within schools to ensure that all children and youth can learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. The CIS team, consisting of Tanya King and Bernadette Osmond, strived diligently to fulfil this mission. When I think of CIS and what they have contributed to this school, I can only think positive thoughts."
Edith Smith, Principal
"I would like to take this opportunity to really give a big pat on the back to the
person(s) who 'invented' the Communities In Schools program (CIS).
They have helped me a lot when it comes to schoolwork.
I've had 30's and 40's now I get 50's, 60's and 70's all from a big help from the
CIS and some cooperation from me I made it."
Anthony Lomond, Student
"lf the CIS team wasn't here I don't think that I would have passed this year,
but now with their help I am passing all my subjects and I will enter the high
school next year going to grade 10. I really think that the CIS should be here
every year to give students the support they gave to me and other students as well."
Trina McDougall, Student
"I have been working with the CIS team for a little over six months. It is the best
thing that ever happened to me involving my schoolwork.
I get better marks and my work is done on time. The CIS team have made me realize
how important my work is and how easy it could be to get good marks if I studied.
I am sorry to say that ifthe CIS team were not here I would not be doing as well as
I am doing, and I owe it all to the CIS team. If it was up to me the CIS would have
been in school long before now and would continue being in schools for eternity."
Steven Fudge, Student
"CIS was beneficial to both the school and our community. It not only gave a member of
our community a chance to gain employment and work experience, but also aided the
school in running programs that otherwise would not be offered to students.
This program would be beneficial in all schools."
Ruby Penney, Literacy Assistant
"In one of my classes I could not seem to get on task and was frustrated, I got kicked
out of class and if it weren't for this program and Mrs. Courtney I wouldn't have
been able to finish my course."
Henry Young, Student
"Since I've been going out for extra help my marks have improved from 50 to 80."
Derek Lomond, Student
"I would like to thank the school board for placing (CIS) in our school and I hope
that they are here next year or maybe even at the high school."
Chad Skinner, Student
"I had been failing exams at the beginning of the year and now because of these good
people, I have been passing all year."
Gavin LeFrense, Student
"The last term I wasn't doing all that good but now I'm picking up my marks a lot.
Over the year I've been thinking. I think that they should have CIS every year."
Matthew Bird, Student
Fast Track to Entrepreneurship
"Youth entrepreneurship and youth participation in the economic development process is
essential in developing new enterprises and strengthening our communities.
Fast Track and other youth business assistance programs increases the opportunities
available to organizations in Zone 9 to develop youth entrepreneurship."
Tom Hutchings, Executive Director,
Long Range Regional Economic Development Board
"I was very impressed with the quality of the participants and with the training you
are providing them through the Fast Track program. It is programs such as this one
which will awaken the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth and better prepare them
for the option of starting their own business once they have completed their
education."
Stephen Lee, Associate Editor, The Georgian
"It was great to see young people being encouraged to take on a challenge and
strive for their goals. For too long our education system has overlooked the
importance and value of young people being taught that selfemployed is a career
option."
Sharon DeLodder, Executive Director, Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce
