CIS...Knowing You Belong!
CIS is thrilled to recognize three 2019 graduates that received college-bound scholarships!
Congratulations to Sebastian Jowers (left to right with his sponsor David Bulfer, Site Coordinator Ivan Cornejo, and sponsor Kelly Pope) for being the first recipient of the Future Forward New Mexico Scholarship.
Jonathan Pachecho (right) for receiving the CIS Founder's Award.
Brandon Morales (left) for his scholarship awarded by Enterprise Bank and Trust.
Knowing You Belong: Family Engagement at Aspen Community School!
“We realized and learned that with the support of each other and the group, we can get through anything. It’s about knowing you belong.” -Parent participant, 2019
El Otro Lado (EOL), which translates to “The Other Side,” is a program of the Academy for the Love of Learning that nurtures connection, compassion and community. By exploring the other side(s) of who we are, individually and collectively, we come to discover that our stories have the power to touch others, build understanding, and restore ourselves and our world. During a recent warm and sunny evening, parents and guardians and grandparents and siblings gathered to celebrate their year together. This EOL culminating event at Aspen Community School was highlighted by food and laughter, by generations of family making art together, and by the love and support of community profoundly felt as each participant stood to share their story.
Exploring the other side(s) of who we are through drawings. (Photo courtesy of Academy for the Love of Learning)
This school year, Communities in Schools (CIS) Coordinator Stephanie Walther, and Aspen Community School Counselor Socorro Maldonado joined the 2018/2019 cohort for the EOL training program, with an aspiration to strengthen family engagement at Aspen Community School. Below, they share in their words the impact of the program: “As the school year comes to an end and we reflect on our parent group’s journey to the other side, we can see and feel the growth that has transformed each and every one of us as friends and parents. The process has helped us build a sense of community, and many of our parents have become an integral part of our school. We have broken down the barrier between school staff and parents. In doing so, we’ve experienced the benefits of listening to each other and supporting each other to create a solid school community.”
CIS wishes to thank the Academy for the Love of Learning, for contributing this write-up, and for being a valuable CIS Community Partner.
Buckaroo Ball's Silver Anniversary! Round up your friends, polish-up your cowboy boots - and join CIS for the 25th Buckaroo Ball! CIS is thrilled to be chosen as one of this year's grantees! Taking place at the stunning La Mesita Ranch, this annual benefit provides assistance to at-risk children of Santa Fe county. Help support the youth of Santa Fe - and get your Early Bird tickets NOW!
YOU can sponsor Back-to-Schools supplies for a CIS School!
Who doesn't love school supplies? Our Site Coordinators finished the school year carefully compiling a list of school supplies, clothing and hygiene items they will need to start off the new school year in the fall. Help us prepare for the upcoming year by sponsoring a Site Coordinator's List!
To learn more please contact: Sonja 505.954.1880
