CISBA News
Raise a Glass Event Honors CISBA Partners
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) will honor its
community partners at the "Raise a Glass to CIS" event on April 16 at
Bay Oaks Country Club. The honored partners help CIS-Bay Area, a dropout
prevention program serving 12 schools in Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts, to keep "at risk" children in school.
The "Raise a Glass to CIS" event will be a part of the Keep Kids in
School Golf Tournament being held at the same time. Wine will be served
at 3:30 p.m., followed by the tournament's awards dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Honored for their work with CIS-Bay Area will be Interfaith Caring
Ministries, Assistance League of the Bay Area, M. I. Lewis Service
Center, Special Spaces, Bay Area Turning Point, Dr. Melissa Sommers of
NASA Vision and Cindy Castille, DDS. Each of these partners are
resources used by CIS-Bay Area to serve its students.
Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended. Tickets are $50
per person. For seating and more information, contact Angela Jenkins at
281-486-6698 or angelaj@cisba.org.
 "Raise
a Glass for CIS" event organizers are (from left) Kimberly Fleming of
Maxim Group, Tracy Ferree of Advanced Laser Vision, event chairman Susan
Bailey of Interfaith Caring Ministries and Janet Summers and Angela
Jenkins of Communities In Schools-Bay Area. Not pictured is Terri Divine
of Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services.
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Boeing Donations Near $100,000 For CISBA
Boeing's most recent donation to Communities In Schools-Bay Area
brings their total support over the past 10 years to $99,875. The most
recent donation of $9,875 will support CIS-Bay Area's dropout prevention
programs in 12 schools in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts.
In the past 10 years, Boeing, an aerospace company, has been a partner
in the program's sustainability and expansion in support of "at risk"
children.
Dayni Alba (center) of Boeing presents their most recent donation to
Communities In Schools-Bay Area
to Angela Jenkins, resource development director, and Peter Wuenschel,
executive director of the dropout prevention program
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MetLife Office Provides Snack Packs For CISBA
Snack packs for the Holiday Break for K.E. Little Elementary students
were recently gathered by Elite Retirement and Financial Solutions, an
Office of MetLife. Students receiving the snack packs are part of the
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) dropout prevention
program.
Owner Mary Stender and husband Jerry received donations of snacks and
gift cards from HEB, Kroger, Food Town and MetLife representatives.
Communities In Schools-Bay Area Executive Director Peter Wuenschel
accepts snack packs from MetLife staff (from left) Erica Garza and Joy
Stender.
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CISBA Provides McWhirter Students
Books for the Break
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area)
recently treated McWhirter Elementary School students to books
for their holiday break. CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention
program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts.
CIS-Bay Area's program coordinator at McWhirter Hillary Gramm
gathered books for all Third through Fifth Graders to take home
for the break. Books were donated by University of Houston-Clear
Lake and Half Price Books. |
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Dropout Prevention Program Hosts College And
Career Day at Brookside Intermediate
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) recently hosted a
College & Career Day at Brookside Intermediate. More than 250 Eighth
Grade students were give the opportunity to meet with dozens of business
ansd education professionals as part of the event. CIS-Bay Area is a
dropout prevention program serving 12 schools in Clear Creek and
Dickinson ISDs.
Keynote speaker was Scott Sheldon, former professional baseball player
and current general manager of Big League Dreams in League City. He was
followed by Liz Sitta of Alvin Community College who discussed preparing
for college.
Participating in the event were representatives from the U.S. Navy, Air
Force and Marines and Alvin and San Jacinto Community Colleges, and The
Art Institute of Houston International Culinary Schools.
Professions represented were crime scene investigator, criminologist,
law enforcement, firefighter/EMT, attorney, graphic designer, web
designer, electrical engineer, personal trainer, chef, pharmacist,
teacher, registered nurse, veterinarian, TV reporter and professional
baseball player.
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Legend Underwrites Keep Kids
In School Golf Tournament
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It was all smiles when Chris
Goldstraw (left) of Legend Physical Therapy announced his
company's underwriting of the Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament. Thanking Goldstraw is Rick Gornto, chairman of the
annual event to be held April 16 at Bay Oaks Country Club. |
First underwriter committed for the third annual
Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament is Legend Physical Therapy.
The golf tournament will benefit Communities In Schools-Bay
Area, a dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts.
The event will be held April 16, 2012, at Bay Oaks Country Club
in Bay Area Houston. Sponsorships are available. For tourney
information, contact Angela Jenkins, 281-486-6698, or
angelaj@cisba.org. |
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Associated Credit Union of Texas Supports
Dropout Prevention Program
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Accepting the check from
Associated Credit Union of Texas is Dr. Peter Wuenschel,
executive director of CIS-Bay Area (third from left). Donors
from left are Associated Credit Union of Texas's Eilene Mayer,
David DeAnda, Jay Coppock and Jessica Smith. |
Associated Credit of Union of Texas has awarded
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) a $250 Charity
Chat donation. CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program
serving 12 schools in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts.
Charity Chat is a Facebook promotion that recognizes charities
serving the community where Associated Credit Union operates. |
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area
Announces 2012 Golf Tournament
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Teeing off for planning of
the CIS-Bay Area's Keep Kids in Schools Golf Tournament are Golf
Committee members (from left) Dr. Peter Wuenschel, executive
director of CIS-Bay Area; Bret Laws of Jacobs Technology; Rick
Gornto of DRDA, CPAs and chairman of the event; Chris Goldstraw
or Legend Physical Therapy; Kevin Snedecor of Summit Sportswear,
and Frank Mistretta of Houston Hurricane & Security. |
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area)
has announced that its 3rd Annual Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament will be held April 16, 2012, at Bay Oaks Country Club
in Bay Area Houston. The tournament raises funds for CIS-Bay
Area's dropout prevention program in 12 schools in Clear Creek
and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Tournament Underwriter again this year will be Legend Physical
Therapy. Early sponsorships have been committed by Coastal Eye
Associates/Advanced Laser Vision, Staples, and BP-Texas City.
Sponsorships are being sought.For information on sponsorship for
the golf tournament, contact Angela Jenkins at 281-486-6698 or
angelaj@cisba.org.
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Home Depot Adopts Brookside
Intermediate Dropout Prevention Program
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| Celebrating Home
Depot's adoption of Brookside Intermediate's program are (from
left) CIS-Bay Area's Diana Cobb, campus coordinator; Peter
Wuenschel, executive director; Julia Poritz, campus intern;
Janet Summers, program coordinator, and Brookside Principal
Deanna Daws, and Home Depot's Monique Balshaw, Sidney Lazare,
Travis Humphreys and Sheryl Shields. |
Home Depot El Dorado had adopted
the Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) program at
Brookside Intermediate School in Friendswood. CIS-Bay Area's
dropout prevention program serves 12 schools in Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Immediately following the adoption commitment, Home Depot El
Dorado went to work to provide much-needed hoodies for more than
100 students at Brookside and to provide holiday support through
Thanksgiving meals and Christmas giving to families. Brookside
Principal Deanna Daws will also work with Home Depot El Dorado
for some campus-wide improvements.
"Home Depot El Dorado is proud to be teaming up with such a
great community partner like Communities In Schools-Bay Area and
adopting Brookside Intermediate. At Home Depot one of our core
values is giving back and we look forward to doing our part to
make a positive impact on the children and the community," says
Travis Humphreys, general manager of Home Depot El Dorado 1859.
Home Depot El Dorado joins other companies and groups in CIS-Bay
Area's "Adopt a School Program." Several other schools are
awaiting adoption. |
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area Names New
Board Members
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) has named its new
members of the Board of Directors. CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention
program serving 12 schools in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts.
Joining the board are Robert Cobb, Glenn Freedman, Mike LaTouche, Sandy
Mossman and Kevin Snedecor.
Robert Cobb is joining the board as the representative of Dickinson ISD
where he serves as Assistant Superintendent for Administration. Cobb has
been with the district for 15 years. He is a graduate of Texas A&M
University and Clear Lake High School.
Glenn Freedman is a former CIS-Bay Area Board member and Clear Creek ISD
Board Trustee who recently returned to Houston. He is president of Edu
Safe, Inc. He received his doctorate from the University of North
Carolina Chapel Hill.
Mike LaTouche returns to the board after representing Dickinson ISD
where he recently retired as the district's Director of Student
Ancillary Services. Since his retirement he has joined Empire Roofing.
Sandy Mossman is former Superintendent of Clear Creek ISD where she
served for 24 years, She has been a strong supporter of CIS-Bay Area.
Mossman received her doctorate from Baylor University. She will join the
board in January 2012.
A graduate of Clear Creek High School, Kevin Snedecor has also joined
the board. He is president of Summit Sportswear located in Nassau Bay.
Snedecor played basketball at Clear Creek HS.
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New CIS-Bay Area board
members attending orientation are (seated from left) Sandy
Mossman, Robert Cobb and Glenn Freedman. Standing from left are
Rick Gornto, president of the board, and Dr. Peter Wuenschel,
executive director of CIS-Bay Area. Not pictured are new board
members Mike LaTouche and Kevin Snedecor. |
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USA Supports McWhirter Dropout Prevention Program
United Space Alliance (USA) recently adopted the Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) dropout prevention program at McWhirter
Elementary School. USA's commitment to the program's Adopt a School
project will support at-risk students with food, clothing and school
supplies drives as well as other activities.
USA joins Null-Lairson, Home Depot and Webster Presbyterian Church who
have also "adopted" schools. Of the 12 CIS-Bay Area's schools, eight are
still seeking a community partner.
Virginia Barnes, USA CEO and president, recently delivered a $1000 check
to help provide school supplies for the McWhirter students. "The heart
of the community is our schools." said Barnes.
"I believe companies today have a responsibility to ensure that schools
have the resources they need to deliver quality education to our
students. Support for education goes beyond presentations in the
classroom. It's our responsibility to do what we can to make sure our
students are well prepared to learn. Providing basic needs helps further
that goal and gives children a chance for a brighter future," Barnes
added.
USA has been a long-time supporter of education and of CIS-Bay Area for
more than seven years. USA is a world leader in space operations.
Currently USA is applying its broad capabilities in NASA's International
Space Station as well as space operations customers in the commercial
and international space industry.
USA's president and CEO Virginia Barnes (left) delivers a check to
Communities In Schools-Bay Area's McWhirter campus coordinator Hillary
Gramm, and Dr, Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS-Bay Area
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CIS-Bay Area Kicks Off Annual Fundraising Campaign
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) recently kicked off
its annual fundraising campaign with the "Help Keep Kids on the Road to
Success Campaign." CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program serving
at-risk students in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts.
More than 100 supporters were educated and entertained with a video made
by Clear Falls High School student Dack Justiz, son of Charles Justiz
and Dayna Steele, who served as emcee and works as a CIS-Bay Area
mentor.
CIS-Bay Area's version of the "To Tell the Truth" television program
told the story of the many varied challenges faced by CIS-Bay Area staff
every day in their one-on-one counseling of children at risk of dropping
out of school.
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Webster Presbyterian Church 'Adopts' McWhirter
Dropout Prevention Program
Webster Presbyterian Church recently 'adopted' the Communities In
Schools-Bay Area's McWhirter Elementary School's dropout prevention
program. The program has designated Webster Presbyterian as a member of
the program's "Adopt a School" group for McWhirter.
At the beginning of the school year, church members donated school
supplies, underwear, hygiene products and a check for $1,200 at their
church service. Accepting for CIS-Bay Area was Hillary Gramm. who spoke
to the congregation.
This donation is the first of several donations to be made by the church
members. At Christmas time, the church will make "Gifts of Joy" and
donate food gift baskets at Spring Break. Members will also be mentoring
McWhirter students.
Communities In Schools-Bay Area's Hillary Gramm (left) accepts donated
school supplies from Webster Presbyterian Church members Kaylin Dupree
(center) and Jeannette Booher.
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Commanders Program Leads 40 Students in
Community Service
Communities In Schools-Bay Area and Volunteer Houston-Bay Area
recently partnered to develop community service for 40 area high school
students. The two week-long sessions instructed students on what it
takes to be a volunteer.
Guest speakers from local non-profits and businesses discussed
volunteerism within their fields.
In this year's annual Commanders Program, students worked on service
projects at Armand Bayou Nature Center, Hope Village, Bridge Over
Troubled Waters and The Neighborhood Center in La Porte.
At the end of the program, each students received a certificate for
completing 20 volunteer hours.
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AMOCO Federal Credit Union Donates
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| Dr. Peter Wuenschel, Executive Director of
Communities in Schools-Bay Area (third from left), accepts a
$10,000 donation from AMOCO Federal Credit Union to help keep
kids in school. With Wuenschel are (from left) Roger McCrary and
Tim Bulot, AMOCO FCU Board of Directors; Kevin Venable, Business
Development Manager, AMOCO FCU, and CIS-Bay Area's Janet
Summers, Program Director, and Angela Jenkins, Development
Director. |
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'Room to Grow' Atrium Planted At Clear Brook High
School
Clear Book High School's special needs students recently celebrated
the opening of the "Room to Grow" Atrium, designed and built by fellow
students. The project was funded by a grant from Lowe's and the Clear
Creek Education Foundation.
Frieda Shafer, program coordinator for Communities In Schools-Bay Area
at Clear Brook, organized students, faculty members and community
volunteers to make the atrium a reality.
The "Room to Grow" atrium includes above-ground planter boxes for
vegetables, herbs, indigenous Texas flowers and shrubs to attract
butterflies and hummingbirds. Pavers were laid to allow access for
wheel-chair bound students. The grant funded materials, watering system
and special gardening tools.
The "Room to Grow" atrium at Clear Brook High School is planted by
students
(from left) Amari Williams and Matthew Blackmon, teacher aides Riki Nuse
and Sandi Hays and student Halie Harmon.
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K. E. Little Students Attend Career Fair
Students from K. E. Little Elementary School in Bacliff
recently attended the school's Career Fair, where they visited booths
featuring 45 different vocational/career fields. Booths represented a
variety of fields from cosmetology to auto technology to aeronautical
engineering to the law.
"We stress every day to our students how important it is to finish high
school and go on to college or trade school. At the Career Fair, the
students saw how many choices are available to them," said Malika
Greene, program coordinator for Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area).
CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program working on 15 campuses in
the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts to keep kids
in school and prepare for life.
Malika Greene (right), program coordinator for CIS-Bay Area, guides K.
E. Little students (from left) Esmeralda Padron, Enya Miftari and
Christian Goodner through the recent Career Fair.
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Local Dropout Prevention Group Receives National Accreditation
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) has
achieved accreditation from the National Communities In Schools
organization. CIS-Bay Area is among the first to receive its national
accreditation among the nearly 200 local affiliates that comprise the
CIS network in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program serving 15 campuses in the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
"We are proud to have achieved our accreditation as it underlies the
value of falling in compliance with the high set of standards put in
place by CIS," said Dr. Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS-Bay
Area.
To receive national accreditation, CIS-Bay Area demonstrated compliance with all CIS Total Quality System standards.
Communities In Schools-Bay Area Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel
(center) receives congratulations on the affiliate's national
accreditation from Bill Milliken (left), national CIS founder and vice
chairman, and Julie Wayman, director of Dropout Prevention Initiatives-
Texas Education Agency.
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Golfers Raise $125,000 To Keep Kids in School
Players at the recent Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament raised $125,000 to benefit Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area), a dropout prevention program serving 15 campuses in
Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
"The community support has made this tournament the largest in the Bay
Area and goes a long way in helping the 1,300 at-risk children CIS
(Bay Area) supports each year," said Rick Gornto, tourney chairman.
Underwriter of the tournament was Legend Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
Platinum sponsors were Lexus Of Clear Lake and AMOCO Federal Credit
Union. Gold sponsors were Advantage BMW, MaximGroup, Space Center
Rotary, Staples, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center Staff, Barrios
Technology, BP Texas City, MyFlooring America and Null Lairson PC.
Silver sponsors were Rick and Janice Gornto and Medinc of Texas.
Bronze sponsors included Jacobs Technology, Johnson, Bender & Co.,
Gurry Mechanical, MRI Technologies, Hometown Bank of League City and
Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott.
First Place honors went to the Hurricane Fence team, and Second Place
title went to Johnson, Bender & Co.'s team. Third Place went to Medinc
of Texas team.
Excitement ended the day's activities with the Putting Contest to win
a BMW or two Mini Coopers from Advantage BMW Mini. Randy Hodges missed
the final 60-foot putt by a mere one inch!
Trophies were awarded at the after-tournament dinner at Bay Oaks
Country Club. Judge Louie Ditta and radio personality Dayna Steele
hosted the Live Auction. |
Rick Gornto (right), tournament chairman,
thanks Chris Goldstraw of Legend Healthcare & Rehabilitation, for
underwriting the Keep Kids in Schools Golf Tournament. |
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Randy Hodges putts to win the BMW
and misses by a mere inch! |
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Tournament chairman Rick Gornto (left)
congratulates members of the Johnson, Bender & Co. team (from left)
Dan Bender, Tony Cernosek and Rob Swofford. Not pictured is team
member Paul Garcia. |
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First Place team honors went to Hurricane
Fence players (from left) Wesley Marsh, Paul Lindberg and Rex
Lindberg. Not pictured is team member Mark Brogdon. |
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Legend Underwrites Keep Kids In School Golf
Tournament
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Chris Goldstraw (fourth from right), Chief Development
Officer of Legend Healthcare, presents the health care and
rehabilitation company's check, to underwrite the Keep Kids in School
Golf Tournament which will benefit Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area).
Pictured receiving the check are CIS-Bay Area's Golf Tournament
Committee - (from left) Angela Jenkins, Tracey Escamilla, Rene Lewis,
Rick Gornto, Jim Sweeney, Michael Divine and Kim Fleming.
The tournament will be held April 11 at Bay Oaks Country Club.
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BMW or Two MINIs for Winning Putter
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Winner of the Putting Contest at the Keep Kids in
School Golf Tournament can choose as their prize a BMW or TWO MINI
Coopers from Advantage BMW MINI of Clear Lake! This challenge will
highlight the tourney benefiting Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area), a dropout prevention program. The Keep Kids in School
Golf Tournament will be a shamble held April 11 at Bay Oaks Country
Club.
"This is our second annual Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament and it
promises to be bigger, better and more exciting," says Rick Gornto,
tournament chairman. Underwriter for this year's tournament is Legend
Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
Joining Legend in their support of the tournament are Platinum
Sponsors AMOCO Federal Credit Union, Clear Lake Regional Medical
Center and Staff and Lexus Of Clear Lake. Gold Sponsors are Advantage
BMW MINI of Clear Lake, Barrios Technology, BP-Texas City, Merrill
Lynch Wealth Management, My Flooring America, Null-Lairson PC,
MaximGroup, Rotary Club of Space Center and Staples (Webster).
Silver Sponsors are Rick and Janice Gornto and Medinc of Texas. Bronze
Sponsors are Hometown Bank of League City; Johnson, Bender & Company;
MRI Technologies, Gurry Mechanical; Jacobs Technology, and Perdue,
Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott.
Vehicles awarded for a Hole in One are donated by Lexus Of Clear Lake,
Norman Frede Chevrolet and Gulf Coast Golf Carts. Runners-up in the
Putting Contest will receive other outstanding prizes. Lunch will be
furnished by Outback Steakhouse.
Immediately following the competition, the awards dinner, donated by
Grand Finale Catering, will be held at the club with a live and silent
auction. Emcee will be Dayna Steele and auctioneer will be Judge Louie
Ditta.
Top auction items will include a stay at the Lost Iguana Resort and
Spa in Costa Rica; a week's stay at a ski-in/ski-out condo in
Breckenridge, Colorado, donated by Paula Tomasi; a dinner for eight in
your home by the Culinary Institute of America's Steve Swofford;
diamond earrings, donated by Tama Brantley; and a Texans VIP
Experience for 4 including a Matt Schaub signed football. Ann Hacker
of Park Avenue Antiques has donated a room of antiques for the
auction.
For information regarding sponsorships,contact Angela Jenkins at
281-486-6698 or
angelaj@cisba.org. |
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JERRY FOYT (right), General Manager of Lexus Of Clear
Lake, presents the dealership's Platinum Sponsorship check to
Communities In Schools-Bay Area's (from left) Rick Gornto, Keep Kids
in School Golf Tournament Chairman; Angela Jenkins, Development
Director, and Janet Summers, Program Director. |
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McWhirter Students Get Spring Break Books
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Hillary Gramm, program coordinator for Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area), provided books for McWhirter Elementary School
students to read during Spring Break. In partnership with Half Price
Books, Gramm arranged for all McWhirter students to select a book to
keep and read over the school holiday.
Celebrating their books with Gramm (center) are from left Morgan Gay,
JaQuayla Davis, Kiadre Melanchon and Kelli Lunell.
McWhirter Elementary is one of 15 campuses served by the CIS-Bay Area
dropout prevention program in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts. |
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Barrios Supports Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament
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Barrios Technology recently presented Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) with a $5,000 check in support of the
dropout prevention program's Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament.
Pictured at the check presentation are CIS-Bay Area's Angela Jenkins,
Development Director, and Peter Wuenschel, Executive Director; Sandy
Johnson, Barrios Technology President and CEO, and Tracey Escamilla,
Barrios Executive Administrative Assistant.
The Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament will benefit CIS-Bay Area's
program on 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts. The tournament will be held April 12 at Bay Oaks Country
Club.
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Clear View Students Present Cosmetology At
Intermediate Schools Career Fair
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Clear View High School students from the Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) program recently presented cosmetology
information to students from Intermediate schools in Clear Creek
Independent School District.
"The career fair was great for building Clear View cosmetology
students' confidence and great for engaging the career inspirations
for our district's Intermediate students," said Linda Deckert, head of
the CIS-Bay Area program at Clear View.
Pictured during the presentation are (from left) Tess Segovia,
Adrianna Lira, Ashley Green and Roslynn Thorton. |
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Dropout Prevention Program Sponsors Dental
Care for At Risk Students
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) recently
sponsored a two-day Smile Texas Mobile Dentist program for 60 at risk
students at McWhirter Elementary School and Clear View High School.
Dental screening, cleaning and X-rays were performed by Dr. Norman
Weiss (in rear) and dental hygienist Sue Thayer. |
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BP Donates to Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament
BP Texas City recently donated $5,000 to the Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament. The tournament will benefit Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area), a dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts. The tournament will be held April
11 at Bay Oaks Country Club.
Pictured at the check presentation are (front row, from left) Ruth Rendon,
BP Texas City; Keisha Holman, program coordinator at Barber Middle School;
Bonnie Fried, Barber principal; and Michael Marr, BP Texas City, and back
row, from left, Corey Magliolo, Maxim Group; Janet Summers, CIS-Bay Area
program director; Jackie McCarra, Southern California Valve; Joan Irvin,
McRee Ford, and Dr. Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS-Bay Area.
For more information on the golf tournament, contact Angela Jenkins at
281-486-6698 or angelaj@cisba.com.
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Clear Horizons Senior Makes Intern
Presentation
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Rebekah Hubstenberger (right), a senior at Clear
Horizons Early College High School, recently made her internship
presentation on child advocacy to the Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CIS-Bay Area) staff.
Hubstenberger was an intern during the fall semester for CIS-Bay Area,
a dropout prevention program at Clear Brook High School. She is
congratulated by her mentor (at left) Frieda Shafer, program
coordinator at Clear Brook.
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Community Invited to Campus Visits
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area), a dropout
prevention program, is inviting community businesses and individuals
to visit one of the 15 campuses it serves in the Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School District.
If you are interested in seeing the program in action, contact Janet
Summers, program director, at 281-486-6698 or
janets@cisba.org. |
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A RECENT CAMPUS VISIT to Clear View Education Center
was made by (from left) Angela Jenkins, Ron Swofford and Peter
Wuenschel, all of CIS-Bay Area; Dayni Alba of The Boeing Co.; Erica
Garza of MetLife; Linda Eckert and Janet Summers of CIS-Bay Area, and
Roy Montalbano of PBK Architects. |
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CIS-Bay Area & AMOCO FCU Show Support For Interfaith Caring
Ministries
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When a student is at risk of dropping out of school,
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) goes into action. The
dropout prevention program partners with numerous community resources
to meet the needs of the student whether it is for school supplies,
clothing, food, housing or medical attention.
One of CIS-Bay Area's most frequently used partners is Interfaith
Caring Ministries (ICM). ICM works with CIS-Bay Area to provide food
for students and their families, clothing, housing assistance and
assistance with medical care. ICM is the "Go To" agency for assistance
with basic needs when a student's family is struggling or in crisis.
"I've been on a home visit where candles provided the only light in
the home. The electricity had been cut off for some time. The younger
children were playing with lit candles standing on a newspaper covered
table. CIS-Bay Area provided battery-operated lights to eliminate the
immediate safety hazard and knew that working with ICM would help the
family get the electricity turned on again," says Linda Deckert,
program coordinator at Clear View Education Center.CIS-Bay
Area staff has referred approximately 225 families to ICM for help
this Fall. The dropout prevention program provides individual support
and referrals to students on 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts.
At the recent ICM Festival of Trees fundraiser CIS-Bay Area showed its
appreciation by donating a decorated tree. At the event's fashion
show, CIS-Bay Area was represented by Past Board President Becky
Reitz, Program Director Janet Summers and Resource Development
Director Angela Jenkins. |
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AMOCO Federal Credit Union (AMOCO FCU) supports the
local community by leasing the tree decorated by Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) from Interfaith Caring Ministries
Festival of Trees. Pictured with the tree are (from left) Shawn Bailey
of AMOCO FCU, Angela Jenkins and Janet Summers of CIS-Bay Area, and
Kevin Venable and Gail Figueroa of AMOCO FCU. |
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McDonald's Awards Perfect Attendance At Dunbar
Middle School in DISD
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Stacie Lewis-Roberts, Communities In Schools-Bay Area
Program Coordinator at Dunbar Middle School in Dickinson ISD, poses
with 165 students who were awarded coupons by McDonald's for their
perfect attendance.
"We appreciate the generosity of McDonald's in proving a small
incentive to help increase the attendance on our campus", said
Roberts.
The Perfect Attendance Program is sponsored every nine weeks by
Communities In Schools-Bay Area. Communities In Schools-Bay Area is a
dropout prevention program serving 15 campuses in Dickinson and Clear
Creek ISDs. |
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Communities In Schools – Bay Area supports
the Ballunar Liftoff Festival by selling cold soda’s to the crowds all
day on Saturday, October 30th.
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Angela Jenkins and Jane Sweeney |
from left to right (front) Randy Gross, Ashley Rene,
Jane Sweeney, Suzanne Milby (in trailer) Keith Fruge, Brooke Bodden,
Stacey Guillory, and Jo Gonzalez |
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Wuenschel Named CCISD 2010 Citizen of the Year
Dr. Peter Wuenschel has been named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by
Clear Creek Independent School District. Dr. Wuenschel is executive
director of Communities In Schools-Bay Area, a dropout prevention program
serving CCISD and Dickinson Independent School District.
Dee Scott (left), president of the CCISD Board of Trustees, presented the
award to Wuenschel at the recent Clear Creek Education Foundation Annual
Community Breakfast. Joining them (at right) is Ken Baliker, vice
president of the board of trustees. The award is managed by the
Foundation.
Wuenschel accepted the award on the behalf of the program's staff "who
work intensively with students at risk of dropping out of school."
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Staples Customers 'Do Something'For At-Risk
Students
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The Staples store in Webster recently donated tons of
school supplies to Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) as
part of their "Do Something" promotion. The store's customers pinned
their donations to the board shown with (from left) Kyle Zelesnikar,
store assistant manager; Catharine Girouard, store general manager,
and Janet Summers, CIS-Bay Area program director. |
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Business Leaders Visit CISBA
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Bay Area Houston business leaders recently visited the
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) dropout prevention
program at McWhirter Elementary School in Webster. Pictured (from
left) during visit are Dr. Michael Marquez, McWhirter principal;
Hillary Gramm, CIS-Bay Area program coordinator at McWhirter; Kathy
Dooley, Community Management Solutions; Amanda Eaves, CPA, and Celina
Cereceres Miller, CPA, both of Null-Lairson, PC; Jim Sweeney,
Minuteman Press, and State Representative John Davis, a senior
advisory council member of CIS-Bay Area. |
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CIS-Bay Area Volunteer Attends Conference
of Southwest Foundations
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Suzanne Milby (right), board director of Communities In
Schools-Bay Area, attended the recent Conference of Southwest
Foundations in Vail, Col., and welcomed Dan Cardinali, president of
Communities In Schools, a national dropout prevention program.
Cardinali was a panel presenter at the conference. Communities In
Schools is the nation's leading organization that champions the
connection of needed community resources with schools to help young
people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.
The Bay Area chapter serves 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts. |
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Board Plans for 2010-2011 School Year
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) board members recently
held their annual retreat that reviewed the dropout prevention program's
work of assisting at risk children. The program serves 15 campuses in
Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
The retreat chaired by new board president Randy Gross of Clear Lake
Regional Medical Center also reviewed the group's five-year strategic
plan. Facilitator for the retreat was Frank McGrath of Executive Service
Corps of Houston.
New board members, Diane Mackey and Ron Alhorn, were introduced.
At an earlier board breakfast, longtime board members Jim O'Malley and Bob
Scott were honored for their decades of service to the board. Both served
as president of the board.
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CIS-BAY AREA BOARD MEMBERS pose after their annual
retreat. Front row (from left) is Mike Divine, Jane Sweeney, Diane
Gillebaard, Renee Lewis, Dee Scott, Becky Reitz, Diane Mackey and
retreat facilitator Frank McGrath. Back row (from left) is Randy
Gross, Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel, Shawn Bailey and Alex
Torres (partially hidden), Mike LaTouche, Suzanne Milby, Ron Swofford,
Rick Gornto, Jay Gurry and Ron Alhorn. |
RANDY GROSS (right), 2010-2011 CIS-Bay Area board of directors
president, thanks immediate past president Becky Reitz for her service
to the dropout prevention program. |
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RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS Jim O'Malley (second from left)
and Bob Scott are gifted for their decades of service to the board by
past board presidents Becky Reitz (left) and Sandy Johnson (far
right).
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NEW CIS-BAY AREA BOARD MEMBERS Diane Mackey (left) and Ron Alhorn
(right) are welcomed to the board by new president Randy Gross. |
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MetLife Collects School Supplies for At Risk
Students
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MetLife's Elite Retirement and Financial Solutions
office in Bay Area Houston recently sponsored a drive for collecting
school supplies for at risk students served by Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area). Posing with the drive's results are
(front row, left to right) Judy Carnes (CIS-Bay Area); Erica Garza and
Janet Garner of MetLife, and Angela Jenkins and Janet Summers of
CIS-Bay Area. Back row from left are Joy Stender, Mary Stender and
Josh Stender, all of MetLife. |
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CIS-Bay Area Awards Scholarship Named for
Dr. William King
Communities In Schools-Bay Area recently awarded a scholarship to Clear
Brook High School graduate Dominique LeBlanc in honor of the late Dr.
William King. Dr. King led Clear Brook boys in the "Possibilities"
program, and LeBlanc participated in the program. CIS-Bay Area is a
dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts.
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Communities In Schools-Bay
Area Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel (left) presents a $1,000
scholarship check to Dominique LeBlanc. Joining in the presentation
are Frieda Shafer, Clear Brook High School case manager, and Janet
Summers, program director, both staff members for the dropout
prevention program. |
LeBlanc will attend San Jacinto College majoring in Business, will
transfer to the University of Houston, and hopes to own his own business
in the near future.
Dr. King was a former board member of CIS-Bay Area and was retired from
The University of Texas Medical Branch faculty. The "Possibilities"
program was facilitated by CIS-Bay Area.
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Three New Case Managers |
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Janet Summers (left), program director for Communities
In Schools-Bay Area, welcomes three new case managers to the dropout
prevention program. From left next to Summers are Malika Greene of K.E.
Little Elementary School, Stacy Guillory of Dickinson High School, and
Sonia Flores of Bayside Intermediate School. Communities In
Schools-Bay Area serves Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts. |
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School Supplies Can Keep An At Risk Child in
School
At risk children can dropout out of school for many reasons -
academics, truancy, drugs, problems at home, lack of clothing and food or
even a lack of school supplies. Even though a lack of school supplies may
seem insignificant, this need has been identified as critical by
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area).
One of the resources CIS-Bay Area offers students is furnishing school
supplies. The dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts has compiled a "wish list" of school supplies
needed for at risk students.
The wish list includes: mesh backpacks, dividers, 3 and 5-subject spiral
notebooks, 1 and 2-inch ring binders, folders with and without brads,
college ruled paper, composition books, sketch pads, flash drives, graph
paper, highlighters, compasses and erasers.
Donations of the wish list items can be made at the CIS-Bay Area office at
17225 El Camino Real (Onyx Building) in Bay Area Houston. For more
information, call 281-486-6698.
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Local Businesses Support NFL/CIS-Bay Area
Football Camp
A number of local businesses helped make the recent NFL/Communities In
Schools - Bay Area Football Camp a huge success. More than 100 Dickinson
ISD boys attended the camp at Sam Vitanza Stadium in Dickinson.
Communities In Schools - Bay Area is a dropout prevention program on 15
Clear Creek and Dickinson ISD campuses working to keep kids in school and
prepare for life,
Chick-fil-A on Hwy. 646 and Freebirds-Clear Lake provided lunch for the
campers. AMOCO Federal Credit
Union provided fruit and beverages. First aid service was provided by
Clear Lake Regional Hospital.
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Sponsors for the mini football camp were
(front row from left) Byron Williams, NFL Alumni; Santiago Mendoza,
Clear Lake Regional Hospital; Jason Riggs, general manager of
Firebirds-Clear Lake; Marissa Stidham, AMOCO Federal Credit Union;
Becky Reitz, president of Communities In Schools - Bay Area Board of
Directors; Payman Rhania, regional director of Freebirds, and Phillip
Epps, NFL Alumni. Back row from left are Cliff Odom, Roosevelt
Collins, Stacey Dillard and Preston Taylor, all NFL Alumni. |
Toting lunches for the Football
Camp were (from left) Peter Wuenschel, executive director, and Janet
Summers, program director, of Communities In Schools - Bay Area, and
Rachel Van Chau of Chick-fil-A on Hwy 646. |
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NFL Alumni, CISBA Host Football/Leadership Camp
More than 100 Dickinson Independent School District boys learned
football and leadership skills from eight former National Football League
players at a recent two-day mini camp sponsored by Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CISBA), a dropout prevention program.
Instructors for the event held at Sam Vitanza Stadium in Dickinson
included Lemuel Stinson of the Chicago Bears; Cliff Odum of the Miami
Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts; Preston Taylor of the
Buffalo Bills; Byron Williams of the New York Giants, Roosevelt Collins of
the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys; Stacey Dillard of the New York
Giants; Mike (Scooter) McGruder of the Green Bay Packers and New England
Patriots, and Phillip Epps of the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets.
CISBA works on 15 Dickinson ISD and Clear Creek ISD campuses to help keep
kids in school and prepare for life.
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NFL alumni and CISBA volunteers
taking a break at the recent mini football/leadership camp were (from
left, standing) Roosevelt Collins and Byron Williams, NFL alumni, and
volunteers Carl Burnett and Christopher Myers. Kneeling is Arlo Scott,
Communities In Schools-Bay Area intern volunteer. |
Roosevelt Collins, former Miami
Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys linebacker, runs drills with some of the
Dickinson High School boys attending the mini football camp. |
Jeffrey Watkins (center), a
student at Dickinson High School, get a cool-down drink from Jo
Gonzales, case manager from Communities In Schools - Bay Area. With
them is former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets player Phillip
Epps, one of the instructors at the recent two-day mini football camp. |
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CIS Day Breakfast Celebrates Dropout Prevention Program
Communities In Schools - Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) recently celebrated
the dropout prevention program's work with a breakfast at Bailey's
American Grille in Seabrook. Special honorees were the members of The
Assistance League of the Bay Area (ALBA).
ALBA has worked in partnership with CIS-Bay Area for 20 years in meeting
the needs of students who are at risk of dropping out of school. The
CIS-Bay Area program serves 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts.
A founding member of ALBA Joy Smitherman spoke to the attendees about her
experiences in mentoring several students. A plaque recognizing ALBA's
work was presented to the group's president Ann Latimer.
Brad Bailey, owner of Bailey's American Grille, hosted the breakfast
attended by more than 100 guests.
For more photos and video, visit
wiredin.cc.
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CISBA and NFL Alumni to Host Football Camp
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CISBA) and NFL Alumni
are co-hosting a youth football camp for young men from five Dickinson
ISD schools on June 10 and 11 at Sam Vitanza Stadium in Dickinson. CIS
Bay Area is a dropout prevention program serving “at risk” students in
the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
The two-day event will teach teamwork, values and successful life
paths as well as football skills and techniques. All instruction,
drills and scrimmages will be monitored by NFL Alumni Staff.
Participants will be grouped by age, size and experience.
Byron Williams, former New York Giants wide receiver, and other NFL
alumni will lead the mini camp. He also played in the Canadian
Football League and World Foot ball League. His participation is
sponsored by Texas Sports Builders, Inc., a company that installs
running tracks and artificial turf.
Sponsors of the camp include Dickinson ISD, Houston Texans, Clear Lake
Regional Medical Center, Visiting Angels, AMOCO Federal Credit Union,
Freebirds World Burrito, Chick-Fil-A, Wal-mart, HEB, and Walgreens. |
NFL Alumni Team recently
supported Communities In Schools-Bay Area by participating in the Keep
Kids in School Golf Tournament. From left are Byron Williams, New York
Giants alumni; Hector Puentes, founder of Texas Sports Builders; Butch
Woolfork, New York Giants alumni and National Football Conference
Rookie of the Year, and Roosevelt Collins, alumni of the Dallas
Cowboys, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. |
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Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament Raises
$108,277
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The Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament recently
presented a check for $108,277 to Communities In Schools – Bay Area
(CISBA), a dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts. This
precedent-setting tournament has set a goal of making the Keep Kids in
School event the greatest golfing experience in Clear Lake area,
according to Rick Gornto, tournament chairman. Golfers scoring first
place were from Kids R Kids Pearland Parkway. Second place went to ARI
Construction and third place went to Medinc.
Adding to the excitement of the tournament were five
opportunities to win a new car on four Par 3 holes as well as a
putting contest. Sole finalist in the putting contest was Judge Louie
Ditta, who missed a 50-foot putt by mere inches. Ditta also served as
auctioneer at the live auction at dinner and is on the program’s
Senior Advisory Council.
The success of the tournament was credited to the support from the
community, especially underwriters Lexus Of Clear Lake and Dr. Greg
and Barbie Clariday. Other major sponsors were Clear Lake Volkswagen,
My Flooring America, AMOCO Federal Credit Union, Clear Lake Regional
Medical Center, Johnson Bender & Co., Barrios Technology, Gay & Reitz
Law Firm, Gornto & Associates and Maxim Group.
Other sponsors included Bank of Houston, PBK
Architects, Perdue, Brandon, Felder, Collins & Mott, Gateway Community
Church, E-Source Industrial and Michael Landolt/Merrill Lynch.
The party was held at Lexus Of Clear Lake’s showroom
with Grand Finale Catering providing the food, D’Vine Wine and AMOCO
Federal Credit Union the beverages and music provided by board member
Mike LaTouche of Dickinson ISD.
TOURNAMENT AWARDS Committee chair Tracey Escamilla (left) enjoys Grand
Finale Catering’s fare with her husband Chris Escamilla (center) and
Putting Contest Chairman Bill Summers of Clear Lake Volkswagen.
KEVIN VENABLE (right) of AMOCO Federal Credit Union played host to
After Party celebrants (from left) Joanna Yates, Susan Bailey and Kim
Fleming.
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A BIG CHECK FOR $108,277 was presented to Communities In Schools-Bay
Area board president Becky Reitz (left) by Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament underwriter Joey Dupuis of Lexus Of Clear Lake, Rick Gornto,
tournament chairman, and Janet Summers, program director of CISBA for
Clear Lake and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
GOLFERS GET THEIR INSTRUCTIONS from Tournament Chairman Rick Gornto
(right) and Scott Olsen, golf pro at Bay Oaks Country Club, site of
the event.
AFTER PARTY REVELERS CELEBRATING the Keep Kids in School Golf
Tournament were (left to right) Jim Sweeney, Jane Sweeney, Norm
Gookins, and Gene Hollier.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, players and
others who supported our Keep Kids in School tournament. Thanks to all of
you, it was a great success.
Check
out our photo albums of the event!
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United Space Alliance Aids 'At Risk' Students
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Norm Gookins (right), vice president of United Space
Alliance, presents a $4,000 check to Communities In Schools-Bay Area
(CISBA) to help the dropout prevention program help "at risk" children
in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Accepting for CISBA is Peter Wuenschel, executive director, of the
program which helps keep kids in school and prepare for life. |
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CISBA to Honor Assistance League of the Bay Area
Communities In Schools - Bay Area (CISBA), a dropout prevention program
serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts, will honor
the Assistance League of the Bay Area (ALBA), at their annual CIS Day
Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, May 20, at
Bailey's American Grille in Seabrook.
The Assistance League of the Bay Area has been a key partner with CISBA
for 20 years. The League helps the program to provide "at risk" students
with resources needed to keep them in school.
Some of the many ways ALBA assists CISBA are:
- Operation School Bell providing uniforms and clothing for
students.
- Winter Hoodie and Jacket Drive
- Volunteer Tutoring and Mentoring
- Chaperoning of Field Trips
- Incentive Gifts such as "Birthday in a Box," holiday treats and
goodie bags
- Operation Cinderella providing prom clothing and accessories.
Also, the League's Assisteens auxiliary (high school students) provides
help with the program's Lego Project.
Bailey's American Grille is hosting the breakfast. There is no admission
charge, but reservations are required. For reservations, call
281-486-6698.
CIS Day celebrates the program's successes in keeping kids in school and
honors its community partners.
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CISBA volunteers plan for CIS Day on May 20. Seated from left are
Meghan Murphy and Jane Sweeney. Standing from left are Suzanne Milby
and Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CISBA. Sweeney and Milby
will chair the event. |
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April 12, 2010
Bay Oaks Country Club
Lexus Of Clear Lake Underwrites Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament
 Joey Dupuis (second from
left), general manager of Lexus Of Clear Lake, presents the check that
underwrites the Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament benefiting
Communities In Schools-Bay Area, a dropout prevention program serving
Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs. The tournament will be held from noon to
5 p.m., April 12, at Bay Oaks Country Club.
Accepting the check are (from left) Rick Gornto, tournament chairman;
Diane Gillebaard, tournament marketing, and Mike Divine, teams committee
chairman.
In addition to underwriting the event, Lexus will provide one of the
cars for the five hole-in-one opportunities and host the sponsor/donor
appreciation after party April 15 at their dealership.
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Wealth Managers Aid "At Risk" Students
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Johnson Bender & Co. Wealth Managers recently donated
to the Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament benefiting Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CISBA). Pictured in the check presentation are
(from left) Willis Johnson, company president; Ron Swofford, CISBA
board member, and Dan Bender, company senior vice president. |
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CISBA Names New Resource Development Director
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Margot Frye has been named the Resource Development
Director of Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CISBA), a dropout
prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts.
Frye will be responsible for raising funds to support the program
which provides services to help keep students in school and prepare
for life. Prior to joining CISBA, Frye was Development Officer in
the Office of Annual Giving at the University of Houston.
"I joined CISBA because they provide needed support to 'at risk'
students. It is extremely fulfilling to realize the program offers
hope and guidance to students achieve the ultimate goal of
graduation. I also find great satisfaction in being a part of such a
respected and successful team," says Frye. |
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Staples Aids "At Risk" Students
Janet Summers (left), program director for Communities In Schools-Bay
Area, recently shopped for school supplies at the Staples store in
Webster thanks to a $600 gift card donation from the office supply
company. Helping her check out are Catharine Girouard, Staples general
manager, and Kyle Zelesnikar, assistant manager.
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Ready to tee off for the
Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament are (from left) Mike Divine,
Teams Committee Chair; Rick Gornto, Tournament Chair, and Becky
Reitz, Sponsorship Committee Chair, following a recent planning
meeting. |
“Keep Kids in School” is a mission for Communities In
School-Bay Area (CISBA) and also the name of the group’s fund-raising golf
tournament to be held April 12 at Bay Oaks Country Club. Golfers will play
a round at the tournament and help fund a proven dropout prevention
program – CISBA – serving 15 campuses in the Clear Creek and Dickinson
Independent School Districts.
“This is CISBA‘s first golf tournament and we wanted every person involved
to have a great time and to raise money to help these kids. A great golf
format, five opportunities to win a car, wonderful food and extraordinary
live auction items. Everyone involved is very excited about this being a
major fundraising event which we think will be a record breaker in the Bay
Area. Come out and join us on April 12 at Bay Oaks Country Club,” says
Rick Gornto, chairman of the Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament.
5 Hole-in-One Opportunities
Golfers will drive for a hole-in-one on all four of the club’s Par 3 holes
and putt competitively to win one of five automobiles from area
dealerships. Dealers participating in the hole-in-one and putting contests
are Advantage BMW, Infiniti, Lexus Of Clear Lake, Norman Frede Chevrolet,
and Clear Lake Volkswagen.
Community Drives Fund-raising
An early outpouring of support by businesses and individuals has answered
the call to help “at risk” children in Bay Area Houston at this
tournament. Underwriters for the event are Lexus Of Clear Lake and Barbara
and Dr. Greg Clariday.
Gold Sponsors to date are Clear Lake Volkswagen and friends of Tim Sims.
Silver Sponsors are Clear Lake Regional Hospital, Rick and Janice Gornto,
Amoco Federal Credit Union, Gay & Reitz Law Firm, Barrios Technology and
Johnson, Bender & Co.
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Early supporter of the “Keep Kids in School” Golf Tournament
is Clear Lake Volkswagen represented by General Manager Brent Finch (left)
shown presenting check to CISBA Executive Director Peter Wuenschel. Clear
Lake Volkswagen, in addition to being a Gold Sponsor, is donating a car for
one of the five Hole-In-One opportunities. |
Auction/Awards Dinner Follows Play
Following the 18 holes of golf, teams and other golfers will dine during
the awards presentation. The live and silent auction donations so far are
proving to be a varied and crowd-pleasing array of biddable items. Early
auction items include full Lasik surgery by Dr. William Lipsky of Advanced
Laser Vision, one week stay at any Interval International Resort in the
United States, Southwest Airlines tickets, stay at a Breckenridge, Colo.,
condominium, dinner for 10 at your home, war bird plane rides followed by
a dinner with veteran pilots, and a stay at a five-star bed and breakfast
in Victoria, B.C., Canada.
Contacts and More Information
Businesses and individuals can participate in sponsorships by calling
Communities In Schools-Bay Area Executive Director Peter Wuenschel at
281-486-6698 or by email to
peterw@cisba.org. Teams and other golfers interested in joining
the event can call Michael Divine at 832-632-2273 or email to
visitingangelsCLC@sbcglobal.net. The cost for teams is $700 and
$175 for individuals.
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Golf Tournament: Save the Date & Call for
Volunteers
The CISBA Golf Tournament "Keeping Kids in Schools" will be held on
Monday, April 12 at Bay Oaks Country Club. Registration is around 10:30
and play beginning at noon. The tournament will end around 5:00 p.m.
followed by dinner, an award ceremony and live auction. Many volunteers
are needed the day of the tournament. If you are interested to volunteer
the day of the tournament, please let us know by e-mailing your contact
information to
peterw@cisba.org
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CIS-Bay Area Case Managers Celebrate New School
Year
Case managers from Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area)
recently met to celebrate the new school year with the dropout prevention
program's board of directors president Becky Reitz (second row, left).
Program director Janet Summers is front and center.
CIS-Bay Area serves 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts helping kids stay in school and prepare for life.
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Gulf Greyhound Park Event Benefits Dropout
Prevention
Communities In Schools - Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) recently benefited
from a Charity Day at Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque. A percentage of
the bets on the races that night will go to CIS-Bay Area, a dropout
prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts.
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CIS-Bay Area Board President Becky Reitz of Gay & Reitz
PC nuzzles Zapata, an adoptable retired greyhound, who visited the VIP
party at Gulf Greyhound Park. |
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CIS-Bay Area Director Ron Swofford (center) joins wife
Carole in welcoming Zapata, one of the adoptable retired greyhounds,
attending the event benefiting the dropout prevention program.
Julianne York of Gulf Greyhound Adoption Program is at left. |
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Three Board Members Recognized
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Executive Director Peter Wuenschel (left) thanks Jim
Sweeney for his more than 15 years of service on the board of
directors. Sweeney also served as president of the board. |
Board President Becky Reitz (left) thanks Jay Gurry for
his service as 2008-09 board president. |
Jay Gurry (left), 2008-09 board president, recognizes
Sandy Johnson for her presidency of the 2007-08 board. |
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Greyhounds Race to Benefit Dropout Prevention
Program
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) will
benefit from a Gulf Greyhound Park Charity Day on Oct. 23, 2009. A
percentage of monies bet on the greyhound races that day will go to
the dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs.
Visiting Sara, one of the track's retired greyhounds up for adoption,
are (from left) Maria Aguilar, student; Jo Gonzales, CIS-Bay Area
program coordinator, and Sierra Martin, student, all of Dickinson High
School, and Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS-Bay Area.
Gulf Greyhound Park is located off Exit 15, on I-45 South in La Marque.
For more information, call 281-486-6698 or email
judyc@cisba.org. |
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Directors Meet in Retreat to Form Future
Objectives
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Members of the Board of Directors of
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) met recently at Barrios
Technology offices to form future objectives for the dropout
prevention program. CIS-Bay Area serves 15 schools in Clear Creek and
Dickinson ISDs to help kids stay in school and prepare for life.
Attending the CIS-Bay Area Board Retreat were (kneeling/seated from
left) were Ron Swofford, Michael Divine, Dee Scott, Jane Sweeney,
Peter Wuenschel, Jim Sweeney, Corey Magliolo, Becky Reitz, (standing
from left) Randy Gross, Mike Duckworth, Rick Gornto, Norm Gookins,
Suzanne Milby, Mike LaTouche, Patty Cooper, Alex Torrez, Sandy
Johnson, Shawn Bailey, Diane Gillebaard, Bob Scott and Jay Gurry.
Board members not pictured include Jim O'Malley and Manny Torres. |
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Incoming board president Becky Reitz explained to old and new board
members the challenges ahead and explained the mission of the
organization. Frank McGrath of Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH)
facilitated the retreat. |
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New board members welcomed to the group were Mike
Duckworth, Jane Sweeney, Corey Magliolo and Michael Divine. Other new
board member Manny Torres was unable to attend. |
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Campus Wish List For CISBA Schools
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CISBA) is now serving 15 schools in
Clear Creek ISD and Dickinson ISD. This dropout prevention program helps
students stay in school and prepare for life.
Case managers in these schools have prepared a “wish list” of items
members of the community could donate to assist them in their work with
“at risk” students.
The wish list includes: polo shirts (no logos, sizes for elementary
through high school), belts of all sizes (elementary through high school),
shoe vouchers for Payless ShoeSource, backpacks, boxed greeting cards
(birthdays, Christmas, etc.) for kids to use for special occasions,
drawing notebooks, a flat screen monitor, a fax machine, and storage
cabinet for school supplies and clothing.
Gift cards are always appreciated. Gift cards for stores such as Wal-Mart,
Target, Academy, and Barnes & Noble can be used to reward good attendance
and behavior and grade improvement. Also appreciated would be one-time
credit cards for iPod music downloads and gift cards for movies, nail
salons, meals pizzas and fast-food restaurants.
For incentives, CISBA could use small toys, Legos (loose or small $5
kits), nail polish, and clear or pink lip-gloss.
Wish list donations may be sent to CISBA, P.O. Box 580096, Houston, TX
77258. For more information, contact Janet Summers at 281-486-6698 or
visit the CISBA website, www.cisba.org. All donations are tax deductible.
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Banker Joins Board of Dropout Prevention Program
Mike Duckworth (center), senior vice president of HomeTown Bank of
League City, has joined the board of directors of Communities In
Schools-Bay Area, a dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Welcoming Duckworth to the board are Executive Director Peter Wuenschel
(left) and Board President Jay Gurry. Communities In Schools-Bay Area
works on campus in 15 schools in the districts to help kids stay in school
and prepare for life.
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Texas Legislature Fights School Dropout
Problem
AUSTIN, TX – Several Texas Legislators are working diligently to fight
the epidemic of school dropouts by supporting Communities In Schools
(CIS), an evidenced-based school dropout program that has operated in
Texas for 30 years. Twenty State Senators and 24 State Representatives are
co-authoring bills to increase funding to Communities In Schools. SB 817
and HB 1673 request that the state of Texas increase funding to
Communities In Schools programs throughout the state by $14.3 million per
year.
“I am supporting the Communities In Schools of Texas Bill because CIS has
proven to be effective in reducing dropouts” said Representative John
Davis, who represents the 129th District in the Texas House. The academic
effectiveness and cost efficiency of Communities In Schools has been
validated by a recent ICF International evaluation called for by the Texas
Legislature and commissioned by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The
study determined that the CIS program delivers documented, meaningful
effects in reducing school dropouts and increasing graduation rates. The
bottom line is that the CIS program increases high school graduation
rates, the most fundamental measure of public school student success.
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Representative John Davis visits with Dr. Peter Wuenschel,
Executive Director of Communities In Schools - Bay Area and Linda
Gail White, Former First Lady of Texas at a reception held in the
Lieutenant Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol
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Throughout the state, volunteers, parents and business people have been
visiting their legislators in Austin to show their support for CIS. Former
First Lady of Texas Linda Gail White recently met with the Governor Rick
Perry and Robert Scott, Commissioner of Education, to discuss the most
efficient way to fund the expansion of Communities In Schools. “I believe
in CIS because I have seen first hand how they change the lives of at-risk
children and give them hope for the future,” said White.
Communities In Schools (CIS) works on school campuses to organize
community resources and volunteers to support students’ success in school
and parents’ involvement in education. CIS connects kids from pre-K to
12th grade with the help they need so kids can learn and teachers can
teach and leverages millions of dollars in private contributions onto
campuses. CIS staff works for private non-profit organizations not the
state or school districts. In Texas, Communities In Schools provided
services to over 78,000 students in 2007-2008.
Peter Wuenschel, Executive Director of Communities In Schools-Bay Area, is
encouraged by the overwhelming support for CIS by the Legislature. “I am
pleased to say that both John Davis and Rep. Larry Taylor, our local
Representatives as well as State Senator Mike Jackson, have been long time
supporters of CIS. We have operated our program in this community for 20
years with great success.”
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CIS-Bay Area Celebrates 20 Years, Honors Stastny
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS- Bay Area) recently celebrated 20
years of their dropout prevention program service in Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts with a breakfast at Bailey's
American Grille in Seabrook.
Special honoree for the event was Blanche Stastny, who was a founding
board member of the organization. In addition to CIS-Bay Area's tribute,
Stastny was recognized by her hometown, Clear Lake Shores, with a
proclamation naming March 12, 2009, as Blanche Stastny Day in the city.
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Dr. Peter Wuenschel (center), executive director of
CIS-Bay Area, and Capt. Jay Gurry, board president, thank Brad Bailey,
owner of Bailey's American Grille, for underwriting the 20th
anniversary breakfast. |
Joining the 20th anniversary celebration were (from
left) Dr. Leland Williams, superintendents of Dickinson ISD; Bob
Scott, CIS-Bay Area board treasurer, and Judge Louie Ditta, who served
as master of ceremonies. |
Stastny came to Bay Area Houston in 1962 and opened the area's first
Sylvan Learning Canter in 1984.
She served on CIS-Bay Area's first board of directors, reflecting her
compassion and special in "at risk" children. She has served on the boards
of Friends of Freeman Library, the Houston Symphony League Bay Area and
the Clear Lake Symphony.
Last year, CIS-Bay Area served more than 1,400 students with a graduation
success of 88 percent for eligible seniors and 96 percent stayed in
school. In addition to the 1,400 students receiving one-on-one service,
10,000 other students are enriched by special events on the campuses of 15
schools in the districts.
CIS-Bay Area is affiliated with the national Communities in Schools, the
nation's fifth largest youth service agency in number of children served.
Blanche Stastny (second from left) was honored to have three Clear Creek
ISD superintendents attend her tribute. From left are Dr. Greg Smith,
current superintendent, and former superintendents Sandra Mossman and John
Wilson.
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United Space Alliance Supports CISBA
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Norm Gookins (center), vice president of United Space
Alliance (USA), is thanked for USA's recent $5,000 donation by
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) Executive Director
Peter Wuenschel (left) and Capt. Jay Gurry, president of the CIS-Bay
Area Board of Directors. |
Norm Gookins (center), Vice President of United Space Alliance, is
thanked by Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) Executive
Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel (left) and Capt. Jay Gurry, president of the
board of directors of CIS-Bay Area and president of Gurry Mechanical,
L.P., for a recent $5,000 donation.
Gookins is also a member of CIS-Bay Area's board of directors.
The donation supports the dropout prevention program led by CIS-Bay Area
in 15 schools in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
CIS-Bay Area is part of the national Communities In Schools, the nation's
fifth largest youth agency in number of children served.
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area Celebrates 20 Years
of Service to "At Risk" Students
For 20 years, Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) has helped
kids stay in school and prepare for life. The dropout prevention program
serves "at risk" students in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School
Districts.
 To celebrate
their 20th anniversary, CIS-Bay Area will hold a breakfast at Bailey's
American Grille in Seabrook from 7:30-9 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009.
Blanche Stastny, a founding board member, will be honored for her years of
board service. Judge Louie Ditta will serve as master of ceremonies.
CIS-Bay Area is part of the national Communities In Schools program.
Communities In Schools is the nation's fifth largest youth service agency
in number of children served.
CIS-Bay Area's dropout prevention program started in 1989 under the name
of Bridgeport. The first school served by the program was League City
Intermediate. One year later, the program was serving two more schools in
Clear Creek ISD.
In 1995, two schools in Dickinson ISD were added to the campuses served.
The name of the program was changed to Communities In Schools-Bay Area in
2003. From 1996-2006, campuses were added for a total of 13 schools in the
two districts.
In 2007, the schools served by CIS-Bay Area totaled 15 campuses. Clear
Creek ISD schools in the program are League City Intermediate, Clear Creek
High, Clear Lake High, Clear Brook High, Clear View High, Clear Path
Alternative Education Program, Clear Springs High, Victory Lakes
Intermediate, Brookside Elementary and McWhirter Elementary.
Dickinson ISD schools served are Dickinson High, Dunbar Middle, Barber
Middle, McAdams Junior High and K.E. Little Elementary.
Each campus has a program coordinator who works one-on-one with "at
risk"students. The program offers mentoring, tutoring, counseling, career
awareness, social services, parental involvement and enrichment programs.
Last year, CIS-Bay Area served more than 1,400 students with a graduation
success of 88 percent for eligible seniors and 96 percent stayed in
school. Improvement in attendance, academics and behavior resulted in a
promotion rate of 79 percent by students in the program. In addition to
the 1,400 students receiving one-on-one service, 10,000 other students are
enriched by special events on campus.
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Dr. King Gives "Possibilities" To Clear Brook
High Boys
Two years before joining the board of directors of Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area), Dr. William H. King already recognized
the need to show "at risk" students that they have the ability to succeed
and can afford college. CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program
serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Dr. King and his fraternity brothers in the Zeta Tau Lambda Chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. started "Possibilities," a self esteem and
career awareness program. Twice a month, Dr. King mentors about 25 boys at
Clear Brook High School in Clear Creek ISD. The fraternity chose Clear
Brook because of the number of minority students in the school's
population.
"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
We show we care by investing our lives on a continuing basis," says Dr.
King, an anesthesiologist retired from The University of Texas Medical
Branch in Galveston. Working with Dr. King are Sandra Finley, Smaller
Learning Community campus leader at Clear Brook, and Frieda Shafer, campus
coordinator for CIS-Bay Area.
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Dr. William H. King (third from left) visits with Clear
Brook High students (from left) Quinton Johnson, Demario Ricks, Brian
Adegbenro, Justin Glover, and Jarred Spencer. |
Each meeting Dr. King brings men, primarily minorities, with successful
careers into the school to speak to the boys in the program. Many member
of the fraternity have spoken to the these students. The most recent
speaker was Chris McKinley, a meteorologist with the National Weather
Service, who later took the group on a tour of the National Weather
Service office in League City.
Upcoming speakers for the program include Rucks Russell, reporter for KHOU-TV;
J. C. Jackson, pharmacist, and Chris Washington, accountant and former
football player.
 "There
is a real need for this type of program in every high school and
intermediate school in our districts. I would love to see men come forward
to coordinate programs in other schools," Dr. King commented. Agreeing
with Dr.King is CIS-Bay Area Program Director Janet Summers, "There is a
continuous need for positive adult role models who are wiling to share
their time and life experience with students in need of encouragement and
supportive guidance."
Teachers and counselors at Clear Brook report positive changes in attitude
toward school, and several students have improved their Grade Point
Average since attending the presentations. Of those students in the
Communities In School's program, 50 have attended the "Possibilities"
meetings.
Mentoring comes naturally for Dr. King and his wife Rose Marie. They have
raised three sons - one is a security officer at NASA, one is a Clear
Creek ISD teacher, and one is a physician scientist at Southwestern
Medical Center in Dallas.
Dr. King retired from UTMB's Anesthesiology Department in 1997 but remains
an Adjunct Associate Professor at the medical school. He does volunteer
work with Bay Area Baptist Church in League City. He served on the board
of directors of Boy & Girls Club of Galveston County from 2001 to 2004.
Clear Brook High educates students in five "small learning communities."
They are seeking men who can speak of careers in Engineering, Agriculture
and Technology; Business and Applied Technologies; Public Service and
Communication; Medical and Health Sciences, and Visual and Performing
Arts.
For more information on mentoring in the "Possibilities" program, contact
wkingmd@comcast.net or on Communities In Schools-Bay Area at www.cisba.org.
"Many young men have no sense of direction for their future," says Dr.
King, also quoting "Where there is no vision, the people perish...",
Proverbs 29:18.
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Lexus of Clear Lake Supports Dropout
Prevention Program
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Lexus of Clear Lake recently supported Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) with a $5,000 check to help the
dropout prevention program's "at risk" students in Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Posing at the check presentation were (from left) Jerry Foyt, general
sales manager of Lexus of Clear Lake; Bob Scott, CIS-Bay Area board
member; Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS-Bay Area, and Joey
Dupuis, general manager of Lexus of Clear Lake. |
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National President Visits Local Dropout
Prevention Program
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Dan Cardinali (left), president of Communities In
Schools' national dropout prevention program, recently visited the Bay
Area program to review effects of Hurricane Ike on students of Clear
Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Leading his tour of the area were Janet Summers (center), program
director of Communities In Schools-Bay Area, and Kenya Washington,
coordinator of the program at K.E. Little Elementary School in
Bacliff. |
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Lockheed Martin Aids "At Risk" Students
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Dorothy Lorence, community affairs manager for Lockheed
Martin Space Operations, unloads 60 bags of snacks for "at risk"
students at McAdams Junior High School in Dickinson Independent School
District. Snacks will go to students served by Communities In
Schools-Bay Area's dropout prevention program. These students, who
receive breakfast and lunch at school, will use the snack packs during
holiday breaks. |
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TEA Austin Employees Send Snack Packs for Holiday
Break
When Clear Creek and Dickinson ISD students in the Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area)
dropout prevention program, leave school for the holiday break, they do
not receive the breakfast and lunch provided at school. To help Hurricane
Ike-affected students, employees of the Austin office of the Texas
Education Agency (TEA) donated snack packs for the children take home with
them.
Sharon Boudreaux from McAdams Junior High School in Dickinson sorts snack
pack items donated by TEA employees in Austin for students affected by
Hurricane Ike.
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Dickinson Students Thank Florida School for
Hurricane Donations
Students from McAdams Junior High School in the Dickinson Independent
School District recently sent a "thank you" poster to students at Coral
Springs (Florida) Charter School.
Coral Springs students searched the Internet to find an organization
helping students affected by Hurricane Ike. They found Communities In
Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area), a dropout prevention program serving
Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs. The Florida students donated $2,100 worth
of gift cards to the organization to distribute to storm-affected
children.
In turn, CIS-Bay Area donated $500 to its counterpart Communities In
Schools-Galveston.
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Boeing Holds Coat Drive For "At Risk" Students
The Boeing Company's Dayni Alba delivers more than 50 coats to
Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area), that serves "at risk"
students in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.
Boeing employees' recent coat drive is to help CIS-Bay Area's mission of
keeping kids in school and prepare for life.
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Scott Steel Supports Dropout Prevention Program
Scott Steel (left), owner of My Flooring America, is thanked by
Communities In Schools-Bay Area Executive Director Peter Wuenschel for his
$5,000 donation to support the organization's dropout prevention program.
Steel is a member of the Board of Directors and a long-time advocate of
education in the Bay Area.
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Board Members Support Dropout Prevention Program's
Fundraiser
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area board directors showed
their support at the dropout prevention program's recent Masked Magic
fundraiser. From left, directors are Norm Gookins, Director of Human
Resources, United Space Alliance; Dee Scott, Owner, Dee Scott
Insurance Agency; Peter Wuenschel, Executive Director, Communities In
Schools-Bay Area; Jim Sweeney, Owner, Minuteman Press-Bay Area; Becky
Reitz, Gay & Reitz, Attorneys; Jay Gurry, President, Gurry Mechanical,
L.P.; and Patty Cooper, Moores School of Music, University of Houston. |
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Gurry Named President of Dropout Prevention Program Board
Jay Gurry (right) is congratulated on his selection as
president of Communities In Schools-Bay Area board of directors by the
dropout prevention program's executive director Peter Wuenschel.
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Jay Gurry has been named president of the board of
directors of Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area), a dropout
prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent
School Districts.
Gurry is president of Gurry Mechanical, L.P. and has been an active
board member for three years.
Other new CIS-Bay Area board officers are Vice President Becky Reitz
of Gay & Reitz, P.C., Secretary Diane Gillebaard, Treasurer Bob Scott,
Past Board President Sandy Johnson of Barrios Technology, and CIS-Bay
Area Executive Director Peter Wuenschel.
CIS-Bay Area has helped students stay in school and prepare for life
for more than 17 years and currently has on-campus programs at 15
schools in CCISD and Dickinson ISD.
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Communities In Schools-Bay Area Welcomes New Board
Members
Jay Gurry, president of the board of directors of
Communities In Schools-Bay Area, (standing) welcomes new board members
(left to right) Mike LaTouche of Dickinson ISD; William King, retired
physician, and Rick Gornto of First Financial. Other new board members
not pictured are Norm Gookins of United Space Alliance and Randy Gross
of Clear Lake Regional Medical Center.
Communities In Schools-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program
serving Clear Creek ISD and Dickinson ISD. |
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Operation Now
The Communities In Schools - Bay Area Board of Directors has launched
'Operation Now' in response to at-risk students who were effected by
Hurricane Ike. We are in need of the items below. Please contact Judy at
(281) 486-6698 if you would like to make a donation.
OUR GREATEST NEEDS
Nonperishable, ready to eat food
Air Mattresses with air pumps
Diapers
Washing Detergent
Lowes & Home Depot Gift Cards
Gas Cards
Phone Cards
Gift Cards (Walmart, HEB, Kroger, etc.)
Tokens for Washateria
Small Appliances
Clothes - Standardized Dress
Shoes - Adult & Children
Bedding
Furniture |
OTHER NEEDS:
School Supplies
Cleaning products (including bleach)
Toilet Paper
Soap/Shampoo
Undergarments
Band Aids
Maternity Clothes
Cleats
Assistance with Utilities
Industrial Trash Bags
Furniture
Hygiene Products
$25 Gift cards (phone cards, gas cards, Wal-mart, Kroger's, HEB)
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Masked Magic Gala
Check out event photos courtesy of Wiredin.cc [photos]
Communities In Schools - Bay Area is pleased to announce that the
“Masked Magic – Bay Area Idol Fundraiser & Gala” was held as
scheduled, on Saturday, October 25th at the Nassau Bay Hilton Inn, located
at 3000 Nasa Rd 1. Now, more than ever, CIS-BA is experiencing an urgent
need for additional funds to help at-risk students. Due to Hurricane Ike,
CIS-BA has been notified of the increase of need to help current
students as well as new students who have enrolled in the Clear Creek and
Dickinson Independent School Districts where their programs are operated.
Peter Wuenschel, PHD., CIS - BA Director, Sue Ferguson, Masked Magic
Chairman, and the Friends of CIS-BA Committee Volunteers worked hard
to make this year’s event even more memorable than
last years. The night featured an evening of dining and entertainment;
opened with cocktails at 6:30 pm and program began at 7 pm.
Entertainment included Hypnotist David Dean, “Peter, Paul &
Mary”, and Magician Don Billings, as well as strolling entertainment. The
Second Annual Bay Area Idol Competition crowned the 2008 winner from
competing local talent. A silent and live auction was held throughout
the evening.
Attendees were welcomed to come in costume (optional) and enjoyed an
evening of fun while supporting this fundraiser.
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