CIS is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization because we do whatever it takes.  Our unique model positions Site Coordinators inside schools to assess the needs of the campus and students, and provides them the resources that will help them stay in school and succeed in life.  We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers.  Whether it’s providing food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help. View our Unique Model to learn more about all that we do to empower students.

Communities In Schools of Greater Wichita Falls Area is changing the picture of education for almost 6,700 students and their families.  We do that by working with the most vulnerable students in kindergarten through the senior year of high school by operating inside campuses within Wichita Falls ISD, Henrietta ISD, Holliday ISD, and Burkburnett ISD.

Site Coordinators are each assigned a school.  They serve on the management team of the school and collaborate with staff to identify students at risk of dropping out.  In addition, they forge community partnerships that bring programs and funding to the school in order to benefit students.  Every year we perform an annual needs assessment to determine what services students require most and how our organization can best deliver the services.  CISGWFA becomes involved in a school only at the invitation of the school or school district.

A Site Coordinator is a paid staff member positioned inside a Communities In Schools’ partner school.  He or she fills a pivotal role as the single point of contact working within a school to provide integrated student supports.  Site Coordinators connect students and families with community resources that address both academic and nonacademic needs.  They act as positive role models, mentors, and friends to students supported by Communities In Schools and do everything within their power to help students succeed.  They are pretty amazing!

CISGWFA provides Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 services to students in all of the campuses we serve.

Tier 1 – School Wide Services

These widely-available services and resources are designed to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors. They are short-term interventions that are provided on an as-needed basis.  These services or resources are open to all students.  Examples of Tier 1 resources or services include motivational speakers for school-wide assemblies, career or college fairs, and school-wide anti-bullying programs.

Tier 2 – Group Targeted Programs

These targeted services and resources are typically provided in a group setting to students with common needs.  Examples of Tier 2 resources or services include academic tutoring and attendance improvement programs.  Site Coordinators track and assess student progress.

Tier 3 – Individualized Support

Students who receive Tier 3 services are case-managed by CIS Site Coordinators and receive CIS services or resources weekly.  Students are case managed and provided direct services which could include academic tutoring, mentoring, goal setting, crisis intervention, pregnancy prevention services; life skills, and credit retrieval to track and assess student progress.

Communities In Schools has proven that this comprehensive approach has the most effective impact on students with complex academic and social needs.

• One-on-on counseling focusing on anger management, grief, self-esteem, positive choices, social skills, etc.
• Group activities that help with self-esteem, homework, reading skills, writing, leadership, life skills, etc.
• Enrichment activities to expand students’ horizons such as trips to museums and parks.
• University and college tours
• Meeting with community mentors each week
• Service Learning Projects/Community Service
• Job shadows at local companies
• Providing students with basic needs

• Food packs so students have something to eat during the weekend
• Eye glasses
• Hygiene packs (tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, etc)
• Clothing
• Bus passes
• Help in obtaining prescription medications
• New and clean undergarments
• Shoes
• Holiday gifts and meals
• Baby gifts/essentials for teen parents
• We also bring resources to the school such as dental screenings and financial literacy classes for parents

Communities In Schools formally serves K-12 students, but our Site Coordinators frequently stay in touch with students beyond high school.  Many continue to be a positive force in students’ lives after the students graduate from high school, and provide moral support as young people strike out on their own.  We are working on implementing an Alumni program to help our students continue to be successful and achieve in life beyond high school!

We measure our performance methodically, carefully evaluate all aspects of our programs and use this knowledge to constantly improve.

Click here to view our list of current school partners.  If your school is not listed, please email your request to talonzo@cisgwf.org and our Executive Director will provide you with more information.

There are numerous ways — in short, you can donate or volunteer. 

Make an investment in the future of our city by donating to Communities In Schools of Greater Wichita Falls Area which supports thousands of students each year. Or, give us your time by joining thousands of volunteers who help us serve nearly 7,000 young people every year.

Our work is funded through numerous sources, including state grants, as well as foundation and individual donations.

Partnerships with organizations and corporations are critical to our mission. Through volunteerism, cause marketing, guest speakers, student internship programs, and employee giving, our partners are dedicated to addressing the dropout crisis and strengthening our students’ futures.  Want to partner?  Contact our Program Coordinator, Leti, at lnieto@cisgwf.org

Please contact us!  Contact our Executive Director, Toni, at 940-264-6743 or talonzo@cisgwf.org