Rising freshmen complete Communities In Schools graduation camp

Thirty rising North Rowan High School freshmen completed a 12-day camp, the culmination of the Communities In Schools (CIS) of Rowan County’s Mission Possible: Graduation,” funded by the North Carolina Department of Education and Drop Out Prevention, this summer.

The group of students started the program last fall with after school tutoring at North Rowan Middle School.

The camp organizers were: Traci Fleming, Patti Secreast, Krystal Kelly and Emily Yost.

One of the camp activities was participation using “The REAL Games,” a computer program designed to offer students information and decision-making opportunities in budgeting and time management and in exploring college and career choices.

Students also had the chance to listen to a variety of speakers who covered a broad range of topics.

North Rowan High School administrators, coaches and teachers met the students and gave them advice on ways to be successful in high school. Other speakers focused on college and career choices.

Information on the availability of the Spencer Public Library and its programs was also presented.

In addition to experiencing real life simulations and quest speakers, students went on four field trips.

The field trips included: Saving Grace Horse Farm, Livingstone and Catawba colleges, a visit and tour to the University of North Carolina a Asheville and to the downtown area.

The camp concluded with a four-hour session by Kenston Griffin of Dream Builders. He is an internationally-known motivational speaker who led the students in interactive activities designed to inspire, motivate and prepare students for high school.

Students enjoyed the camp and learned the keys to success for high school and life.

Here’s what students thought about the experience:

• “Prepared me for the real game of life.” —Mariesa.

• “Communities In Schools helped me by teaching me discipline and eight ways to help me have a good four years of high school.”—Dianna C.

• “It helped me prepare for high school and my life after school. It also helped me decide what I want to do with my life,” —Melissa L.

• “Being in this program has really helped me get prepared for the 9th grade and help with my academic studies,” —Dinaysha G.

• “CIS has helped me become a better person. I want to thank CIS,” —Courtney J.

• “This program was helpful in many ways like academics and experiencing being an adult. The CIS teachers are very helpful, caring and kind. I thank all the teachers for helping me,” —Raekwon W.

• “The CIS program helped me a lot in school and in the summer camp. I really loved all the colleges we’ve been to,” —Victoria K.,

• “I learned how to better manage my money using “The REAL Games,” —A. Patterson,

• “This program helped me become a better person by being able to learn about real life,” —Jayla K.,

• “This summer program was great and I learned a lot. I wish I could do it again,” —Sakil,

• “This was a fun way to learn how to handle school and life. My favorite part was going to UNC Asheville,” — Jessyca.

All students who participated in the CIS program for the entire school year and completed the summer program were eligible for a stipend up to $250.

Most students received the full amount the last day of the program.

The students are encouraged to use the funds toward graduation expenses.

Due to the funding through the Department of Public Instruction for drop- out prevention these funds will no longer be available to groups like Communities In Schools. Communities In Schools of Rowan County is hoping there will be funding available through the generosity of community members to continue the after-school tutoring and summer programs at North Rowan middle and high schools.

CIS will continue to have staff at NRMS and NRHS next school year although the focus will be on the entire student body and not just a focused group.

Communities In Schools of Rowan County is a United Way agency and receives funding from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation, the Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, The Salisbury Community Foundation, Speedway Children’s Charities, Target Foundation, CISNC, CIS National and Rowan-Salisbury Schools in addition to many individual donors in Rowan County.

If you would like to be involved, contact the CIS office at 704-797-0210 or visit www.CISRowan.org .