The mission of Communities In Schools (CIS) of Tacoma is to connect resources into schools so children can learn, stay in school and prepare for life. We do this by providing the 5 Basics: 1) A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult; 2) A safe place to learn and grow; 3) A healthy start and a healthy future; 4) A chance to give back to peers and community and 5) A marketable skill to use upon graduation.

Description:
CIS of Tacoma provides a variety of academic and enrichment after-school programs in 5 elementary schools in the Tacoma School District (Fern Hill, McCarver, Sheridan, Sherman and Stafford). Each program runs once per week for a total of 10 weeks and we offer 4 or more different programs during the week.

Our one-on-one reading tutoring program matches struggling 2nd grade readers with tutors in order to increase their skill and confidence levels. The math program uses tutors in small groups to help those kids who need a little extra help. The math program uses games and competition to make it fun.

For our enrichment programs we call upon teachers and community members who have a gift to share. In the past our students have been able to experience xylophone and guitar lessons; Salsa, Samoan and Step dancing; pottery, cooking, Spanish language, and sketching.

In addition we are serving students at Mt. Tahoma High School where we need adult Graduation Coaches (mentors)and at Tacoma Business Academy located at Bates Technical College in downtown Tacoma.

All of our academic programs are free for the students and their families and are held at the schools so transportation is not an issue.

History:
Nationally Communities In Schools began over 30 years ago serving at-risk kids in Harlem. Today, CIS is serving kids in 29 different states and 1,000's of school districts. Here in Tacoma we incorporated in 2001 and began serving students in two schools, one day per week. Today We serve students in 7 school school settings.

Contact people:

Teresa Maxwell, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Terry LeRud, Program Manager, (phone), (email)

Address:

708 South G Street Tacoma, WA 98405 (See a map)

Directions:

All volunteer opportunities take place at the school sites. Our administrative offices are located in the Annex to the Central Administration Building of the Tacoma School District. We are the 3-story brick building across the parking lot.