Communities In Schools of Wayne County

Just 3 days left to sign up for this year's Pickleball Tournament! We still have team slots open, come join in on the fun! 🥇🥈🥉

To register: https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Amanda Upchurch

Amanda Upchurch, has been a Branch Manager with 3 Rivers Credit Union in downtown Richmond since 2021. Beyond spending time in the banking realm for the past 16 years, she is a dedicated mother of two wonderful kids aged 16 and 9. She is actively involved in her children's school and sports activities in the Western Wayne school district.

Amanda shared, "Seeing the engagement Communities In Schools has with our local students and families to break down barriers and ensure basic needs are met in school and at home, is why I joined the board in 2023. I love CIS because it provides a safe supporter for students to talk through challenges they may be facing outside of school with needs, a mentor to work through obstacles that rise day to day, a role model to set a positive example, and a community that continues to support CIS. This support allows them to provide to all Wayne County students to become productive members of society and have a passion for giving back and helping others in need throughout their childhood and adult lives."

In celebration of Juneteenth, our administrative office will be closed today. We believe education is key to understanding and dismantling systemic injustices. Today, we recommit to our mission of empowering students of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. Let's continue to learn, grow, and advocate for equality together.

Just 4 days left to sign up for this year's Pickleball Tournament! We still have team slots open, come join in on the fun! 🥇🥈🥉

To register: https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Melissa Vance

Melissa Vance spends her time supporting the community through her work with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. But her love for Wayne County goes much deeper than what most people see. As a mom of three beautiful young ladies, she believes strongly in mentoring the next generation.

“I have seen firsthand the impact of a strong role model in someone’s life. I have had several myself, and know I would not be where I am today without their encouragement. I saw this play out several years ago in another scenario when a CIS site coordinator took a family member under her wing and gave her the confidence to soar. That is when my husband and I fell in love with the mission of this incredible organization.”

Melissa is about to complete her last term on the Communities In Schools board of directors and her second time serving. She is also a past president of the board and past committee chair.

🌞🌡️ Extreme Heat Alert: Stay Cool at Our Area Cooling Stations! 🌡️🌞

With the extreme heat in the area this week, it's more important than ever to stay cool and hydrated. If you or someone you know needs a place to escape the heat, check out these local cooling centers in Wayne County.....

Stay safe, stay cool, and take care of each other during this heatwave. For more information on heat safety, visit weather.gov/heat.

FREE MEALS FOR ALL KIDS AGES 18 AND UNDER! June 17 - June 21, 2024. Week 3 of 9.

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Philip Stevenson

Philip is a retired educator from Centerville-Abington Community Schools. He served 48 years as a teacher, assistant high school principal, principal and superintendent. He still sponsors for the Eastern Indiana Model Legislature after 51 years for five area schools. He has served on the CIS board for many years and believes in its mission and vision for Wayne County schools. Philip is also a board member of Well Care and the Centerville Lions Club board.

📢📢📢WE'RE HIRING FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR!!

If interested, please email your resume and references to: [email protected]

Please visit our website www.ciswayneco.org for more information!

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Theresa Lindsey

Theresa Lindsey joined the CIS board in October of 2023 and is currently the Fundraising Committee Chair, helping to plan and coordinate fundraising events.
Theresa returned to work at the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County in the fall of 2019 and assumed the role of Business and Workforce Development Manager in the summer of 2021. Her initial position involved administration of the EDC’s annual budget and all aspects of accounting and human resources for the organization. The position she currently holds involves working with our educational institutions (K-12, Early Childhood and Post-Secondary) and employers. This work includes creating talent pipelines, matching resources to needs and training programs to ensure that Wayne County offers our residents and employers many opportunities to move themselves forward.

In addition to serving as CIS Committee Chair, Theresa sits on the Employability Coalition for the Wayne County Foundation and sits on both the Member Outreach and Business Education committees for the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. She also participates on committees with the East Central Indiana Talent Collaborative. Theresa sits on the advisory boards for the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, Ivy Tech Richmond Business Program and the Whitewater Valley Career Center. Theresa holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Indiana University East and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, also at IU East.

Looking ahead to next weekend's forecast, it's going to be a hot one! 😎🌞🔥

Lucky for us, Earlham College Athletics and Wellness Center has both outdoor and indoor courts! We will continue to monitor the temperatures and make sure our players can be comfortable while having a great time and supporting Wayne County students!

If you haven't registered yet, there's still one week left! Register now at https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Dr. Mike McCoy

Dr. Mike McCoy has been in education for over 26 years. As Superintendent of Centerville-Abington Schools, he has served as a CIS Board member for the last four years and on the state CIS Board for the last two years. He enjoys making a connection with individuals across the state and working with legislatures to share the great things CIS is doing in the Wayne County Schools and throughout Indiana.

Dr. McCoy shared that he has been associated with Communities In Schools for over 16 years and has witnessed the support they have given and continue to give the youth in Wayne County. The partnership CIS has with the local schools allows our students to benefit in so many ways that they simply would not have without this collaborative effort. Centerville-Abington Community Schools looks forward to the continued collaboration and efforts with Communities In Schools.

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Elizabeth Huskisson

Elizabeth Huskisson joined the CIS board in November of 2023. Elizabeth has the privilege of serving General Mills as the Finance Manger at the Blue Buffalo Plant here in Richmond, IN. Elizabeth is a Wayne County native and has a passion for making a difference in her community. Elizabeth and her family are committed to community service through their careers and community involvement.

Elizabeth shared, “I love the mission of Communities in Schools and the presence the organization has here in Wayne County. We have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children who will grow up to be the future of Wayne County. While the statistics are startling, the success stories are remarkable. It’s one thing to have great intentions but at the point you are able to make an IMPACT, is where you find success; CIS’s IMPACT is real. I joined the board to be a part of something greater than myself. While CIS primarily serves the children in our community, it offers an opportunity for anyone and everyone to make a difference.”

Don't worry if you haven't yet signed up for our 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament, there's still time!
Register now at https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

MEET THE CIS BOARD - Andy Stover

Mr. Andy Stover is the Superintendent of Western Wayne Schools, a small rural school district serving 686 students K-12. He is currently in his third year as Superintendent of Schools. Previously, Mr. Stover served as Director of Stem Integration and Grant Management at Randolph Eastern Schools in Union City, IN. In Mr. Stover’s tenure at RESC, he served over 850 students K-12.

Mr. Stover began his career as a multidisciplined educator covering courses spanning from K-12 at Daleville Community Schools. During his time at Daleville Community Schools, he taught the following courses: Elementary Technology, Pre-Algebra, Physical Education, Health Education, and Strength and Conditioning. During Mr. Stover's teaching career, his passion went well beyond the four walls of the classroom. Mr. Stover was involved in coaching basketball, football, and track at both the middle school and varsity levels.

Mr. Stover has a Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, a Master’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, and an Ed.S from Ball State University. Mr. Stover is currently attending Ball State to obtain his Ed.D.

“I serve as a board member for Communities In Schools as I see the positive impact this organization has on the youth throughout Wayne County. It is my goal and commitment to ensure that CIS continues to be a mainstay in Wayne County.”

We would like to say thank you to our sponsor who donated in honor of Fountain City Fire Department for supporting our 2nd annual Pickleball Tournament!

MEET THE CIS BOARD - AJ Sickmann

AJ is the Board Secretary for Communities In Schools of Wayne
County and has been a Board member for a decade. AJ is an attorney and the managing partner of Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann, and one of the owners of Abstracts of Richmond, Inc., a long-standing title company in Richmond.

One of AJ’s primary practice areas is school law. AJ's wife, Lindsey, teaches at Richmond Community Schools and their children attend elementary school in the District. As such, AJ has a particular interest in supporting and promoting the academic and nonacademic needs of Wayne County students. Over the last decade, he has seen the real and tangible benefits that CIS has provided to Wayne County students through its range of services and provision of resources. As AJ stated, “any nonprofit that increases graduation rates, reduces dropouts, and improves attendance is an organization worth supporting.”

Thank you to our sponsor, Stateline Medical Equipment for supporting our 2nd annual Pickleball Tournament!

We are just two weeks away from the 1st Annual Safety Village Grand Prix Presented by Birth to Five.

We are so excited to announce, Every Child Can Read will be having a Pop-Up Summer Bookmobile! Bring the kids out to share in the festivities and visit the Bookmobile!

📢📢📢WE'RE HIRING FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR!!

Thank you to our sponsor, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union for supporting our 2nd annual Pickleball Tournament!

Playing pickleball is very beneficial, not only physically, but both mentally and socially, too. By playing pickleball you could improve coordination, balance, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and heart health. Playing pickleball with others helps stimulate your brain while releasing endorphins, which helps to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. What a great way to improve your overall health, while directly benefiting Wayne County students!
Grab a partner and sign up now to join in on the fun June 22!

https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

We are getting very excited to see everyone at the Pickleball Tournament on June 22! There's still just over two weeks left to register! We hope to see you there!

https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

Happy ! At Communities In Schools, we are committed to providing ALL students with the resources and support they need to realize their potential in school and beyond!

🎉Congratulations to the Class of 2024! 🎓From all the staff here at Communities In Schools, we are so proud of you all! Your future is bright!! 😎

Today is the last day to register for $30!

https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

Register now!! https://ciswayneco.harnessgiving.org/events/1763

There are a lot of fun places to go and things to do for kids this summer in Wayne County, so we wanted to share a few! Scroll down to see!

If your organization has summer programs or activities this year, let us know and we would be happy to share!