For the sixth year, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo celebrated GivingBack on GivingTuesday. Every year on GivingTuesday, CIS suprises an individual who has gone above and beyond for students in each school building with CIS of Kalamazoo presence.
Each CIS site team selected a partner staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to working with CIS to help students succeed and making sure students’ needs are met. This year's winners were:
Arcadia Elementary, Lauren Fron – Physical Education Teacher
Miss Fron works hard to always show up for students. She is co-chair of the MTSS team, deejays for our no referral party.
Edison Academy, Joy Luchies-Rose – PEEP Paraprofessional
Mrs. Rose is an excellent, loving, caring and dialed in PEEP paraprofessional. She knows how to introduce the concept of being at school to our youngest students and instills the concept of school as being a good and safe place to be.
El Sol Elementary, Kira Griggs – Speech Therapist
Mrs. Griggs works diligently to create individualized lessons to meet students’ needs. She also has great communication with teachers and staff to make sure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal.
Hillside Middle, Sally DeVisser – Assistant Principal, Samantha Alverez – Spanish Teacher, and April James – Paraprofessional
Both Sally DeVisser and Samantha Alverez are involved with the CIS through donations and helping with CIS. Mrs. April always shows extra care to all of the students. She has immense patience and understands their needs.
Kalamazoo Central High, Sygnett Swann – Math Teacher
Ms. Swann is a wonderful teacher and often goes above and beyond for her students. From running an after-school math tutoring program and working with CIS volunteers, to allowing our math push-in tutors into 3 class periods 5 days each week,
KILP, Phylecia DaSilva – School Counselor
Phylecia is always willing to help me whenever needed. She makes sure to answer all of my questions about the school and always supports me with tools to help ensure our students success. She is a great asset to me. I appreciate all that she has helped me.
King-Westwood Elementary, Ethel Hughes – Behavioral Specialist
Ethel is one of a kind and works so well with the children. She has been working extra hard this year, also serving as the homeless liaison at King-Westwood, and makes sure she is communicating effectively with CIS.
Lincoln Elementary, Barbara Burry – School Secretary and Prajakta Apte – Newcomer ESL Teacher
Barbara Burry handles parent issues everyday with grace. She makes sure internal communications are not missed between all Lincoln staff and students. Mrs. Apte has been an advocate for them by making sure that they don’t miss getting new shoes (FDSF) and winter clothing (CIS Warm Kids).
Linden Grove Middle, Jamie Korinek – Culture and Climate Coach and Leo Gray – Behavior Interventionist
Jamie provides consistent support to staff and students every day as he intentionally meets needs in a caring and authentic manner. He provides daily management of the mood meter, sending out vital info to those interacting with students in need of care. Mr. Gray goes above and beyond for the kids.
Loy Norrix High, Tia Brooks – Campus Safety
She is loving, supportive, and always looks after kids by building relationships with them. She is also always proactive by providing tier-1 support for kids when we are not available and making sure that she leaves a note for data purposes.
Maple Street Middle, Jamie Miller – Climate Culture Coach and Elizabeth Weaver – 7th grade Math Teacher
Jamie collaborates with CIS to identify students who would work well with CIS, as well as letting the school know about the different services that CIS provides. Mrs. Weaver is always working CIS to try to get the best supports for her students.
Milwood Elementary, Germaine Milliner – 4th grade Teacher
Germaine Milliner makes sure that students have the packets they need for homework in order to build the students’ skill set and communicates students’ progress with us on a regular basis.
Milwood Middle, Julia Perry – Dance Teacher
Ms. Perry is a dedicated and hardworking teacher. She makes sure the girls have the resources they need for class and goes above and beyond for all students.
Northeastern Elementary, Marlene Katz – Homeless Liaison
Mrs. Katz works with me one-on-one to make sure our students’ needs are met. We often collaborate to ensure student success. Mrs. Katz is always extremely helpful and is always willing to take on and tackle projects with me.
Northglade Montessori Magnet, Christy Roth – Reading Recovery/Intervention Teacher
Christy goes above and beyond to connect with students and advocate for students who would benefit from the services CIS offers. She has helped me identify many potential caseload students and donated to the Basic Needs Closet often.
Parkwood Upjohn Elementary, Brooke Strasser – Home Support Specialist
Brooke works hand-in-hand with CIS at Parkwood-Upjohn to make sure that students are present, motivated to learn, and inspired to be their best selves. She leads with compassion.
Phoenix High, Talisha Bridges – Athletic Director and Character Development Coach
All the staff at Phoenix High School have a deep passion for the success of their students and Ms. Bridges is no different. Ms. Bridges is kind and is quick to help a student in need.
Prairie Ridge Elementary, Christina Conway – Activity Helper
I can count on Ms. Conway to help with anything that I request from her. She helps with FDSF and Warm Kids. She looks out for my caseload kiddos during lunch and recess.
Spring Valley Center for Exploration, Kathreen Fahey – Upper Elementary Resource Room
We appreciate Mrs. Fahey at Spring Valley! Among her many roles at the school, she supports all students by providing an additional safe space for students to help manage their emotions, improve their behavior, and thrive academically and socially.
Washington Writers’ Academy, Hollie Sutton – Home Support Specialist and Homeless Liaison
Hollie is brand new to Washington this year, but she is making a big difference already while working with daytime and after school CIS site coordinators. During the day she is either subbing, helping with attendance, serving families, helping staff, running back to school events, open house, and/or attendance incentives.
Woods Lake Elementary, Chris Strays and Mason Scott – Night custodians
Mr. Chris and Mr. Mason do a fantastic job of keeping our school safe and clean for students and CIS both. They are always ready and willing to help with a variety of things, from cleaning to moving items to organizing, and do it with a smile on their face.
Woodward School, Andreea Frew – School Psychologist
Andreea goes above and beyond every day, and many days after hours to make sure that each student and family’s needs are met and cared for in a complete and loving way. She seamlessly brings teams together with her warmth, humor, attention to detail and follow-up, making sure everyone is on the same page.
