CISTA adds new site coordinator, prepares for summer programs

School’s out for summer in Tecumseh, but Communities in Schools of the Tecumseh Area (CISTA) continues to support Tecumseh students and their families in a variety of ways. The organization plans programming for the 2015-2016 school year, keeps up on training, and offers academic support to students and their families.CISTA just hired a new site coordinator for Herrick Park. Heather Franco joins Director Heather Perez and the rest of the CISTA team in support of Tecumseh teachers, administration and students. The main goal for CISTA is to keep students in school all the way to graduation, and the staff addresses this goal through a variety of programs with volunteer support in the schools and financial support from the community.“We look at where the needs are,” said Perez. “We try to do some fun things that are outside the box.”With more than 50 programs and services offered in every district building, CISTA reached over 99 percent of the students in Tecumseh School District this past year. Academic support, guidance through transitions and parental education are all ways CISTA touches Tecumseh families.CISTA makes sure children have the food they need during school hours and on the weekend. They teach students about good hygiene in addition to supporting academics.Franco has been a CISTA volunteer for 10 years, and served on the CISTA Board for two and a half years.“I started out as a Rolling Reader,” Franco said. “I just have a real passion for kids and the CISTA programs. I’m excited about being in the school on a nearly daily basis.”“Heather is a rock star in the building,” said Perez. “The kids just love her. We are really excited she will be working with us this year.”This summer, families have the opportunity to help their children stay current with academics and get help with the transition from elementary school to high school. Students entering first grade participate in Reading Review, where they review letter and sound recognition, reading skills and writing skills. Summer with S.A.M (Students Achieve More) is designed to make the transition from elementary to middle school easier for new fifth grade students. Middle School Mayhem helps new middle school students to learn in a fun environment and build skills in math, organization and teamwork.“S.A.M. and Middle School Mayhem help relieve student anxiety,” Perez said. “The programs soften the transition to middle school.”The T-Town Safety program is another CISTA summer offering that teaches younger elementary students the basics of safety. “We work on keeping them safe,” said Perez. “It’s a fun time for the students while they learn.” CISTA staff also completes training during the summer to prepare for the school year. Although the organization supports Tecumseh School District and has office space in the administration building, it is not part of the district.“We’re part of a national organization,” Perez said. “People often don’t realize that we are a non-profit organization.”As a non-profit, CISTA must provide funding for its programs and activities. Two main fundraisers are planned every year, March Mingle and a golf outing in September.People are invited to form a team to play the course at Hantz Golf Club of Tecumseh in support of CISTA. Sponsorships are also available at six different levels for the golf outing on September 25, and donations are being accepted for a golf item raffle.Registration the day of the golf outing begins at 10 a.m. with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Golfers will receive a sack lunch, and a beef brisket and barbeque chicken buffet dinner is at 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded beginning at 5 p.m. O’Hara Chrysler is a hole-in-one sponsor for the event.“The golf outing is a great way to golf at the country club and help CISTA at the same time,” said Franco.Perez is proud of the support CISTA receives from Tecumseh businesses and organizations. From the free glasses and eye exams provided by Tecumseh Lions Club to the food collected by Gleaner Life Insurance for Friday Food Packs, and everything in between, CISTA is able to provide students with what they need, whatever the need is, just by asking for help.“If you ask for an inch, they give you a mile,” Franco said.Without support from community groups and individuals, CISTA would not be able to provide the five basics for all children in the Tecumseh Schools. Those needs include, a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use after graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and community.The CISTA goal is to empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. To make sure this goal is reached, CISTA continually monitors the needs of all students to adapt and add programs.Student and adult volunteers provide eyes, ears and helping hands in the classroom.“You can tell everybody’s heart is in the work,” Franco said.For more information on programs, to donate or become a volunteer, call 423.7574, email CISTA@tps.k12.mi.us or visit the website at www.CISTAtecum-seh.org.