The CISOC premise is simple: We work to remove the barriers so students may concentrate on learning and being kids. Click on the links below to learn more about our programs and projects.
Success: At one program site, 91% of the 6th grade students improved their reading scores in the 1999 school year. 100% of the 7th grade students improved their reading scores. All students in the CISOC programs are demonstrating significant improvement in the areas of reading, math, and writing. Site coordinators are using curriculums that focus on providing students with skills promoting positive life choices. CISOC helps students to improve their attitude toward school and attendance as well as teaches them the importance of helping others.
Special Programs:
CISOC coordinates academic and motivational speakers, including bankers and athletes. In 1996, CISOC brought STARBASE to Stanback Middle School where students enjoyed hands-on science and math activities for three days. Their efforts culminated in the firing of each students' own rocket.
With school personnel, CISOC plans and pays for special academic and "earned reward" field trips. Our students have visited mines, museums, Durham Bulls' games, and basketball games at UNC-CH.
CISOC also helps families identify and access benefits such as the Caring Program for Children, an insurance program paid by private donations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the North Carolina Assembly.
Christmas Gift Project: Christmas season 2000, the CISOC Executive Director, Board Members, and friends provided gifts to 100 students enrolled in our program services. Major businesses from the Research Triangle community provided approximately $3000.00 towards gifts for students and needy families. CISOC believes students are most successful with familial and community support.
Occaneechi Village Service Project:
CISOC students from A.L. Stanback Middle School and Orange High School spent a Saturday morning and afternoon serving their Native American community members.
On October 28, 2000, Occaneechi Village in Hillsborough welcomed our students as volunteers participating in the national "Make A Difference Day" project sponsored by USA Today. Teachers and students hauled stones, moved logs, and generally helped improve the appearance of the village. Tribal Council Chairman John Blackfeather expressed his thanks to CISOC for their involvement in the replica village's success.
As CISOC Executive Director Sheila Sholes-Ross commented, "This was a chance for the kids to learn the story of this great tribe and it's also a chance for us to learn more about the stories of our kids." This project was one of the ways CISOC taught students to be aware of their community and be enthusiastic volunteers.
FAA Eagles Project: In April 2001, CISOC students and board members will have the rare opportunity to ride in crop dusters as part of the FAA Eagles Project.
Check back soon to see how the adventure went!
Strategic Plan: To enhance our programs' effectiveness, CISOC is in the process of developing a strategic plan. The committee developing the plan has the charge of identifying community factors inhibiting student performance. With this information, the group will develop a plan to combine (mobilize/coordinate) community resources to resolve issues within the scope of the national CIS.
CISOC values all kinds of community input. If you have any suggestions for programs, areas of concern that you feel need to be addressed or ideas about how to better guide our youth, please contact us by phone, email, or letter.
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