Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas, Inc.

04/07/2026

Community in action! 💙

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mount Sinai Chapter 42, Central Texas Council #5 Royal Select Masons, and South Central Commandery #37 Knights Templar for their generous donation of hygiene essentials, including socks, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, tissue, and nail care items.

These contributions go far beyond basic needs. They ensure our students can focus on what matters most: learning and growing.

Thank you for showing up for our students and standing alongside our mission.

04/03/2026

Community. Compassion. Action. 💙

This April, in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, our CIS Site Coordinator at Killeen Elementary School, Mr. David Woodberry, brought the campus and community together for a powerful moment of unity and purpose!

Students, staff, and community members gathered to release blue balloons—symbolizing hope, protection, and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every child.

With support from Killeen ISD and local leaders, this event served as a reminder that it truly takes a village to protect and uplift our children.

At Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas, we believe Being Present Matters—and moments like these show the impact of showing up, speaking out, and standing together.

04/02/2026

At Willow Springs Elementary, fourth and fifth grade girls gathered for a special mentoring experience filled with encouragement, creativity, and connection. From making tiaras to sharing words of wisdom, these young ladies were reminded of their worth, their voice, and their power to make a difference.

With the support of dedicated mentors, students engaged in meaningful conversations about self-love, perseverance, and believing in themselves. When girls are empowered, futures are transformed.

A special thank you to CIS Site Coordinator Ms. Cinnamon Clay-Wilburn for organizing such a meaningful experience for students, and to for highlighting and covering this impactful event.

03/27/2026

Showing up matters. 💙

Thanks to Ms. Clay-Wilburn, Site Coordinator at Willow Springs EL, today, our 5th grade boys had the incredible opportunity to hear from Mayor Adams, who shared a powerful message about what it truly means to be present—not just physically in school, but mentally and emotionally engaged in their journey.

He spoke openly about his upbringing, the challenges he faced, and how he achieved nearly every goal he set for himself. His message was clear:

✨ You can be anything you set your mind to
✨ Apply yourself
✨ Follow through

But beyond success, he emphasized something just as important—character. Being kind. Supporting your peers. Choosing to lift each other up instead of tearing one another down.

Moments like this remind our students that their future is in their hands—and that greatness starts with showing up every single day.

Thank you, Mayor Adams, for pouring into our students and reminding them of their potential!

03/26/2026

In partnership with , Mr. Jessie Waller and Mrs. Sara Beard, our CIS Site Coordinators at Ellison HS are hosting an event to collect supplies for the students on their campus.

Be sure to go out and support this impactful event on Saturday, April 18th from 11AM - 2PM

03/23/2026

Please join us in congratulating our incredible Site Coordinator, Mrs. Angelita Finnen, on receiving the Heart of Gold Award at Roy J. Smith Middle School in Killeen! 💛

Mrs. Finnen consistently goes above and beyond in service to students, staff, and the entire school community. Her compassion, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever she’s needed embody exactly what it means to have a true heart of gold.

From building meaningful relationships to making a lasting impact every single day, Angelita represents the mission of Communities In Schools in the most powerful way! We are so proud to have her on our team and grateful for the difference she continues to make in the lives of students.

👏 Congratulations, Angelita on this well-deserved recognition!

03/13/2026

⭐️ Celebrating culture, community, and student voice. ⭐️

Students from our Communities In Schools Folklórico Dance Group at Pershing Park Elementary School proudly shared their talents during the Killeen ISD Multicultural Festival, bringing energy, tradition, and joy to the stage. Through music and dance, these young performers celebrated the beauty of culture while representing their schools and families with pride.

Events like this remind us how powerful it is when schools, families, and community partners come together to uplift our students and honor the cultures that make our community so special.

We’re proud of these students and our CIS Site Coordinators, Mrs. Elizabeth Sanchez and Mrs. Miriam Valle-Madera for their confidence, teamwork, and dedication as they showcased a tradition that connects generations. 💃🕺

Thank you to Killeen ISD Multilingual Services for hosting such a meaningful celebration of culture and community!

03/11/2026

Celebrating student success at Killeen High School! 🎉

Site Coordinator Mr. Tim Ravenell of Reeces Creek Elementary School joined Mr. Michael Mason, CIS Site Coordinator at Killeen High School, for a special celebration honoring students who continue to demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics.
Through a collaboration with Wingstop, students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to success.

Mr. Ravenell also had the opportunity to return as a guest speaker to celebrate several of his former students who are continuing to shine. When we stay connected and celebrate our students’ achievements, we help inspire their continued success! 💙

03/04/2026

03/03/2026

We are so grateful for Paul Blakey and the incredible work he does every day for our CIS students and families at Gateway High School. From building trust and guiding students back on track to partnering with local businesses to meet basic needs, Paul truly goes above and beyond. His heart for students and commitment to their success reflect everything Communities In Schools stands for. We’re proud to celebrate him as Employee of the Quarter!



https://kdhnews.com/living/cis-names-employees-of-the-quarter/article_25fd475e-0c51-4c81-b068-5f85d975e264.html

03/03/2026

Today, Communities In Schools is on Capitol Hill alongside more than 20 affiliate leaders, meeting directly with members of Congress to advocate for integrated student supports—a proven, relationship-based approach that keeps students in school and on a path to economic opportunity.

We are presenting the first-ever federal release of groundbreaking research from Cornell economist Benjamin Goldman, showing that integrated student supports are not just life-changing—they’re smart economic policy.

📊 Key findings include:
• $75,000 increase in lifetime earnings per student
• 9.1% increase in post-secondary enrollment
• 96% graduation rate among case-managed students
• $7,100 in federal tax revenue generated per student vs. $3,000 program cost

“For decades, we have known that our work changes lives. Now we have the economic evidence to prove it.”

-Joaquin Tamayo, VP of Policy and MarCom, CIS National
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cpQJxg