Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region

05/11/2026

💙 A Heart-to-Heart on Student Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at CIS Dallas, we see the reality of the student experience every single day. Right now, our students are in "crunch time"—balancing the weight of finals, graduation, and life transitions.

Our very own Dr. Summer Rose recently joined WFAA to discuss the urgent mental health challenges facing this generation. As Dr. Rose shared, mental health struggles are no longer the exception—they are becoming the norm.

What we want our community and parents to know:
• Watch for the "Shift": Look for changes in your student’s "normal." Withdrawal, irritability, or changes in eating and sleeping are often cries for help.
• Presence is Powerful: You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply saying, "I’m here with you and you don’t have to go through this alone," can be a lifeline.
• Connection Saves Lives: Whether it’s a parent at home or our Site Coordinators on campus, a trusted adult who truly sees a student can change their entire trajectory.

Our Mission in Action: From our site-based staff to our licensed mental health clinicians who provide crisis intervention and coping skills, CIS Dallas is on the front lines ensuring no student has to face these pressures alone.

Join us in this work: Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, you are helping us provide the vital resources our students need to thrive.

📺 Watch the full segment: https://youtu.be/QnHCha5zX8Q

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Summer Rose joins WFAA to give insightful tips for parents to look out for.

04/15/2026

Coach Jason Kidd and the Mavs Off Court celebrated the J-Kidd for the Win program awarding $20,000 to outstanding local organizations supporting youth education—and CIS Dallas is proud to be among them! 🙌

It takes a community to support students, and moments like this show what’s possible when we all show up. 💙 🏀

Shoutout to Coach Kidd for making a difference beyond the game. Thank you for empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life.

04/09/2026

When students have support, their stories come to life 📖

A 3rd grade student at Sory Elementary is creating his own book with encouragement from his mentor, Kalyen Clakley of Emerson, and Site Coordinator Erica.

Connections like these help students build confidence, creativity, and a love of learning—every single day.

04/02/2026

Snacks = focus, energy, and students who are ready to learn!

A huge thank you to East Plano Costco for donating snacks to support students at Frankford Middle School! Hali and her campus are helping make sure students have what they need to stay engaged, focused, and ready to succeed throughout the school day.

For many students, something as simple as a snack can make a big difference—helping them concentrate in class, regulate emotions, and fully participate in learning.

Want to make an impact like this? You can help fuel student success:
https://cisdallas.networkforgood.com/projects/176791-support-a-student-at-cis-dallas-general-operations

03/25/2026

Sasha did an incredible job planning and leading a college fair just before spring break,bringing together students, families, and school staff for an evening full of connection and opportunity.

With support from Ana, our Family Engagement Director, and Brashaun, Regional Program Manager, the event created a meaningful space for students to explore their next steps and access valuable college and career resources, ensuring they have the support they need to become college-ready.

The turnout was fantastic, and the energy in the room said it all: engaged families, curious students, and a campus fully invested in what comes next.

This is what it looks like to surround students with support and open doors to their future.

👉 Learn more about how CIS Dallas is helping students stay in school and achieve in life: cisdallas.org

03/24/2026

You can’t fake smiles like these. 😊

Welcome Jada, a new Site Coordinator at Piner Middle School in Sherman ISD!

Before even stepping onto her campus, Jada got a full CIS experience—shadowing across Plano, Dallas, Greenville, and Sherman thanks to our amazing team.

When timelines shift, we don’t pause, we pivot, and we show up for each other every time.

This is what it looks like to be

03/18/2026

🎉 Big news for CIS Dallas! 🎉

Please join us in welcoming Jessica Slie Trudeau as our new Chief Advancement Officer!

Jessica brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit and public health leadership, with a deep commitment to supporting students and families across our community—and she’s already being recognized as a leader to watch, recently featured in D CEO.

We’re thrilled to have her helping lead the future of Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region.

Take a look: https://www.dmagazine.com/business-economy/2026/03/kirkland-ellis-partner-erin-nealy-cox-named-chief-legal-office-with-walmart/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20D%20CEO&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9q4h4JJoVuLfn6e-5Z_LCRz-fdK9GAKia3pmltVIB64epJdaMMEoqGb_vvTWITzjbL4DezmAiTlim4Q2EUnu-LHszuqmvIwWSRch709M1YTlNFF7g&_hsmi=409216124&utm_content=409216124&utm_source=hs_email or check out her bio at www.cisdallas.org

03/13/2026

Spring break is here for many North Texas students — and it’s a great opportunity to reconnect as a family.

This week, Dr. Summer Rose, CEO of Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region, joined WFAA Midday to talk about how parents and caregivers can make the most of spring break.

While some schools are out this week and others next, the message is simple: kids don’t have to be regimented every moment of the break. A balance of routine — like regular bedtimes and meals — and time for fun can make the week meaningful and stress-free.

Staying home this spring break? Simple moments can make lasting memories:
🏕 Camp in the living room (no bugs!)
🎲 Host a family game night
📚 Start a mini book club
🍳 Cook a meal together

Spring break can be a time to connect — with nature, with family, and with the people who matter most.

Watch the full WFAA segment here:
🔗 https://www.wfaa.com/video/news/local/how-communities-in-schools-of-the-dallas-region-is-making-an-impact/287-672962e3-7a0b-453d-8250-9841dc296848

Want to support students across North Texas?
Visit www.cisdallas.org to volunteer or give.

03/12/2026

Last night, our community came together to celebrate 40 Years of Impact for Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region.

At the Perot Museum, supporters, partners, and friends gathered to honor the relationships that help students stay in school and succeed.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening possible, including:

✨ Dr. Summer Rose, whose leadership continues to move this work forward
✨ Our incredible event co-chairs, Gretchen Williams and Mackenzie Kahl, for bringing this celebration to life
✨ Our inspiring speakers, including CIS Dallas alumnae Yanelda Murrillo and Board Chair Luisa del Rosal

We were also proud to recognize this year’s honorees:

🏆 Amanda and G. Brint Ryan — Legacy of Impact Award
🏆 AT&T — Community Partnership Award
🏆 Karl Schmalz — Champion for Students Award

For four decades, Communities In Schools Dallas has connected students to caring adults, resources, and opportunities — helping them stay in school and achieve their dreams.

And we’re just getting started.

Thank you to every supporter, volunteer, and partner who is .

📸 Professional photos will be shared soon — but we couldn’t wait to share a few moments from last night.

If you’d like to support the next 40 years of impact: www.cisdallas.org