By David O’Keeffe, Executive Director
Communities In Schools of Lakewood (CISL) was recently awarded a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) totaling $203,000 per year for five years. “Funds will be used to expand after-school and family support programs at Oakwood and Southgate Elementary Schools. The centers will provide 200 students in grades 2-5 a rich array of after-school programming including math and reading support, field trips to Boeing’s Museum of Flight, Tacoma Nature Center, Pierce College’s Science Dome and a variety of enrichment clubs. Busing is provided and there is no cost to parents,” explained Dave O’Keeffe, CISL’s Executive Director.
Schools are eager to team up with CISL staff and community partners. “On behalf of the students and their families at Oakwood and Southgate, we are very excited to hear this news,” said John Mitchell, principal of Oakwood Elementary School. Southgate principal Charlotte Clouse added, “We look forward to additional resources to help our students achieve and the opportunities to apply new learning to experiences outside the classroom.”
A wide range of programs and services for parents will be also provided to boost involvement with their child (ren)’s education. Additionally, many organizations will partner with CISL to support the centers, including Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Caring for Kids, City of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College, Discover Books, Mary Bridge Hospital, Lakewood First Lions Club, Clover Park Rotary, Lakewood Rotary, Lakewood Police Department, Lindquist Dental, NW Harvest, Pierce County Library-Lakewood Branch, Umpqua Bank and others.
CISL was one of ten organizations in the state to receive 21st Community Learning Center funds. CISL also has site coordinators and programs at Tillicum and Tyee Park elementary schools and Lochburn Middle school. Lakewood is one of 200 Communities In Schools affiliates across the country whose mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
For more details, contact Dave O’Keeffe, CISL Executive Director at 253-589-7489 and view a video about our work at www.lakewood.ciswa.org.