On Friday, October 24, the Entiat School District celebrated its partnership with Communities In Schools of North Central Washington (CIS NCW) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by school staff, district leaders, CIS representatives, and community members.
The event highlighted the district’s commitment to supporting all students, academically, socially, and emotionally, through its collaboration with CIS. This partnership connects students and families with vital resources and caring adults who help remove barriers to success.
Communities In Schools works within public schools to reduce dropout rates and help students stay on track to graduate. Nearly one in four students in Washington State does not graduate on time, but CIS provides a proven model for turning that statistic around. Each school served by CIS has a dedicated site coordinator who identifies student needs, coordinates support, and connects families with community partners offering services such as tutoring, mental health care, basic needs assistance, and mentoring.
At Entiat School District, Carmen Valencia serves as the CIS site coordinator. She works closely with staff, students, and families to build relationships and ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to thrive.
“I am excited to see how Carmen can help our students and families access resources and build meaningful connections that increase parent engagement,” said Superintendent Greg Whitmore. “We’re grateful for the partnership with Communities In Schools and for the positive difference it’s already making in our school community.”
The ribbon-cutting event symbolized not just the start of a partnership, but a shared commitment to student success and community collaboration. Together, Entiat School District and Communities In Schools are working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to unlock their potential and achieve a brighter future.