At Communities In Schools of North Texas we know it takes a village. We rely every day, not only on our hardworking and well-trained staff, but also on the staff of our school partners. As CISNT programs operate on the school campus during the school day, we work hand in hand with school staff every day to empower kids to stay in school and achieve in life. We recently witnessed one wonderful example of what this unique partnership looks like at LHS Harmon.
Recently, a parent came to school to return a student iPad, as the family anticipated having to move away to find new housing. Kayla Rios, a 2020 Harmon High School graduate class and CISNT alumna, who now works in the school’s front office, knew from her time in CIS that the CISNT Site Coordinator, Ms. Susan Barden, could help this family find local resources, so that they would not have to move away from Harmon. Kayla called Ms. Barden immediately and introduced the parent to her and made sure the family received resource referrals.
Ms. Barden joined the CISNT team at Harmon this past fall and says that on one of her first days Kayla told her how much she appreciated working with Mirna Cervantes, Harmon’s past CISNT Site Coordinator, and what a difference CIS made in her life. Ms. Barden says, “[Kayla] is so sweet and caring. She also always asks how we can help other students and families. She and Maribel in the front office go out of their way to get to know the kids and families and make sure they have everything they need.”
To celebrate Kayla, CISNT recently surprised her with a certificate of recognition for her advocacy and support of Harmon HS students. Mirna Cervantes joined to surprise Kayla and reconnect with her. It was a beautiful moment watching them hug as Kayla pulled away and said, “See! You guys really do change lives!” CISNT was excited to celebrate Kayla and to officially welcome her into the CISNT Alumni Network.
We are grateful for our partnerships with the wonderful school districts we work with like Lewisville ISD. They expand our network of caring adults to include individuals like Kayla who is a wonderful advocate for Harmon students and families. Just like CIS, she is all in for kids and providing a healthy start and healthy future for our students. We are so proud of her journey with CISNT and now as an alumna giving back to her community! Thank you so much for all that you do, Kayla!
