An Hour A Week: May 2016

Honore
The fabulous team at Honoré Salon, one of our 2016 Champ recipients.
This week we had our largest Champs celebration yet. With over 250 people attending, we celebrated people, organizations, and businesses who are going above and beyond to make a difference in our kids’ lives. Please keep an eye on our blog, Ask Me About My 12,000 Kids, in the coming weeks for more about each of our 2016 Champ recipients.

Event Spotlight – WMU Pediatric School of Medicine Visit

WMU The Pediatric School of Medicine at Western Michigan University participated this year in a Call to Action put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The call was designed to promote awareness of childhood poverty and inspire those in the medical field to take a day and connect with community they serve. Med students visited Hillside Middle School and spoke with kids about pursuing careers in medicine. They also helped us with Kid’s Closet, organized the art room, and played with kids during their physical recreation time.

Thank you, WMU School of Medicine, for taking time out of your day to help students see potential career options for themselves!

It was great seeing the volunteers interact with the students throughout the time they were here! I received lots of positive feedback from teachers. One of my favorite moments of the day was overhearing an entire science classroom ask the volunteers question after question about becoming a doctor. Exposure to college and career paths naturally pushes students to ask questions, explore options and cultivate a drive for success. It also makes students’ dreams tangible and realistic, because they can see someone who is pursuing a path they also want to pursue. Events like this result in students feeling empowered to stay in school and achieve in life. The WMU School of Medicine Students are evidence of a community in Kalamazoo that wants to pour into the lives of our students. And this community support speaks volumes to our students.
–Precious Miller, CIS Site Coordinator at Hillside Middle School

Volunteer Backpack

Volunteer Opportunity

The following events will be at Woodward School for Technology & Research

606 Stuart Ave.

June 14th

8:30am-2:30pm

Family Fun Day Carnival

We are welcoming families of Woodward students to join us for a day filled with games and activities. We are looking for 15 people to help with running activities, face painting, and setting up and coordinating games. The activities will be pre-planned; all we need from you your friendly spirit and a smile!

June 15th

8-10:30am

Field Day for grades 3-5

We’re seeking 15 volunteers to help run outside games in our expansive green space.

June 16th

8-10:30am

Field Day for grades K-2

We’re looking for 15 volunteers to help run outside games in our expansive green space.

To sign up please register with Kaitlin at kmartin@ciskalamazoo.org

Upcoming Training

Cultural Competency: Diversity & Inclusion

Saturday, May 21st, 9-11:30am

First Congregational Church

345 W. Michigan Ave.

Explore how our biases shape and impact the relationships we have with the students we serve. Learn how to build empowering and student-led relationships by gaining a more comprehensive understanding of barriers students face.

Training facilitated by CIS Volunteer Coordinator, Kaitlin Martin, and CIS After School Coordinator at El Sol, Bri Fonville.

Contact Kaitlin Martin at kmartin@ciskalamazoo.org to register.

Kids’ Closet

Kids’ Closet currently has a need for the following new items: