Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Think Summer!—that’s a wrap.

The CIS Think Summer! program for Kalamazoo Public Schools elementary and secondary students is designed to reduce summer learning loss and increase academic and enrichment opportunities. In addition to regular academic lesson planning, during this year’s program, over 120 students were able to explore six different career themes through academic lessons, guest presenters, and scheduled field trips

1. Got Talent, which focused on fine arts
2. Top Chef, an introduction to food services
3. General Hospital, a focus in medical and health
4. Kids President, an introduction to community and local government
5. Kids Can Build, an introduction to construction, engineering, and architect
6. Shark Tank, featuring local small businesses and startups.  

While we’ve been showcasing some of the activities and experiences students have had on the CIS Facebook page, we want to thank our partners who provided engaging opportunities for the students we served this summer. With your support, partners, this summer was engaging and fun for all students involved.

“In the ThinkSummer! program, I enjoyed the time spent with my friends and making new friends because some of the kids don’t go to my school.”

Briyon, 7^th grade at Maple Street Middle School

Thank you:

Community Building Presenters:

Little Roots Yoga

Move with Joy

Rose Wellbeing

Trinity Prep Center

Career Exploration Presenters:

Anaya Fernado, Sugar Sweet Bath + Body Treats

Artazijah Julian, Julian Sweet Treats

Commissioner Tami Rey

David Thomas, Insight Associates, LLC

Deanna Omoniyi, Kalamazoo Empowerment Services

Dr. Turnera Croom, mobile veterinarian

Fred and Noreen Blackwell, Freddy’s Food Hut

Hether Frayer, Fresh Food is Fun

Hayward Babineaux, architect, Bryce & Associates

Heather Mitchell, Rootead Youth Enrichment Coordinator and Education for the Arts Dance Teaching Artist

Idalia Camacho-Valdivia, Chaparrita Mexican Grill

Kiara Bastian, Licensed Master Cosmetologist and co-owner of The Key Lounge Hair Studio

Lee Pratt, UncLee’s Barber Shop

Marta Lehman

Michael Beyene, Creative Ninja/Entrepreneurs with Kalamagonia

Jane Toll, Community Nutrition Instructor, MSU Extension

Nadine Rios-Rivas, architect, Seven Generations Architecture and Engineering, LLC

Scarlet Vasquez, Nmotion

Sebastian Pratt, UncLee’s Barber Shop

Shantese Robinson, iDancefearless

Career Fair Presenters:

China Campbell, barber at The Presidential Blend Suite

Commissioner Tami Rey

Dee Loucks, Medical Assisting Chair at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Demargeo White, Huey D’s Goodies

Heather Mitchell, Rootead Youth Enrichment Coordinator and Education for the Arts Dance Teaching

Idalia Camacho, Chaparrita Mexican Grill

Nadine Rios-Rivas, architect, Seven Generations Architecture and Engineering, LLC

Field Trips:

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Ninth Circuit Court, Judge Namita Sharma

Experiences:

Dr. Khalid El-Hakim, 101 Black History Mobile Museum

Mr. Jermaine Jackson, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Traveling Museum

Enrichment Provider:

Prevention Works

“I liked when the lady came to make tacos and tamales (Idalia Camacho, Chaparrita Mexican Grill). They were good. I also enjoyed the guest, Dancing with Joy. Plus, I was able to see my best friend.”

Madison, 6^th grader at Milwood Magnet Middle

To all you delightful folks who partnered with us to enrich and inspire our kids this summer, thank you! Check out more pictures on the CIS Facebook page.

CIS Think Summer! is supported by federal dollars awarded through the Michigan Department of Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.