Today, Sparks Middle School students were recognized for their exceptional commitment to showing up, engaging and investing in their education during a celebratory schoolwide attendance event hosted by Communities In Schools of Western Nevada (CIS), the RennerVation Foundation and the Education Alliance.
Held inside the Sparks Middle School gymnasium, the event featured two back-to-back assemblies honoring sixth-grade students followed by seventh- and eighth-grade students.
So far this school year, 494 Sparks Middle School students are part of the “10% Club,” meaning they have not missed more than 10% of school to date, and more than 100 students have earned perfect attendance so far. Sparks Middle School, together with CIS and its partner network, continue to make measurable progress in reducing absenteeism. Last school year, the school reduced chronic absenteeism by an impressive 15%.
As part of the recognition, the RennerVation Foundation donated joggers and sweatshirts to students who have demonstrated impressive attendance throughout the school year.
CIS currently serves Sparks Middle School by providing in-school case management, mentorship and essential wraparound resources to eliminate barriers to learning. Together with the RennerVation Foundation and the Education Alliance, CIS continues to build strong community support systems that empower Northern Nevada’s youth to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
ABOUT RENNERVATION FOUNDATION
The RennerVation Foundation provides well grounded and compassionate support to children in foster care and at-risk youth, offering them a safe haven and targeted programs to develop their skills, confidence, and opportunities. We are committed to educating, inspiring, and ensuring essential resources so that every child can achieve their potential. Working in collaboration with community partners, local businesses and other non-profits, we aim to create a lasting impact, promoting the dignity and well-being of children in-need within our community.”
ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF WESTERN NEVADA
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Western Nevada is part of a national evidence-based nonprofit serving more than 11,000 students at 24 schools across Washoe County School District. CIS places trusted Site Coordinators in Title I and high-needs schools to provide case management, mentorship, resources, and community services inside dedicated CIS resource rooms.
The organization taps into a statewide network of more than 120 community partners to remove barriers to learning – from health care, dental health, mental health, food, school supplies, clothing, transportation, and even housing. Its mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
CIS partner schools in Washoe County School District include Anderson Elementary School, Booth Elementary School, Clayton Middle School, Cold Springs Middle School, Desert Heights Elementary School, Desert Skies Middle School, Dilworth Middle School, Duncan Elementary School, Hug High School, Incline Middle School, Innovations High School, Juniper Elementary School, Mathews Elementary School, Mendive Middle School, Natchez Elementary School, O’Brien Middle School, Palmer Elementary School, Pine Middle School, Rita Cannan Elementary School, Sparks High School, Sparks Middle School, Traner Middle School, Vaughn Middle School, and Veterans Memorial Elementary School.
For more information, visit www.cisnevada.org/western and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
