Communities in School (CIS), in partnership with Whataburger, visited Wilson STEM Academy on Oct. 28 on the last stop of its “Ready, Set, Learn” national back-to-school tour to combat chronic absenteeism in public schools. Students were also able to enjoy lunch and swag from Whataburger.

“We’re here to live out what Communities in Schools is about — bringing the community into the schools to really celebrate students,” said Men Tchaas Ari, president and CEO of Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. 

CIS-Charlotte, an affiliate of the national CIS organization, has been part of the community for 40 years, working with 42 schools and serving more than 4,000 students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Across the nation, CIS serves approximately two million students and partners with companies like Whataburger to showcase how local schools and community organizations work hand-in-hand to support student success in meaningful ways.

“Whataburger has served many of our schools and affiliates in the Texas areas where they originated, and once they came here, they reached out to our national office and said they wanted to connect,” said Ari. “Since then, they’ve been really supportive.”

Kevin Lei, principal of Events and External Engagement for CIS, led students in a “Pledge to be Present” which is part of the Being Present Matters campaign that highlights the importance of regular school attendance and students’ participation in their own learning. Students took turns signing a banner that will hang in the school.

“The pledge that you just took means that every day that you come to school, you come in ready,” said Lei. “You come excited. You come ready to learn, to engage and ready to figure out who you can be now.”

In addition to the flag, CIS restocked the school’s supply closet and celebrated Dennis Dixon, site coordinator at Wilson STEM, for his three decades of service with the organization.

“Coach Dixon is a true lifeline for our kids,” said Principal Patrice McCauley. “Anything that our kids need beyond academic support, he is always there and he is always on time. I am so thankful for Communities in Schools giving us Coach Dixon. He has supported our school in every effort. Anytime we need anything for our students and teachers, it's just a phone call and he’s there.”