As classrooms across North Texas fill with students for the 2026‑2027 school year, the Dallas‑region chapter of the nonprofit Communities in Schools (CIS) is reminding parents, teachers and community members that consistent routines and strong relationships are essential for children’s academic and emotional success.
Building habits early
Dr. Summer Rose, Psy.D., CEO of CIS Dallas Region, explained that the organization’s staff are working on campuses every day to help high‑need students develop the habits that set the tone for the entire year. “We’re trying to get kids back in the habit of getting up early, having all their things prepared, making it to class on time, and also building relationships,” Rose said. She noted that students are navigating new teachers, old friends, and sometimes new peer groups as they transition between elementary, middle and high school.
Community support fuels services
Unlike many programs that rely on government funding, CIS Dallas Region depends heavily on the generosity of local donors. The organization likens North Texas Giving Day to its “Super Bowl,” a critical fundraising event that enables the placement of site coordinators and licensed mental‑health workers on school campuses. “We survive and thrive off of the donations from the community,” Rose said. “These contributions allow us to reach more students and families.”
Real‑world impact
Rose shared a recent example of a middle‑school student who felt isolated and struggled to make friends. A CIS site coordinator observed the girl’s disengagement and placed her in a small peer group with other students facing similar challenges. The safe‑space group encouraged the student to open up about suicidal thoughts, prompting immediate intervention and connection with a therapist. “Through these services she built resilience and the tools she needs to survive and thrive,” Rose said, crediting the donor‑funded program for the positive outcome.
Looking ahead
North Texas Giving Day opened on Aug. 27 and will run through Sept. 17, giving community members ample opportunity to support the nonprofit’s mission. CIS hopes that continued donations will sustain daily staffing, expand mental‑health resources, and reinforce the routine‑and‑relationship framework that research shows improves attendance, academic performance and overall well‑being.
Parents, educators and local businesses are encouraged to contribute during the giving period, ensuring that every child in the Dallas region can start the school year with the structure and support they need to succeed.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
