The staff of the Parenting Education Program has been very busy "spreading the news" about positive parenting. During the months of February and March we have been conducting "Question and Answer " parent workshops at several of the Elementary Schools. A number of the schools are also including a "Parent Tip of the Month" column in their school newsletters. As soon as the twelve week classes ended in Leland, they began in Southport. In March, we have classes beginning in Shallotte. We also offer the classes in Spanish. For schedules and information contact Debbie Gurreri.

CIS has twenty scholarships to award in 2011. Applications must be submitted to the high school guidance department and are due March 31. These scholarships are made possible through the generous contributions of Dr. Anna Blizzard, Capeside Animal Hospital, Charles Erickson, Dinah and Ed Gore, Cindy Hauman, Rebecca and Mark Kaplan, the Labor Day Surf-Off, Iveta and Roger Mason, Joan and Walt Madsen, David Redwine, Polly and Rusty Russ, and others. If you would like to learn more about the program, please visit our website or contact Kimberly Bandera.

"The Governor's budget proposal calls for a 4% decrease in funding for public schools, and the leadership in the General Assembly proposes cuts more than double that percentage. The final outcome will surely be somewhere between those two figures. Brunswick County Schools has cut its budget each of the last two years, and it appears that reductions will be necessary for the next couple of years at least. It's a difficult time for public agencies and for non-profits like CIS. The services and support provided by CIS to Brunswick County Schools are especially valued during tough economic times. We call upon our fellow citizens to let our elected representatives know of their support for public schools and the non-profit organizations like CIS that support them. This is the worst possible time to divert scarce resources to additional charter schools or for tax rebates to families who can afford to send their children to private schools. Brunswick County Schools and CIS will continue to provide our children with the best education possible with the funding we are allocated, and we will attempt to minimize the impact on classroom learning above all else."  Dr. Edward H. Pruden, Superintendent

Local Business and Civic Organizations Get Involved 

KFC Fundraiser - "Dine Out for Kids"

The Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises in Brunswick County are once again hosting a fundraising event to raise money for CIS.  On Tuesday, April 5th from 4:00 - 8:30 PM, participating KFC's in Leland, Shallotte, and Southport will donate 10% of their sales plus any donations to CIS. 

St. James Tennis Association Racquet Rally

CIS and the Southport/Oak Island Food Pantry are the beneficiaries from this year's event on Wednesday, April 13th from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm at the tennis courts behind the Founder's Club at St. James Plantation.  If you are interested in participating, this event is non-competitive. There is a minimum $10/hour/person contribution for doubles or $20/hour/person for singles play. 

The LA Classic Golf Tournament Presented by the Leland Area Rotary Club

CIS, the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Rotary International's $200 Million Challenge to Eradicate Polio Worldwide are the beneficiaries from this golf tournament which will be held on Thursday, April 14th at Magnolia Greens Golf Course in Leland. Registration begins at 10:30 am with a 12:30 pm shotgun start.  Fees are $100 per player. 

For more information on these events, please contact Mark Koval.

The 3rd Annual Big Toy Day is bigger than ever. The Brunswick County Airport Commission is once again partnering with CIS to provide a fun-filled educational experience for kids of all ages. From fire engines to helicopters, the big toys will be on display. Additions to this year's event include a Petting Zoo (sheep, goats, llama, donkey, miniature horse and zebu), more inflatable rides, gem mining, and a marsh master vehicle from Progress Energy. Kids will get a chance to sit in the driver's seat of 18-wheelers, meet commercial fishermen, and learn what it takes to become a police officer. Those 8 to 17 year olds will also be given the opportunity to fly - free of charge - in single engine planes provided by the Airport as part of their Young Eagles Program. So mark your calendar for May 21, 11:00 - 5:00 and get the family together for BIG TOY DAY! Tickets will be sold at the gate for $5/ person (under 5 free) at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Oak Island, formerly known as Brunswick County Airport. Contact Mark Koval for more information.

Flower Launch
Celebrating individuals
who help children flourish! 
Apirl 12   4:00 - 4:30 pm
Waterfront Park, Southport
Contact Debbie for more details.

No More Bullies! is a story performance program that uses folklore to teach character lessons and strategies to overcome "bullies" and tendencies to becoming  "bullies". After School students have been taking part in activities and performances guided by professional storyteller Joan Leotta.

Find out how.