One in three kids in Whatcom County will fail to graduate from high school.  I hope you agree with me that even one high school dropout is a real problem: one we can solve together.

My Name is Dennis D’Amelio and I work with Communities In Schools of Whatcom County.  I am writing this personal note asking for your help.  Most of you are aware of the important work Communities in Schools does each day.  Our mission is simple: help kids stay in school and prepare for life.

Please take a few minutes and read the information below. It briefly describes what’s happening to our kids and community as more students leave school without a diploma.  Better yet, go to www.ciswhatcom.org, purchase your tickets and join us at Improv for Education II on March 27th.

All proceeds support the kids who need it most!

The future of a child without a diploma is bleak.

• more likely to be unemployed
• work more than one low paying job just to survive
• earn substantially less than graduates
• sick more often
• have less access to health care
• involved in more criminal activities
• go to jail more often
• more likely to be single parents
• more likely to be the parent of a dropout

When this this happens, the individual potential of the student, and of our community goes unrealized.  We all pay the price.  The financial cost of the dropout crisis to our community is substantial.   Dropouts generate less revenue for the community, yet require much more financial support in the form of social and health services, crime related costs, and educational remediation.

Helping prevent high school dropouts is the right thing to do, and it’s good business, too.  You can help break the dropout cycle right now.  Here’s one way:

Please join me at Improv for Education II

This is your chance to see some of the best student comedy in the state while helping kids stay in school! CIS students have been working for 3 months with Upfront Theatre teachers to create a showcase of their learning. Last year’s players put on a fantastic show, and we are eager for the 2010 edition!

Come for an evening of non-stop fun!

• Enjoy your favorite beverage from our no-host bar
• Browse tables full of great auction items
• Relax as we sit down together for a wonderful meal
• Hustle for delicious in the high-speed dessert dash
• Marvel as students from around the county take the stage

Please call or write with questions.

Thanks,

360-961-4752