Back to the Basics: CIS of Eastern PA Launches the School Year at “Kickoff 2026”

The start of a new school year always brings excitement, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, Kickoff 2026 provided the perfect opportunity to pause, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead.

Held over two days at Kutztown University, this year's annual professional development event embraced a creative Back to the Future-inspired theme, reminding us that sometimes the best way to move forward is by returning to the foundations that have guided our work from the beginning. Our CEO Tim and COO Mike even got into the spirit by dressing up as Doc Brown and Marty McFly, respectively! 

At the heart of the event were the Five Basics, developed by CIS founder Bill Milliken. These principles continue to serve as a cornerstone of our mission and a reminder of what every young person needs to thrive. Throughout the event, staff reflected on how these timeless Basics remain as relevant today as ever, helping us stay grounded in our commitment to supporting students and families across Eastern Pennsylvania.

Walking in the Shoes of Our Students

One of the most impactful experiences of the event came through a special partnership with Communities In Schools of Western Nevada, whose team facilitated the "I See You" Simulation.

This immersive experience gave our staff and board members the opportunity to walk through a day in the life of a CIS student, revealing the often unseen challenges, systemic barriers, and invisible burdens many young people face both inside and outside the classroom. The simulation challenged staff to view circumstances through a different lens, deepening empathy and strengthening our understanding of the realities facing the students we serve.

The experience reinforced an essential truth: every student has a story, and meaningful support begins when we truly see them.

Prioritizing Wellness and Self-Care

Serving students effectively starts with taking care of ourselves. Throughout Kickoff, staff had multiple opportunities to recharge through a variety of wellness-focused activities designed to promote mindfulness, movement, and connection.

Among the most popular sessions was a unique “soundbath” with service animals, facilitated by Tails of Valor. The calming combination of sound therapy and interactions with service animals created a memorable experience that encouraged attendees to slow down and be present.

Additional wellness offerings included:

• Mindfulness Yoga sessions

• A Girls on the Run-inspired campus run around Kutztown University

• Wellness Jar creation activities designed to promote positive habits and self-care throughout the year

These moments of restoration reminded us that wellness is not a luxury. It is an essential part of sustaining the energy and passion required to support students every day.

Learning From One Another

Kickoff also highlighted the incredible expertise that exists within our own organization. Peer-led sessions offered staff opportunities to share promising practices, spark new ideas, and strengthen collaboration across regions and programs.

Topics included:

• Innovative approaches to family engagement

• The ethical and responsible use of AI in our work

• Strategies for building stronger relationships and improving student outcomes

By learning from one another, our staff strengthened the collective knowledge that helps CIS of Eastern PA continue delivering high-quality, student-centered support.

A Powerful Reminder of Why We Do This Work

One of the most powerful moments of Kickoff 2026 came from Alanna, a 2026 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, who shared her personal CIS journey with staff. In an emotional and heartfelt keynote, Alanna reminded everyone in the room of the profound difference a trusted adult and a sense of belonging can make in a young person’s life. She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health and the challenges she faced during high school, as well as the connection she found with her CIS site coordinator. That relationship provided her with a safe space to feel seen, supported, and understood when she needed it most. Alanna’s story brought the mission of CIS to life in a deeply personal way, reminding staff that behind every program, data point, and service is a student whose life can be changed simply because someone chose to show up, listen, and let them know they belong.

Reflecting on a Year of Impact

The second day of Kickoff focused on celebrating accomplishments and learning from the results of the previous school year.

Staff reviewed organizational data and outcomes, reflecting on the measurable impact made across schools and communities. These conversations provided valuable opportunities to recognize successes while identifying ways to continue growing and improving our services.

A highlight of the day was the interactive "Principles in Action" panel discussion. Featuring staff members from across the organization and beyond, the panel explored how the Five Basics come to life in everyday work. Through personal stories and practical examples, panelists demonstrated how these foundational principles guide decision-making, relationship building, and student support throughout the year.

Their insights offered a powerful reminder that while programs and challenges may evolve, our mission remains rooted in the same core values.

Let the CIS Games Begin!

No Kickoff would be complete without some friendly competition and some delicious food.  

Kickoff concluded with an all-staff picnic at Kutztown Park, where teams came together to compete in the annual CIS Games for the coveted Golden Crayon trophy. The folks at Cactus Blue ensured our team was properly fueled for competition with their food truck of delicious tacos, chips, guacamole and churros!   

The afternoon was filled with teamwork, laughter, and CIS spirit as participants competed in:

• Dodgeball

• Giant Jenga

• Paper Football

• Egg Relay Races

• Photo Scavenger Hunts

While only one team could claim the Golden Crayon, everyone walked away with a stronger sense of connection and camaraderie. 

Rooted in the Basics, Ready for What’s Next 

As we begin another school year, the lessons from Kickoff 2026 will continue to guide our work. By returning to the Basics, investing in wellness, learning from one another, and staying focused on the needs of students, we are better prepared than ever to make a lasting impact.

The future may hold new challenges, but like our Back to the Future theme reminded us throughout the event, our greatest strength lies in the values that have always defined CIS.

Here's to another incredible year of showing up, building relationships, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.