A Student Success Story

Stormie Helm

Why Communities In Schools

Is Important to Me

Twenty-year-old Stormie Helm is a college student working on her degree in education.  While completing her degree she is working part time as a youth counselor with the YMCA at Travis Elementary.  The currently outgoing, outspoken and always smiling person Stormie is now is very different from the shy, soft-spoken 5th grader who enrolled in an after school program managed by Communities In Schools Baytown.  

 “At times things can be difficult being raised by a single mother and not having much money in the house.   In the 5th grade I not only enrolled in a new school but also their after school program.  The after school program was called “Getting Attitudes Positive,” but most people simply called it the GAP program.  The program was managed by Communities In Schools Baytown (CIS) staff and that was my first introduction to CIS.   At the time I did not know the impact being involved in the after school program would have on my life.”

 “Being involved in the CIS program exposed me to things and experiences that growing up in a single parent household I would have missed.  The CIS staff helped to bring me out of my shell and become a very outgoing person.  Because of the variety of activities I was able to make friends with other children from different schools.  Many of whom I would have not been able to meet otherwise. Having the ability to make new friends made it easier for me as I moved from elementary to Jr. High and on to High School.  This skill also came in handy when I moved out of the district and attended a school where I knew no one.  However, I did know, even then, if I had a problem the CIS Case Manger, Ms. Barbara Castellanos, at my old school was just a phone call away.  That is the great thing about CIS, once you are a part of the program you are always a part of the program.” 

 “One special memory I will always have happened when I was a 5th grade student.   Mr. Mike Wilson, who was the CIS Program Coordinator at the time, told me if I keep my grades up and attitude positive he would offer me a job to work for CIS when I would be old enough to work.  So when I turned 16, I went back to Mr. Wilson to take him up on his offer.  Mr. Wilson kept his word and hired me to work in an elementary after school program.  At that time I knew I wanted to give back to other young kids, just the way others have done for me.  With that mind set I continue to work with young kids today and I am on my way to becoming a teacher.