Communities In Schools of Cape Fear

10/16/2026

In Schools and Beyond!

The CIS team at the Full Service Community School at Rachel Freeman Elementary hit the pavement this week to drop off door hangers recognizing families whose Freeman Bears attended at least 95% of the first quarter!

, and we love the many ways our staff celebrate when our kids achieve their goals!

10/15/2026

We’re continuing our series saluting our most beloved and devoted volunteers - The CIS Cape Fear Board! Our governing board helps look at the big picture, guiding long-term goals, financial health, and supporting staff through milestones and transition.

Today we introduce you to longtime CIS Board Member Cindy Talbert!
She is in her third term on the board, meaning this is the start of her 8th year of board service to CIS Cape Fear. She has always had a passion for pouring into youth and school staff and she’s only doubled down on that commitment in her retirement.

“Public education has always been a top priority for me. I dedicated 36.5 years to serving in public education as a teacher, observer/evaluator, assistant principal, principal, and interim administrator post-retirement. By serving on the CIS board, I am able to continue to actively contribute to supporting the children in our community,” said Cindy Talbert.

The phrase “Being Present Matters” means a little extra to Cindy. Her years serving as Principal at Snipes Academy gave her unique perspective of the difference CIS makes.

“Snipes Academy was designated as a low performing school by the state, so New Hanover County Schools focused on providing intensive interventions to improve student achievement. Therefore, Snipes Academy was the first elementary school to have a CIS Student Support Specialist placed full time at our school during the 2014 school year. Our staff embraced this partnership with CIS and the specialist quickly became embedded as a valued member as she helped students set behavior and academic goals, taught interventions to individuals and small groups, participated in the Multi-tiered Student Support (MTSS) process, and routinely communicated with all members of the school community. Our school’s ability to successfully partner with Communities In Schools became the exemplar model for CIS of NC and the MTSS division of the NC Department of Public Instruction. We understood what it took to be “PRESENT” for children in practice on a daily basis,” shared Cindy.

10/13/2026

🎓 Can the right support in school change a student's future earning potential? New research explores the connection between student success, economic mobility, and the Communities In Schools CIS model.

At CIS, we believe student success doesn't happen alone. It takes a community of support working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

10/13/2026

We’re continuing our series saluting our most beloved and devoted volunteers- The CIS Cape Fear Board! The men and women that serve on our governing board help look at the big picture, guiding long-term goals, financial health, and supporting staff through milestones and transition.

Today we’d like to introduce CIS Board Member Dominique Bates!

“My 'why' has always been students. Every student deserves someone in their corner and access to opportunities that help them see a future full of possibilities. Through my work in education, I have seen firsthand how barriers outside of the classroom can impact student success. Serving on the CIS Board allows me to collaborate with others who are committed to removing those barriers and ensuring students have the support, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive,” said Dominique Bates.

Mr. Bates has been involved with CIS affiliates for more than 16 years! Being present for students is a commitment he takes seriously.

“I have been involved with CIS since 2010, beginning as a volunteer after being recruited by my grandmother, who has served as a CIS volunteer for more than 20 years. Service through Communities In Schools has truly become a family tradition. My grandmother and all of her children have served in some capacity with CIS, making it an organization that has been woven into our family's commitment to giving back and supporting students for generations,” added Mr. Bates.

Education continues to be a family affair in the Bates household as his wife, Kathryn, is the principal at South Topsail Elementary School! In the time he’s been with Pender County Schools as the CTE director, he has helped the district launch programs to ensure kids have a path after graduation. His work has garnered countless recognition and awards, including being installed as president of the NC Association for Career and Technical Education Administrative Division this summer, allowing him to lead statewide conversations and support efforts to strengthen programs, partnerships and learning opportunities.

We thank Mr. Bates for his commitment to kids and to CIS Cape Fear!

10/09/2026

Go, Mustangs! So happy to see Forest Hills Global Elementary School in the spotlight! 💚

Read to the bottom to see Friends of Public Schools mentioned!

Forest Hills Elementary School Principal Diego Lehocky is in his fourth year at the helm, and under his leadership, the school’s academic performance has improved significantly.

10/09/2026

Check out these shots from Cape Fear Middle School's Afterschool Program enjoying their time with the and the UNCW men's hockey head coach!

Students learned the basics of ball hockey, practiced their skills and put them to the test in their mobile hockey rink!

10/08/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove and Pender County Schools! 👏👏👏

We’re so lucky for your leadership! Well deserved!

🎉 BIG NEWS FOR PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS!

Dr. Brad Breedlove has been named the 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year!

Dr. Breedlove received the statewide honor today in Greensboro after previously being selected as the Region 2 — Southeast Superintendent of the Year.

This recognition reflects his leadership, his commitment to students and staff, and the work taking place every day across Pender County Schools.

Congratulations, Dr. Breedlove! 👏

More to come...

10/08/2026

Thank you, Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove for highlighting the work of our organization in the latest edition of the Pender-Topsail Post & Voice!

***EDITED AT 1pm to acknowledge Dr. Breedlove’s achievement being named NC Superintendent of the year 👏🎊🎉***

It truly takes an entire community for our kids to be successful.

10/08/2026

We’re continuing our series on social media saluting our most beloved and devoted volunteers- The CIS Cape Fear Board! The men and women that serve on our governing board help look at the big picture, guiding long-term goals, financial health, and supporting staff through milestones and transition.

This spotlight celebrates CIS Board Secretary Donterio Perkins! He has been on the CIS Board for more than four years now!

“I truly believe that CIS is changing lives. I'm happy to serve on the board and I believe in the mission of CIS and see the impact that it has on our students,” said Donterio Perkins.

Donterio brings more than a decade of experience working for DPS as a juvenile court counselor and probation/ parole officer. In his daily role at CFCC, he plans and runs campus programs, advises student clubs and builds a sense of community outside the classroom. In a nutshell, he knows very well what it means to be present for students.

“It means showing up for students in ways that truly matter. Being supportive and offering encouragement when they need it most,” said Donterio.

Donterio isn’t just present for kids at CIS or CFCC; He and his wife Alexis are widely known across town for their involvement in fraternities, sororities, civic groups and honor societies. You may recognize his face from last year’s Leadership Wilmington’s class, the 2024 New Hanover County Equity Award in Education, and Wilmington Chamber’s 40 under 40 award in 2023.

Donterio, thank you for your dedication to serving the Cape Fear community and for all your hard work on the CIS board!

10/07/2026

Will the real Mr. Sutton please stand up?

New Hanover High School's spirit week theme today was "Dress as Principal Sutton." Our staff couldn't pass up the opportunity to support!