Communities In Schools (CIS) will kick off the spring season with a flapjack fundraiser at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Aberdeen Saturday, May 14, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to support the CIS COMPASS Mentoring Program at Southern Middle School. The COMPASS Program is a >mentoring program administered by Communities In Schools of Moore County and based at Southern Middle School in Aberdeen. >The project is currently in its fourth year.

The project is designed to provide middle school students direction in their lives through the use of the Franklin Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens materials and the guidance of a caring adult mentor.

The primary focus of the program is to produce academically successful students who become responsible for their futures.

The program currently pairs 103 middle school children at Southern Middle School with 103 community volunteer mentors. The mentors meet with their students once a week during the school year.

In addition to weekly mentoring visits, students also benefit from educational field trips and community service opportunities.

Several flapjack fundraisers have been held to benefit the CIS COMPASS mentoring program at Southern Middle School.

"Our pancake fundraisers have been a great success," said Dr. Robin Moore, COMPASS Mentoring Program Director for CIS."

Tickets cost $7 per person.

For more information call (910) 295-1072 or visit the CIS website at www.cismoore.org.