Representative Frank Hoffman reading at Riverbend
Just a few weeks into our new after school program at Riverbend Elementary, teachers are already reporting improvements with students. During a recent meeting, teachers indicated that students in the program are getting substantially better conduct grades, they are showing more respect to both teachers and fellow students, and are smiling more. They excitedly ask each day “when will it be time for the program to start?”
One fun part of the program for the students is when guests come in and read to them. This is a great volunteer opportunity. It only takes about 20 minutes and it makes a huge impact on the children. Normally, 20 minutes won’t make a big difference in a child’s life – but because you are part of a bigger effort in which all the parts are connected together, there is a synergy that really makes an impact.
The waiting list of kids to attend is steadily growing each day and we are looking for resoures to be able to add more students in the near future. The teachers tell us that they are bombarded each day with kids wanting to know when they can start attending – some even resorting to a little trickery to find a way in. We started day one with 6 students, day two brought 9, day three 18 attended and day four 25 attended. By the next Monday we reached our maximum goal of 30 children. Our next step is to open the program to another grade level and bring in 30 more students.
If you are interested in helping to sponsor a child or would like to read one afternoon, contact Kathy Gwin at kgwin@firstwest.cc. It is one of the best 20 minutes you will spend this week!
