Outreach

Volunteers in Public Schools

"Every now and then God's answer to a need is me." - Author Elizabeth Sherrill

First Christian Church is a partner in education with Westminster Elementary School through the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program. Approximately 40 church members have signed on to be a part of this very important community outreach project.

Members will begin our partnership by focusing on two primary areas of volunteering: Reading Friends and Teacher Appreciation. Reading Friends will go to the school at least twice a month to meet with a student and assist them in honing their reading skills. Other members will bake treats for the teachers lounge, provide small gifts and assist in other ways to show the teachers that their efforts are appreciated.

Anyone interested in this program should contact Rev. Karunas or Nancy Fatta, program coordinators.

IMPORTANT DATES

May 14 - Last reading day

VIPS UPDATE

TEA WAS HELD ON FEBRUARY 20
The Reading Friends program and FCC hosted a tea at Westminster Elementary. This event gave teachers and reading friends an opportunity to communicate, discuss how the program is working, and address any problems that have arisen. The teachers had nothing but positive feedback for the Reading Friends program. The principal let us know that reading scores have inproved since we have been reading at the school.

VIPS is curently working in 30 schools helping over 720 students! Our school, Westminster Elementary, has a Reading Friends for each student on their initial "needs help" list. But they do have a waiting list so if you are interested in being a Reading Friend for next year, please let me know

Remember to turn in your calendar sheets as close to the END of each month as you can by placing them in the pony in the office of your school. See Nancy F. if you have lost your sheets.

VIPS BULLETIN BOARD

If you haven’t noticed, there is a VIPS bulletin board in the narthax above the drinking fountain. Check it out for information, thank you cards, and school schedule information. I will post notices on school closings, field trips, and assemblies, so the Reading Friends know how to schedule their visits.