Volunteering in Public Schools

Since 2007, we have been involved in Volunteer In Public Schools supported by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. VIPS has a partnership program called Partners In Education and through this, we have been partners with Westminster Elementary School. This fall we will begin our fourth year of partnership.

We believe in the importance of connecting with our wider community and “bearing fruit where we are planted.” Our partnership consists of the following:

• Reading Friends: FCC sends nearly 25 volunteers into the school a minimum of twice a month to read with students in grades K-3 who are reading below grade level. In each of the 3 years we have been partners with Westminster, reading scores have improved.
• Teacher Encouragement: Every other month, FCC provides treats, cards, refreshments etc. for the faculty and staff of the school.
• Drives: Each year we ask members to donate school supplies at the beginning of the school year and stickers and pencils (for Reading Friends to share with their students) in January. We have also collecte books at the church to be used by Reading Friends when they go into the school.
• Other: We help the teachers kick-off the year with a breakfast in August. We provide refreshments for the Winter program in December, and host the 5th grade graduation in our sanctuary in May with a reception in the fellowship hall to follow. As we are able, we also provide judges for the science fair, volunteers in the office and library, as well as for the book fair.

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

We want to help you be God's answer to the need in our public schools! If you are interested in serving the young people in Westminster or any other public school in East Baton Rouge Parish, please contact our Volunteer in Public Schools Coordinator, Nancy Fatta.

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