GREENFIELD – Volunteers willing to lend an hour a week could help change the lives of local elementary school children, local school officials say.
Greenfield-Central and New Palestine schools are seeking community volunteers to read with children each week.
ReadUP is available at Weston and Harris elementary schools in Greenfield, helping third graders get on track with reading and writing.
In New Palestine, Helping One Student To Succeed, or H.O.S.T.S., pairs mentors with second and third graders each week.
Both programs encourage mentoring and developing relationships as community volunteers work with the schools to reach literacy goals.
ReadUP is a program of the United Way of Central Indiana, in 20 schools across six counties. In Hancock County, Greenfield-Central’s Harris and Weston elementary schools benefit from the program.
“The program focuses on third grade, a critical transition period when students move from learning to read to reading to learn,” said Devon Marine, G-C director of elementary education. “Mastery of reading skills at this stage can be a strong indicator of future educational success.”
Local ReadUP coordinator Jamie Mayberry goes above and beyond to ensure each student is thoughtfully paired with a tutor, said Weston Principal Meg Welch. High-interest books that capture the attention of both students and tutors are chosen.
Welch is grateful to local volunteers.
“During this time, they not only read together, but also engage in comprehension discussions and writing exercises based on their reading,” Welch said. “This shared experience fosters a special bond between tutors and students that grows throughout the school year. Tutors come to know their students as readers while also connecting over their personal interests beyond the classroom. The ReadUP program provides our students with another caring adult in their lives, helping them feel seen and valued.”
The program is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in Greenfield. To learn more or sign up, visit uwci.org/readup.
In New Palestine, H.O.S.T.S. meet Monday through Thursday between 9-10 a.m. at New Palestine, Brandywine and Sugar Creek elementary schools. Mentors come one day a week, for one hour. The hour is spent reading, doing literacy activities, connecting with students and creating relationships.
To volunteer at Brandywine Elementary school, email Trisha Ennis, [email protected]. At New Palestine Elementary School, the contact is Kendra Olin, [email protected]. To volunteer at Sugar Creek Elementary School, email Toni Powers, [email protected].
