This page was updated 03/01/2006

   We soon begin our twelfth year of volunteer support for South Wayne Elementary School students and staff.  Therefore, it’s a good time to explain a little about our program and where we would like it to go this year.

   South Wayne Elementary School is a Title I school with 385 students in the central city.  Nearly four out of five students qualify for free lunch based on family income level.  An additional five percent qualify for reduced lunch.  As a result of the socio-economic conditions in which they live, many students need additional assistance.  Most of our volunteers read with first and second grade students once a month over lunch.  Other volunteers help Chris Davis, a kindergarten teacher, and tutor third graders.  We supply an emergency food bank, and we support one or two families at Christmas.

   Through meeting with the principal, Dr. Dixie Garner, we have identified eight areas of need which can be impacted by non-Fort Wayne Community School funding.  They are: helping the Families and School Together Program (FAST) for at risk families; increasing the number of classroom books; providing take-home books for all children; supporting a modest Gifted and Talent program; increasing the availability of art and classroom supplies; supporting parent programs; and providing a small Emergency Aid fund for family emergencies.  Finally, the school’s playground is very much in need of updating.

   Here are a few brief examples of dollar amounts.  A starting point for providing each classroom with a modest budget for new books would be $1,750.  To give children take-home books three times a year would be $1,500.  To fund a Gifted/Talented program would cost $600.

   We are seeking sources in the community and elsewhere.  Already we are fortunate to have a $500 matching donation for books from a good friend of the congregation.  And we have the support of the congregation board for some funding in 2005.

   My request to our members and friends is to consider a gift for South Wayne at the beginning of this school year to help enrich the students’ experiences.  You can be assured that we will keep the donations in our special South Wayne account and make sure that they are used for intended purposes.  And please join us when our program kicks off next month!  Helping children does make a difference.

Peggy Seigel on behalf of the
South Wayne Committee

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