This page was updated 06/05/2006

Study Volunteer Program Report

from Peggy Seigel, Study Volunteer Program Coordinator
May 23, 2006

UU members and friends made a difference at Study Elementary School this past year in a variety of ways.  Most of our volunteers participated in our monthly Lunch Bunch program that consists of sharing lunch and books with 2^nd grade students.  Volunteers also worked on a weekly basis with students in grades K through 3 as part of the city-wide Project Reads after school program.  In addition, we served as judges for Study’s first ever science fair and as classroom readers for Read-Across-America, the national celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Church members and friends contributed school supplies at the beginning of the year, raised funds to buy t-shirts for each Study student proudly affirming that “Study Eagles Soar,” and gave the 2^nd graders books at Christmas and at the end of the school year.

Our wonderful cast of volunteers consisted of Colby Cook, Evan Davis, Karen Goldner, Bea Green, Larry Hayes, Linda and Gerry Kaufman, Emily Schwartz Keirns, Toni Kring, Anne Littlefield, Ann McKenna, John Moore, Brian Pauls, Cynthia and Ed Powers, Jim Reeder, Deb, Paul and Gwendolyn Ross, Cathie Rowand, Carol and Dick Schwartz, Jack Seigel, Darlene Smith, Carol Ver Wiebe, Midge Walter, and Michelle Williams.  We were joined by UU friends Roberta Agnew, Thomas Black, Scott Bushnell, Will Clark, Roberta Davis, Valerie Richardson, and John Rogers

How do we measure success?  A number of us have seen children make real progress.  A little boy I’ve gotten to know, both as part of the monthly Lunch Bunch and in Project Reads, moved from early 1^st grade reading level to end of 2^nd grade!  Other volunteers have seen progress as well.  We have been impressed with the books the children composed on animals.  We have been deeply touched by the children’s thank you notes.  My little reading friend has commented that, “You were always there for me.”  We have been “there” for many children.  The teachers have repeatedly told us that the children looked forward to Lunch Bunch more than anything else they did.  This reminds me of a quote from Mother Teresa that emphasizes the significance of doing small things with great love.  And while it’s great to feel popular, we are also aware of the challenges that many of the children face.  They don’t all go home to a stable home environment that encourages their learning.  Volunteer programs depend on lots of people and sometimes our numbers came up short.  Still, I think most of us feel encouraged.   The extremely positive environment at Study Elementary, excellent and caring teachers, and the leadership of principal Trudy Grafton offer hope for a bright future.  It has been a privilege to experience first hand a school that serves children in poverty achieving excellence.

Finally, Principal Trudy Grafton captures the spirit of our volunteer program in her thank you to the entire congregation:

Dear Unitarian Church Members;
   Many thanks for taking Study Elementary under your caring wings this year.  You have enriched the lives of our students through your kindness.  It has been wonderful having a group of individuals that can be counted on to provide support for our students!
   It has been a pleasure working with each of you.  We look forward to your presence here again next year.  Have a wonderful summer and “THANKS” for all you do!
   Sincerely,
Trudy Grafton, Principal

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