First United Methodist Church
There is considerable research that shows that children who are not reading at grade level by third grade face far higher risks than their peers of dropping out of high school, becoming pregnant, unemployed or of entering the prison system. It was over two years ago when Spring Valley’s Principal Scott Kemple highlighted this fact and shared with us that he wanted to take a highly successful protocol for reading instructors and expand it within their school. The need however, was for more one on one reading time with children who needed extra practice with specific skills. First United Methodist stepped up to the plate and with a razor sharp focus immediately took action. Promise Helpers was born.
“This isn’t going to be easy, you know,” said Mary Bullock who had agreed to recruit tutors from within the church.” I don’t know if we can get the number of volunteers we need to pull this off well.” Her worries quickly dissipated as a dedicated cadre of talented tutors came forward. After undergoing training by Spring Valley’s Literacy Coach, Linda Summerer, the tutors worked this year with targeted 1st and 3rd grade children on a weekly basis. Two years of grant money, totaling almost $10,000 made possible through Henkel— thanks to church member/Promise Helper Rob Hilliard, who as an employee of this international German company made it possible for Spring Valley to use euros to purchase books and other reading and learning materials to enhance the work that the Promise Helpers were doing in the school. In addition to recruiting 18 volunteers to Spring Valley this year, First United Methodist has established a Promise Helpers Fund and out of this has provided $500 worth of books for Spring Valley in-room libraries, another $500 for math textbooks and $250 worth of books to assure that every first grader has a book to take home for the summer. “FUMC’s presence at Spring Valley,” says Site Coordinator Martha Serio, “has truly been a blessing.”
Congratulations, First United Methodist Church, on your 2008 Champ Award!