People's Church - Partner, Lincoln International Studies School
Our partnership with People’s Church is a model of successful and supportive community engagement at Lincoln International Studies School. These vibrant and dedicated volunteers continue to play an integral role as tutors, mentors and classroom helpers. Led by Mary Lewis and Kay Spade, the group gives 100% of their energy to the school and the children. Through KCIS, the group has adopted this KPS school – meeting with the Site Coordinator and Principal on a regular basis to remain involved in many aspects of life at Lincoln School.
Our friends from People’s Church have proven to be reliable and steadfast, some coming to the school weekly and others daily, to develop and nurture meaningful relationships with individual students. Every afternoon, as reliable as the daily rising and setting of the sun, Bill Goodman can be found on the 3rd floor of the school working with a small group of 6th graders on their math skills. His consistency has made a huge difference in the math capabilities of the 6th grade students, and he also serves as a friend, mentor and consistent role model to many.
People’s Church provides classroom support which is nothing short of fantastic. Catherine Niessink serves as Kindergarten Class Volunteer and helps make learning fun. She is also encouraging and supportive to other volunteers, sharing her experience and providing tips on tutoring. This amazing and generous woman has actually incorporated Lincoln donations into her personal budget. Every month she comes with a bag full of basic needs supplies, from socks and underwear to coats, sweaters and shoes.
Another couple, Phil and Drue Kramer, share two children - bringing double the expertise and attention to those students. The couple also supports the students' father, urging him to attend parent meetings, and even ensuring that the young girl had plans for Spring Break.
Holley Lantz is responsible for obtaining the matching funds for the "Adopt A Classroom" project. She has woven herself into the fabric of Lincoln and has helped to support the KCIS Chase Publishing Center at Lincoln by typing up the children's stories.
All of the volunteers, like Rochelle Habeck Hunt, Joann Dodson, Pat Pratt, Zoe Valette, Martha Beverly, Lea Kunze and others give so much more than the original definition of their positions. They have also been flexible, enthusiastic and supportive as we implement new programs like the Publishing Center and the School Garden Project.
Lincoln receives a constisten flow of "basic needs" donations, garden supplies and fundraising assistance from our friends at People's Chuch. People's Chuch is an exceptional community partner, always up to the challenge of addressing the many needs of Lincoln students and the entire school.
Photo: Bill Goodman (left) and Holley Lantz (center) accept their 2009 Champ Celebration certificate from Donna Carroll, KCIS Director of School-Based and Mental Health.
People's Chuch, we thank you for helping students stay in school and prepare for life.