QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – January will see a new program at Jennings Elementary School in Quincy. Schools of Hope, a program that matches volunteer tutors with students to increase their reading skills, will be available to assist first and second grade students.
This is the third year Coldwater Schools has had the program at Jefferson Elementary, but Quincy Community Schools has been unable to find a coordinator for the program. This year, school volunteer Stephanie Weber worked with principal Ron Olmstead to insure the program would be available to students.
Funding for the program is still a stumbling block, so a fundraiser is being held. Invitations to a “No Show Holiday Gala” have gone out with the hope of raising a minimum of $5,000 for the program. The “No Show Gala” is a fundraising event for busy people who want to support children and education, but would rather not attend another event.
Invitees are invited to not attend the event which will not be held. In lieu of attending the event, donations are accepted. The Rotary Club of Quincy has stepped up as the fiduciary for the program, and all donations will go through the club.
The Schools of Hope program is designed to assist students reach grade level requirements. Tutors, also know as Reading Buddies, meet with students once a week for 30 minutes. The students read to the tutors, who receive training in tactics to help students with comprehension and accuracy.
The Branch County United Way, Coldwater Community Schools, and the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater have assisted Quincy Community Schools in providing information and training to launch the program.
For further information on the program or to donate, call or text Julie Stratos at (517)677-9655 or email jstratos49@outlook.com.
