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Easing School Overcrowding
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Retired teachers in Tucson, Arizona are filling in the education gap in a low-income neighborhood. Members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church have adopted Nash Elementary, providing nearly 200 hours of support each month for students and teachers. It’s a model partnership that’s making a difference. |
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SCRIPT:
Natsound / Volunteer: “I see people working hard.”
You’ll find them virtually…
Natsound / Volunteer: “You’re doing good.”
…in every corner of Nash Elementary.
They are volunteers…
Natsound / Volunteer: “What’s your name?”
…some would say heaven-sent.
Teacher 1: “It was like a gift from God, if I can say that?”
Teacher 2: “It’s a blessing beyond disguise.”
Teacher 3: “These woman have helped in Sunday school classes and they know what to do and they jump right in and help.”
It’s an unlikely venture between a church and a public school in Tucson. Volunteers are from St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Janet Camp / Program Director, Partnership with Nash Elementary: “We are conscious of the fact that we are not here to evangelize.”
Paula Yingst / Volunteer, Retired Teacher: “It isn’t bringing religion exactly into the class, because we can’t do that, but it’s showing that we care and we want to help.”
Natsound / Volunteer: “Is there anything I need to add to that?”
Help comes in the form of time. Volunteers average 180 hours a month.
Leanne Lynch / Teacher: “It just kind of gives me two places to be at one time. I feel am working equally. I can count on her for so many things.”
It’s a partnership that for the past two years has made a difference in the school.
Michael McConnell / Assistant Principal, Teacher: “For the students and the staff, it’s uplifting to have these wonderful volunteers come in.”
Michael McConnell: “It’s good people doing a good thing, and it’s a church that organized it.”
TAG:
Classroom work is just one of 15 programs St. Mark’s offers Nash Elementary. Other church members help with a books-on-tape program, recording reading material for the children's school and home use. The church also donated backpacks and school supplies for 319 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students.