Volunteering is important. School districts depend on volunteers to make each school year a successful one. Despite the fall semester kicking off virtually, the need for volunteers is still great.
Education Connection is committed to serving schools and students in the Greater Austin area. In order to help facilitate the continuation of Education Connection volunteering, we have come up with alternative/indirect ways to continue to serve the schools and most importantly the students.
What Now?
These are a few of the alternative ways we can serve and support our elementary school students throughout the 2020-2021 school year. We can still make a difference. We can still sow into our mission of every child reading by the end of 3rd grade, but we can’t do it without you!
List of Ways
Encouragement
Words are powerful. They have the power to build up or tear down. In these uncertain times, with so much negatively swirling around, our words of encouragement are crucial.
Would you commit to writing an encouraging note or email to a student, a teacher, or even an entire class?
Book Reading
The research shows that reading with students improves their sense of self and positively affects their success rates in the classroom. Not being able to meet with students in-person is a hard blow to the goal and mission of Education Connection.
Would you sign up to record a book reading for teachers to use in their virtual classrooms? Recording locations TBD.
Book Talk
A creative way to keep fostering a love for reading is to share a “Book Talk”. “Book Talks” – a quick “ad”/“teaser” of your favorite book, via video recording. Students will get an idea of what the book is about, creating interest in hopes they will choose to read that book or a similar one.
Would you be willing to record a 1-3 minute video sharing about one of your favorite books? Recording locations TBD.
Book Collection
We may not be able to read with the students in person, but we can provide resources for our students! Throughout the school year we will be collecting books for students grades K-5 to distribute throughout the 11 school districts we serve.
Would you consider donating one, two, ten, or even a whole classroom set of books? Collection locations TBD.
Resources
Another way to support our schools and students during this season is simply to provide resources. Students across the Greater Austin area are in need of, not only books, but holiday meals, birthday presents, and basic needs such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and other essential items.
Would you consider donating resources and/or funds to provide resources for students? Collection locations TBD.
Please review the list above. Which option stirred your heart? Once you have decided how you would like to engage, please email Education Connection at info@education-connection.org and share how you’d like to be involved.