Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) is once again dispatching a core group of volunteers to school sites throughout the East Baton Rouge Parish School System on the district’s first day of school, Wednesday, August 11. Volunteers will assist parents, students and school administrators with various duties at the schools. In August 2009, that included VIPS volunteer Aaron Cherry (at right in the photo) escorting a new student to class at The Dufrocq School.
“Right now we have 41 volunteers signed up and prepared to go into 12 schools to help out on the first day,” said Rob Wood, VIPS director of volunteers. “We know the first day can be pretty exciting, so our volunteers are prepared to assist wherever they are needed. This means helping students find their way to class, comforting first-time students, distributing textbooks and supplies, greeting parents and students, signing parents up for the Parent Teacher Association or Parent Teacher Organization – whatever the principal needs us to do, that’s what we are there to do.”
Last year, 30 VIPS volunteers participated as First Day Helpers. After the experience, many requested to continue their service. Throughout the school year, VIPS recruits, screens and trains community members to fill a number of volunteer opportunities. The most recognized program that utilizes volunteers is the EveryBody Reads program. EveryBody Reads matches an adult Reading Friend volunteer with a young elementary student who reads below grade level. The one-on-one tutoring sessions are designed to advance the student’s reading level, build the student’s confidence and enhance an appreciation for reading. Reading Friends are required to meet with their student at least twice monthly. However, weekly sessions are encouraged.
VIPS is an independent nonprofit that works to foster student success for every child in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools by building support for public education. For more information or to volunteer, contact Wood at (225) 226-4701 or visit the Web site at vips.ebrschools.org.
