CULLMAN —
Planning for the next school year begins shortly after schools release student for the summer. And one of the most important programs in place is Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS).
The organization recruits and screens mentors to work with elementary school children at local schools.
The volunteer-based program plays a vital role with children to fill in between the work that traditional classroom teachers and parents provide. In fact, some children come out of homes where a parent or parents do not provide the inspiration needed for a child to become focused on the value of academics.
With 10 years under its belt, VIPS has placed dozens of local volunteers in mentoring relationships with elementary students. The volunteers work closely with guidance counselors to identify students who need assistance. The mentor works with the selected student on campus for an hour each week.
Mentoring is aimed at providing help school work or to provide a friendly listener and advice concerning problems, dreams or fears that a child may be experiencing during the school year.
Many past or retired educators have filled the slots as mentors, but the program gladly welcomes people from different backgrounds. In fact, organizers of VIPS would greatly appreciate enlisting a wider range of volunteers for the program.
Those who have successfully navigated through school and moved on to successful positions in life potentially have a lot to share with children. One of the greatest problems facing public education in Alabama is finding adult role models for children to follow in the critical, formative years in elementary school.
Teachers cannot go home with the students to continue their inspirational work. Some parents, for various reasons or circumstance, are unable to provide much help.
The presence of an enthusiastic mentor in the life of a child is valuable because it provides an adult role model for young students to follow.
Children in elementary school are eager to learn. They simply need a steady surrounding of inspirational, caring adults to help them along. Take time to check in with VIPS. The rewards of inspiring a child to continue learning and strive for great things in life is an opportunity work pursuing.
Editorials
Standing up for children
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