Schools of Hope - Lake/Mendocino Counties

girl with book     Volunteer in Lake County  

When kids can't read, they can't succeed.

In Lake County, 65% of third graders are reading below proficiency levels. In Mendocino County, the number of third graders reading below proficiency levels increases to 73%. This is especially of concern since research shows one in six children who are not reading proficiently in the third grade do not graduate high school on time. This is a rate four times greater than proficient readers.

The goal of Schools of Hope is to raise the third-grade reading proficiency to at least 90% by 2020 as a result of establishing strong reading skills in our children. One-on-one tutoring by trained community volunteers is the centerpiece to the strategy to increase early literacy as studies show a child reading with an adult is one of the most effective ways to increase reading skills. In addition, we know that strong families are essential to a child’s success in school.

Volunteer in Lake County
Working in partnership with the Lakeport Unified School District (LUSD) and the Lake County Office of Education, this fall Schools of Hope will be launched at Lakeport Elementary School. We need volunteers to work one-on-one with struggling first grade readers. You will be provided training as a literacy tutor. 

Steps to becoming a Schools of Hope tutor include:

  • Register as a volunteer by emailing janinesc@lakeport.k12.ca.us
  • Once registered, you will be asked to:
    • Fill out the volunteer form, return to the district office and complete activities for vetting.
    • Get fingerprinted (at no cost to you), which will allow LUSD to complete a Department of Justice background screening.
    • Provide proof of a current TB test (within four years) to the district office. Information on completing your TB test will be provided at the time of registration.

For additional information or to schedule a presentation to a group you belong to, please contact Cheryl Trammell-George at cheryletg@lakeport.k12.ca.us or 707.262.3009.

Lake County Program Information
Schools of Hope flyer
Schools of Hope poster

Help us bring Schools of Hope to Mendocino County!
If you are interested in helping us start Schools of Hope in Mendocino County, contact Mari Rodin at mari@unitedwaywinecountry.org or 707.234.3300.