Currently in Sonoma County 54% of third grade students are reading below proficiency levels. 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.
United Way of the Wine Country's education goal is to raise the third-grade reading proficiency to at least 90% by 2020. One-on-one tutoring by trained community volunteers is the centerpiece of Schools of Hope 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 strong famillies are essential to a child's success in school. We reach out to families through our School Readiness Kits, Family Literacy Nights and Enlaces Familiares parent meetings.
Schools of Hope Results:
Schools of Hope launched in six Santa Rosa schools in during the 2010-2011 school year. In the first year, 180 students were served by placing 200 tutors in 31 classrooms. This past school year (2011-2012), three new schools were added; nearly doubling the program. In all, 300 students were served by placing 375 tutors in 62 classrooms. And we know it is working. According to an end of year teacher survey, 86% of students in the program improved their reading skills and 87% improved their attitude toward reading.
We need you! Help spread the word and become a volunteer tutor today!
During the 2012-2013 school year, our goal is to serve 700 students at 20 schools. We will need at least 800 Schools of Hope tutors. Recruit your friends, family and co-workers to become tutors. If a group you belong to would like to schedule a presentation, contact Jennifer O'Donnell at jennifer@unitedwaywinecountry.org or 707.528.4485 x110.
Register today to attend a Schools of Hope volunteer orientation where you will be given an overview of the program and learn about volunteer standards for working in schools. Orientations begin in August.
Responsibilities of a Schools of Hope tutor include:
Santa Rosa Area Schools
Volunteer orientations for Santa Rosa schools are held at the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa (located at 153 Stony Cr., Ste. 100). Please contact Gretchen Werner at 707.573.3399 x121 or at gwerner@volunteernow.org for more information about the upcoming orientation sessions and trainings.
Petaluma Area Schools
Volunteer orientations for Petaluma schools are usually held at the Petaluma Library. Please contact Gretchen Werner at 707.573.3399 x121 or at gwerner@volunteernow.org for more information about the upcoming orientation sessions and trainings.
Sonoma Valley Unified Schools
Volunteer orientations are held at the Sonoma Valley Unified School District (located at 17850 Railroad Avenue, Sonoma). Please contact Theresa Rhodes at the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation 707.935.9566 or at theresa@svgreatschools.org for more information about the upcoming orientation sessions and trainings.
Program Information and News Articles
Schools of Hope Flyer
Schools of Hope Program FAQs
Schools of Hope Volunteer FAQs
Guest Opinion - Close to Home Article by Tom Schwedhelm
Santa Rosa Standouts - August 2012
Why Schools of Hope? by Maricela S.
Newsletter blurbs
Newsletter blurbs - Sonoma Valley
2012-2013 Participating Sonoma County Elementary Schools
Bellevue
Brook Hill
Dunbar
El Verano
Flowery
Forestville Elementary & Academy (adopted by The Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant)
Horicon
James Monroe (adopted by Agilent Technologies)
Luther Burbank (adopted by Kaiser Permanente)
Meadowview
Miwok
McDowell
Prestwood
Robert L. Stevens (adopted by JDSU)
Roseland (adopted by Kaiser Permanente)
Sassarini
Spring Creek
Steele Lane (adopted by Medtronic)
Taylor Mountain
Yulupa
