PACIFICA SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

Causes: Education, Educational Services, Parent & Teacher Groups

Mission: The mission of Pacifica School Volunteers is to support the education and well being of children in Pacifica's public schools. Our goal is to train and place volunteers in the schools with the greatest needs and strengthen ties between schools, families and the community. Caring volunteers help ensure that struggling children get the additional attention they need to gain the skills and self-confidence necessary to become competent students and responsible adults. These volunteers are especially needed because Pacifica schools receive less money from the state per student than the state average and less than almost every district in San Mateo County. Because the schools are poorly funded the needs are great, especially for low-income students who are struggling in school.

Results: Last year, we completed over 27,000 hours of Volunteer Service in our schools. We reached over 1500 students at 9 different school sites in Pacifica, and connected students with Volunteers who are members of the community, college students, and high-school students.

Target demographics: support literacy, math, and other subjects

Direct beneficiaries per year: at least 1500 local students in Pacifica

Geographic areas served: Pacifica School District

Programs: Program activities include: Weekly Volunteers- Community and high-school age volunteers work one-on-one or in small groups with children in classrooms and homework centers. ·Literacy and Math Training Workshops- Literacy and math experts train volunteers, parents and family members on ways to help children improve their reading, writing and math skills. When volunteers are equipped with skills and strategies, they are more effective in tutoring and encouraging children's advancement. Art, Music and Drama- Short-term art, music and drama professionals volunteer in classrooms to enrich the education of children who don't have much exposure to the arts. Parent Education Workshops- Educational specialists give parents and families strategies on study habits, organizational skills, test taking, etc. to help children succeed in school. Read Aloud Days- In celebration of literacy, annual events are organized where community members visit the classrooms and read their favorite book or story. This event models a love of reading and motivates children to discover books on their own. Young Authors- Young writers learn by creative example from local authors and luminaries in literacy at school-based assemblies and workshops. Oceana High School Senior Projects. In collaboration with the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce, we recruit Bay-Area professionals to help evaluate senior projects.