Did you know that St. John’s is a community partner with Hunter B. Andrews PK-8 School? For the past six years we have provided financial support and volunteers. I’ve been blessed to have volunteered in two kindergarten and two first grade classrooms for the past four years. This year a new parishioner, Kelly Breiner, joined me and volunteered in a first grade class. The experience was challenging at times, but very rewarding.
Financially, St. John’s provided gift cards at Christmas, gift cards for specific family needs, donated money for selected children to buy a book at the Book Fair, helped fund Positive Behavior Intervention Solutions activities, purchased replacement school supplies, and provided books for each child in the classrooms Kelly and I supported. Kelly was honored by Andrews with the Promoter of Excellence Award for her dedication this year, an award I also received my first year volunteering.
At the end of the year the students in my class were excited to make posters about loving one another for display during our summer lunch program. Each child’s hand is displayed with hearts and pictures. Nothing is better than seeing the children learn and grow, plus the hugs are great too!
Originally published in St. John’s Newsletter, July & August 2019.