Heart of West Michigan United Way has selected literacy as an area of greater focus. The school age portion of our literacy efforts is called Schools of Hope. Currently Schools of Hope provides an in-school tutoring program for 1st through 3rd grade students in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. In the fall of 2009 it will be expanded to include a neighborhood based after school program.

What is Schools of Hope In-school Tutoring?

Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Schools of Hope, partners with the Grand Rapids Public Schools to recruit and train reading tutors to work with elementary students in grades 1 – 3 in 15 schools.

We have a waiting list of children who need reading tutors. As a Schools of Hope reading tutor, you can change that. Our goal in the 2008 – 2009 school year is to increase the number of tutors from 1,200 to 1,500.

Tutors spend 30 minutes each week with the same child. Schools of Hope schools provide all the materials for tutors. Schools of Hope coordinators are present during all tutoring sessions to provide assistance and support. Most programs are housed in a separate classroom designated specifically for Schools of Hope.

What are Schools of Hope Goals?

Third graders in the Grand Rapids Public Schools will be performing at the same reading level as their counterparts in the Kent Intermediate School District as measured by the MEAP tests.

Schools of Hope has a goal of 1,500 tutors for the 2008 – 2009 school year. Currently, 1,200 tutors are active.

What are Volunteers Saying about Schools of Hope?

“I am thankful for the time that I am allowed to spend mentoring at Kent Hills Elementary School. I have found the students to be eager to learn. It saddens me that all students in need do not have the opportunity to participate in the program."

“My weekly visits are the highlight of my week. I have grown so much from the experience because I have established relationships with beautiful children of varying social and ethnic backgrounds. They open themselves up and work so hard. It gives me strong feelings of hope about their futures, as well as the future of our community.”

Mike Pfennig, Schools of Hope Reading Tutor

“I just spent the most wonderful time at a Schools of Hope orientation and I want to encourage each and every one of you to consider the possibility of spending 30 minutes a week with one GRPS student. You can make a wonderful difference in the life of a child. What could be better? We all have busy jobs, busy lives and let wonderful, fulfilling opportunities pass us by. Take advantage of this. I cannot imagine that we, as volunteers, will not be the recipients of joyous rewards. I already feel good just making the commitment.”

Kathryn K., Schools of Hope Reading Tutor

What Do Children Think of their Schools of Hope Tutors?

These comments come from children involved in Schools of Hope:

“When I first met you, I knew I would learn a lot of things. When I first met you, I felt happy because I was going to have a buddy. I like having a buddy. We are happy with our mentors. We will miss you. We hope you will come next year.”

“I never used to read books. I didn’t even like reading, but now I enjoy reading. I feel good about myself because I learned how to read better all because of you. It is fun reading with a mentor because they help you solve stuff. Thank you for teaching me how to read better.”

“We respect you and you respect us. You tell us we are smart and to stay in school. I want to stay in school so I can be as smart as you. You encouraged me to stay in school. I plan to stay in school and become a doctor or a teacher someday. Thank you for spending your time with us.”

What do teachers say about Schools of Hope?

The School's of Hope Tutoring program has been working with 13 of my students consistently and using around 5 of them on a substitute basis. Of those students, all are reading at grade level according to the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program. Approximately 9 of them are at grade level according to the DIBELS assessment. This is in addition to the 2 or 3 who are already at grade level and are not going into the program. None of my students should test as intensive this year, and I will have the highest number of benchmark students ever. I attribute this in part to the Schools of Hope Program which has motivated my students to love reading!

Sincerely,
Shelly Madrigal
1st Grade Teacher
English Language Learners

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