Volunteers In Public Schools

Congrats to Ms. Kylie Altier with Read with Kylie, our January Outstanding Community Partner! Kylie Altier teaches at McKinley Elementary School. In her free time, she continues to educate students through her YouTube channel Read with Kylie and her Read with Kylie kits. Read with Kylie kits include resources that make learning to read accessible and FUN! Items include sound cards, high frequency word cards, a writing tablet, BOB books, and more! Kylie generously donated several Read with Kylie kits to VIPS. We shared these kits with our Reading Friend volunteers. Both our volunteers and students are thoroughly enjoying them! We've already observed the positive impact these resources have had in enhancing our students reading skills. If you or your organization would like to donate resources to our Reading Bins, which we stock at each of our partner schools, please feel free to reach out!

We had a great time tabling at LSU’s Free Speech Alley yesterday! So many students signed up to volunteer their time to make an impact on the younger generation! TOGETHER, we can ensure that no student is left behind due to a lack of support.

THE SPRING SEMESTER IS HERE, and it’s going to fly by! Students are back in school, ready to make 2025 their best year yet—but they need YOUR help! Over 600 students in EBR are falling behind in reading and/or math and still need a volunteer match. Do you have just 30 minutes a week to make a difference in a student’s life? Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/giidb83G, or comment below for more information. Please consider sharing this post with your network to help spread the word!📖

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟 Meet Elizabeth, a true heart of our community! She dedicates countless hours as a Reading Friend at Winbourne Elementary, always bringing energy, compassion, and a positive spirit to every task. We are so grateful for her unwavering support and the impact she has made in the lives of her students. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your incredible commitment and kindness! 💖 #VolunteerSpotlight #MakingADifference #VIPSProud

"IN OUR STEAM ERA" for sure! Big thanks to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and Kids' Orchestra for helping to make the STEAM Fair at Villa Del Rey one for the books. Students were able to learn about the importance of their water quality, how builders test bridges, and how to have fun through music thanks to these community partners.

Do you work at or own a business in Baton Rouge? Do you go to a church looking for ways to make an impact in your community? WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are proud to support our local schools and one of the main ways we do this is through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. We bridge the gap between the public school system and our community for the betterment of our entire community! Volunteers, book drives, career readiness etc. the sky is the limit! If you are interested in learning more about a partnership with VIPS you can email hmiller1@ebrschools.org.

We are always looking for volunteers to join our EveryBody Reads and EveryOne Counts programs -a once a week, 30 minute commitment. You pick the school and the kid you want to tutor. We have over 400 students who have been recommended by their teacher who still need a tutor! Will you step in to help the next generation?

We love working with you!

We are happy to recognize Reading Friend Megan Bella as our Volunteer of the Month. Megan reads with pre-K student Micah at The Dufrocq School. Micah loves dirt bikes and monster trucks, so Megan selects books that match his interests to maintain his attention and keep him engaged. It's her first year as a Reading Friend. She said that reading with Micah is the highlight of her week. Thanks for your dedication, Megan Bella!

We are proud to spotlight Vickie Garrett of Louisiana Community Volunteers for Volunteer Appreciation Month! Ms. Garrett has partnered with VIPS for almost five years to host a book club at Glen Oaks Park Elementary. Her students meet weekly to read, enjoy craft activities, and discuss their books. Ms. Garrett tries to select thought-provoking books that deal with emotions and responsibility. She’s seen great improvement in the students' behavior, attention and reading of the students. Her students are always excited to see her. Thank you for years of service, Ms. Garrett!