South Elementary School
We began our partnership with South School in May 2009. We selected South School because they are our neighbors and because there is significant need at South. In 2009, 74.4% of the students at South were eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches – the second highest percentage among Jefferson City Public Schools.
HOW TO BE INVOLVED AT SOUTH:
- Mentor a child. This requires 40-45 minutes once a week during the day while the child is at school. Play a game, work a puzzle, read a book, shoot basketballs, work on homework, etc. The most important thing is just to spend time each week with a child. There are many children that are asking for mentors. The organization, Missouri Valley Big Brothers and Big Sisters, coordinates the mentoring program at South. You apply to be a big brother or sister and they will help you with the process from there.
- Donate supplies. Teachers work hard and with little appreciation. Did you know that teachers have to buy almost every supply they use in the classroom? That can really add up throughout the year. Every other month we receive a list from teachers of items they need for their classroom and provide as much as we can. Help us by donating money to meet these needs.
- Adopt a Teacher. It is difficult for teachers to make copies, change bulletin boards, cut out activities, and file things while tending to 25 students. When you adopt a teacher, you agree to volunteer in their classroom when you are able and when you are needed. Maybe a few hours every other week. Maybe two hours each week. You and the teacher can work together to decide what is best! Contact Beth Schmidt about adopting a teacher.
Other Ways to Minister at South:
- Collect Box Tops and drop them off in our red boxes (one in the Narthex outside the sanctuary and the other at the entrance on 2nd floor). The youth trim this, sort them, and deliver them to South School so they can turn them in for “money” to purchase items for the school.
- Serve on the PTA if you have a child at South School. You can represent not only your child but also First Baptist as we seek to be holistic partners with South.
- Adopt a family from South School for Christmas. Last year we adopted five families. If your family or small group wants to take care of some gifts and food for a family in need, contact Beth Schmidt.
- Volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club after school. The Club has a club that meets at South School each school day from 3:30-5:30 pm. Help with homework, play games, just be a positive presence with kids who need it.
