By Lisa Burton
When college students head back to class this week, thousands of kids in Bryan and College Station schools will already been hard at work. College and school –aged students alike, feel the anxiety and excitement of a new semester but there is a way for these two groups to connect and help each other out.
Enrollment in both districts is expected to be well over 25,500, and students and teachers could use some help from the community. This is where you can make a difference.
According the Bryan ISD Director of Communications, Sandy Farris, there are many opportunities for people to get involved. Mays Business School students have helped students by providing tutoring sessions and have also re-painted playground equipment.
Additionally, Bryan and College Station schools have a strong partnership with Texas A&M students in the Education department. Tutors help students with the America Reads and Counts program which offers subject specific help to individual students. While these kids not only get the reading and math help they need for classroom success, they also get a great mentor and friend.
You don’t have to be a college student to volunteer at either district. H.O.S.T.S (Helping One Student to Succeed) is a program in Bryan ISD where volunteers donate 30 minutes a week to work with an assigned student on a specific subject they are struggling with.
Sylvia Luera, counselor at Sul Ross Elementary, suggests that even something as simple as coming to the school and having lunch with a class has a positive impact.
“It really helps kids with their social skills and self esteem,” Lucra said.
Parent Teacher Organization volunteers in both districts have made a huge impact on schools through their fundraising efforts and helping staff with special events and workroom activities.
While both districts encourage community involvement, there is a strict screening process for each volunteer. A criminal background check must be completed before any contact with students is permitted. The needs at campuses vary so if you would like to make a difference in the life of a student, please contact a school counselor and they can guide you to volunteer opportunity that not only fulfills their campus’ needs, but is rewarding to you as well.
For more information on volunteering at Bryan schools visit bryanisd.org and at College Station schools, visit csisd.org.