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The Macalester College/Linwood A+ Elementary School
Volunteer Program is an opportunity for Macalester community members
(including students, staff/faculty, and alumni) to volunteer at Linwood A+ Elementary School reading with students in kindergarten through sixth grade during the
lunchtime.
Linwood is located about 1.5 miles from the Macalester
College campus. In 2005-2006, there were 362 students enrolled at
Linwood A+ elementary. Half of the students qualified for free or
reduced price lunch and 25% of students spoke a second language.
Percent of students by race/ethnicity included: 37% Caucasian, 15%
African American, 23% Asian, 8% Latino, and 2% American Indian.
The curriculum at Linwood is based on the A+ Model,
which features daily arts instruction in music, visual art, drama, or
dance. Students engage in creative, hands-on experiences that use the
arts to support academics and promote lifelong learning. Linwood A+
recently received a major k-3 grant focused on literacy. It is also
host to an Area Learning Center (ALC) after school program.
PARTNERSHIP BACKGROUND:
The Civic Engagement Center (CEC) has been actively
working with literacy and tutoring programs for several years. This
work has included participating in the national America Reads
initiative, working with several VISTA volunteers dedicated to
promoting literacy, and creating a CEC student employment position
focused on tutoring and children issues.
During the fall of 2002, Macalester staff from both
Alumni Relations and The Civic Engagement Center met with a staff
representative from the Mayor's office in response to the Mayor's call to action with the Capital City Education Initiative. The
Capital City Education Initiative was established "to call everyone in
our diverse community to action on the most pressing educational needs,
work to establish tangible goals and outcomes, and to persist until
those goals are met."
Macalester staff from the CEC and Alumni Relations
Office met with four potential community schools sites during the fall
of 2002. After these visits, the group decided to focus on expanding a
community partnership with Linwood A+ Elementary School.
Macalester criteria for selecting a literacy site included:
- Site is located in Macalester neighborhood and is
easy to get to
- Institutional history between school and Macalester
- Teachers & principal are receptive to working
with volunteers, there is a need for additional help, and interest in a
multifaceted partnership relationship
- School has a system in place for working with
volunteers (volunteer coordinator)
- Meaningful work is available for volunteers with a
variety of jobs & times
- Opportunities for volunteer training and on-going
support
- Site can accommodate a large number of volunteers
WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER?
Elementary school students benefit from the unique role
modeling and academic help that college community members can provide.
The Macalester community benefits through gaining a greater awareness
of the diversity and richness of the community surrounding our campus.
You can be a volunteer at Linwood A+ Elementary School. For a half hour a
week your caring presence and high expectations for children can help
to make a difference!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New and potential volunteers often ask the following
questions. We've provided the answers here so you can understand much
of what you need to know to be a successful Macalester College Linwood
A+ Volunteer. If, after reading these, you still have questions, either
e-mail us (janischlake@macalester.edu) or call (651) 696-6645.
Why do I need to attend an orientation?
Our orientations give you a chance to let us know what you are looking
for and to learn more about our pilot program, Linwood A+ Elementary
School and the volunteer needs.
I've never worked with children before. Do I
need
experience?
No, we offer free trainings throughout the semester to help with
tutoring, reading skills, etc.
Can I choose a program and/or subject that I
want
to work with?
Yes, we will try to match you with a volunteer opportunity that fits
your time availability & interests.
I can't decide who to use for my references.
Can I
use a family member?
No, please provide names of people with whom you have worked or
volunteered, or a teacher/professor, friend of the family or member of
the clergy.
How long will it take for me to be placed in a
school once I attend an orientation?
Once we receive your registration form and you have attended an
orientation you will be ready to volunteer! Specific start dates will
depend on the particular volunteer opportunity that you have selected.
I'm going to be unavailable for a week
mid-semester. Is this O.K.?
This is something to be worked out with your teacher and is usually not
a problem. Please give the teachers as much advance notice as possible.
My schedule is erratic. Do I need to commit to
specific hours every week?
We prefer a consistent schedule - your consistency is a crucial to the
relationship that you are striving to develop with a young person.
However, we also realize that schedules can change. Good communication
is necessary. If you feel your schedule is too erratic to commit to
working with one specific program option, you can ask to be put on our
list of one time event volunteers or special projects.
I work/attend school 9:00 to 5:00. When can I
volunteer?
There are some after-school volunteer opportunities with the Area
Learning Center after-school program on select weekdays from
3:00pm - 4:45pm. While it is possible to volunteer for a portion of the
time, we would ask that you commit to being there for a minimum of 40
minutes.
What is the minimum and maximum number of
hours
that I can volunteer?
The minimum number of hours that one can volunteer is 1 visit per week.
There is no maximum number.
What about transportation?
Carpool rides, vans, and information about taking the MTC to Linwood A+
elementary is available through the Macalester College Community
Service Office located in Kagin Commons.
Click here to download a copy of the LINWOOD VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM
Please contact Ruth Janisch Lake, Civic Engagement Center janischlake@macalester.edu
696-6645 for additional information or to request a volunteer
registration form. |
