Partners in Education Spotlight:
Jackson EMC & Wauka Mountain Elementary
Jackson EMC has been a fabulous partner for education this year noted Jo Dinnan, principal of Wauka Mountain Elementary School. “In addition to sponsoring luncheons for the staff to show appreciation, they also financially supported our purchase of “Study Island.”
Study Island is a web-based interactive program that assists students with skills in reading, language arts and math. “Study Island is available for all students throughout the year to practice skills in a fun and exciting way,” said Dinnan. “The students loved it! We also used it in the mornings before school and after school for tutoring for students who needed a boost.”
The employees of Jackson EMC also visit the school to volunteer; they sent people to read to classes during the school’s “Wauka Reads” celebration last year. This year, the school is encouraging Jackson EMC volunteers to undergo training by CenterPoint to serve as mentors to some the school’s students. CenterPoint is a non-profit youth development organization, located in Gainesville. CenterPoint’s mission is to strengthen students and their families, preparing them to handle the challenges of everyday life, through education, counseling, mentoring, substance abuse prevention, and youth development.
Diann Chapman, Jackson EMC’s partnership coordinator said, “We always look forward to hands on interaction with the students. They seem genuinely glad to see us each time we’re there. Jackson EMC looks forward to new opportunities for the 2007-2008 school year with projects that benefit the school and its students.”
Each year, Jackson EMC contacts the school to see what the student needs are. They enthusiastically work with administrators to meet those needs, both financially and by providing support by employees coming to the school to work with students and to read to classes. “We appreciate their involvement in our school and are thankful to have them as partners,” said Jo Dinnan.
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education program seeks to promote business and education/school partnerships. Currently, there are over 350 business/school partnerships in 41 local schools. For information on Partners in Education, call Karen Long, 770-532-6206. Email: klong@ghcc.com.