School Support
Seeks to create long term investment in our elementary schools by activating and equipping college students, churches, and other community partners to create fun, joyful, and safe environments that foster connection and supportive relationships, ensure all children are affirmed, loved, and prepared for future success, build kids who are confident readers and learn how to live healthy lifestyles
Our Current School Support Sites
School Sites & Partners As of January 2024:
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Olmos – People’s Church, Fresno State ENP Reads
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Susan B Anthony – The Well Community Church, Fresno State ENP Reads
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Powers-Ginsburg – The Well Community Church Fig Campus, Fresno State ENP Reads
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Williams – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Jackson – Fresno State ENP Reads, Neighborhood Church, Jackson CDC
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Hidalgo – Hidalgo CDC, City without Orphans
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Pyle – Garage Church
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Webster – Martin Park, Fresno State ENP Reads
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Columbia – Image Church, Fresno State ENP Reads
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Heaton – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Kirk – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Aspen Meadow – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Aspen Valley – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Golden Charter (Homan) – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Lincoln – Fresno State ENP Reads
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Ayer – Butler MB
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Norseman – Valley Christian Center
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Robinson – Community UCC, North Fresno MB
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Wawona – Parent Group, Fresno State
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Wolters – University Presbyterian Church
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Lowell – Lowell CDC, First Presbyterian Church, One Collective
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Addams – Live Again Fresno
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Lawless – Northpointe
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Yokomi – The Way Christian Fellowship John 14:6
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Pinedale – Valley of Grace
*ENP Reads is an intern program that consists of interns from Fresno State Work-Study, Fresno State Central Valley College Corps, and Fresno City College
School Support Programs
Literacy Mentoring – School Day
Mentors work with school-selected students 1 on 1 on their early reading skills at times coordinated with the classroom teacher. In K-2 focus on high frequency words and phonics; in 3-6 focus on WPM, reading comprehension and writing. Curriculum aligns with Wonders.
Learn more about Literacy Mentoring
Read Fresno After School (RF)
Mentors lead a targeted after school reading intervention program for up to 24 school-selected students. Program includes whole class read alouds, writing, and phonics (Rime Magic) as well as small guided reading groups (Reading A-Z).
Saturday Sports (SS)
Mentors lead fun and healthy activities, including character lessons, crafts, and sports in small and large group stations. SS opens greenspace to students and provides a safe supportive environment on the weekends.
Learn more about Saturday Sports
Helpful Information
- Be consistent, on time and reliable
- Abide by the school dress code standards
- Learn school/classroom rules and expectations
- Understand your role in dealing with issues
- Meet the children and learn their names as quickly as possible
- Be patient and encouraging
- Praise student successes and good behavior
- SMILE – you will inspire them!
Finding ways to bless the staff and students in meaningful ways becomes much easier as you spend time on the school campus and become aware of the needs and opportunities.
Making yourself available and asking how your church can help are great first steps in finding ways you can bless a school in very intentional ways.
The possibilities are endless. The impact is great!
Here are a few ideas. Want to see what others have done?
For the Teachers and Staff
- Bring bagels or donuts – just because!
- Host a breakfast of BBQ for the staff
- Help with the school carnival
- Help teachers with classroom set-up or class projects
- Volunteer to help with the Spelling Bee
- Help with the Christmas Program
- Create a supply closet for teachers
- Help after school with sporting events
- Help in the library or office
For the Children
- Volunteer in a classroom a few hours a week
- Read to children or listen to them read to you
- Help kids with their math facts
- Sit next to a child who is easily distracted
- Help kids after school with their homework
- Coordinate activities with kids at recess
- Make snack bags for the kids during testing week
- Purchase supplies for kids in need
- Help with a class party
- Volunteer to help with field trips
- Collect food for families
- Collect coats, shoes, socks, or backpacks
- Start a Good News Club or Leadership/Mentoring Club
For the School
- Plan a school beautification project! (Community Outreach Project – Talk to us!)
Unable to volunteer but still looking to support children’s literacy? Consider buying school supplies and much-needed books to help restock our literacy kits! Buy directly from our Amazon wishlist OR buy locally at Petunia’s Place!
Petunia’s Place is a local independent children’s bookstore that would love our support! Books are available for curbside pickup at 6027 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93704 or can be mailed to you when you order by phone (559) 438-1561 or email petuniasplaceorders@gmail.com.