Pirate News
Wells Appreciates Our Foster Grandparents
 
Superintendent Dale Morton and 4th grade teacher Beverly Milner, site director for the Foster Grandparent Program, presented Wells' four foster grandparent helpers with a corsage and their very own chair - inscribed with their names as a token of appreciation for their efforts.  The foster grandparents have made a positive impact on students and learning in our elementary classrooms and are treasured by those teachers to whom they are assigned.
 
Funded through the Lufkin State School branch of the Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program, Wells' four foster grandparents help out in 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades.  The ladies work with students four hours a day, five days a week, reading with students and helping with assignments whenever needed.  Once a month they travel to the Lufkin State School for orientation and meetings with program director, Rose Boyd.
 
The annual banquet honoring Foster Grandparent volunteers will be held on Friday, May 2nd in the Central ISD cafeteria at 5:30 P.M.
 
 From left to right: Dora Tarver, Mary Lou Vinson, Vernice Flournoy, and Willie Mae Sides try out their new chairs.  Standing:  Beverly Milner, FGP Site Director.
 
Willie Mae Sides helps out in Joni Hicks' first grade classroom.  She's served as a foster grandparent volunteer for 12 years. 

"When I'm a grandmother, I hope I have half the energy and drive that Granny Sides has.  My students love her, and I couldn't make it without her!"  - Ms. Hicks.

 
 
Dora Tarver works with 3rd grade students in Denise Clifton's classroom.  She's been a foster grandparent for 15 years. 

"I never have to ask her to help - she just knows what to do and she's always willing to do anything to help my students.  My 3rd graders love to read with Granny Tarver and really respect her.  She's been a great influence on them." - Ms. Clifton.

 
 
 Vernice Flournoy has been a foster grandparent for 9 years.  She is a helper in Barbara McKnight's first grade class. 

"We couldn't do without Granny Vernice." said Ms. McKnight. "When she's not here the kids always ask where she is.  She reads with them every day and helps anyone who needs help in any area."

 
 
Mary Lou Vinson works with 4th graders in Beverly Milner's classroom.  She's been a FGP volunteer for 7 years.

"She is a valuable asset in the classroom and a tremendous help to students and me.  When Granny Vinson is out, the first thing my students ask is where she is and when will she be back!" - Ms. Milner

 
 
 The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provide older Americans the opportunity to put their life experiences to work for local communities. Foster Grandparents serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers for at-risk children and youth with special needs through a variety of community organizations, including schools, hospitals, drug treatment facilities, correctional institutions, and Head Start and day-care centers. In fiscal year 2001 more than 30,000 Foster Grandparents tended to the needs of 275,000 young children and teenagers.
 
Visit the Lufkin State School FPG website

 
 
 
 

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