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The Oracle April 4
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Adopt-A-School benefits children and students
by Kara Ryckman
Do the "glory days" of Dr. Seuss, eating paste and kickball seem like centuries ago? Many lucky University of Kansas students are reliving their early years once again through a unique volunteer opportunity.
Adopt-A-School is an educational program that sends volunteers into Lawrence elementary schools.The program is sponsored through the Panhellenic Association and IFC Council.Both greek and non-greek volunteers are assigned to local elementary schools based on their schedule and grade preference, where they assist both teachers and students 1-2 hours a week.
Megan Pearce, Dallas, Texas senior, co-chairs the program this year with her IFC counter-part, Jonathan Ferns. Pearce began volunteering with Adopt-A-School two years ago. She enjoyed the chance to work with kids in such a positive way and decided to take on a larger role within the program this year.
Although volunteers only interact with their classrooms for a brief period of time each week,the teachers who participate in Adopt-A- School are able to utilize these students and incorporate them into daily lesson plans.
Blake Conklin, Topeka junior, helps Mrs. Morrison's first-graders each week with math and reading. Conklin's girlfriend introduced him to the program last semester when
he was looking for a way to get involved.
"As soon as I show up each week, the kids swarm me with hugs and beg me to read to them," Conklin said."I love working with kids,and the teacher lets me interact one-on-one with students."
Conklin isn't going into education. He doesn't have plans to someday teach a classroom of his own. Yet he's continued working with Adopt-A-School because of the opportunity to be a role model for youths.
Erin Adkins makes a big difference in the life of one very special fifth- grade boy. Adkins, Shawnee freshman, found out about Adopt-A School this fall through her sorority. She'd heard it was a good experience and was eager to begin working with students.
Instead of a whole classroom, however, Adkins was assigned to work one-on-one with a boy who had trouble focusing and often got distracted up in class. She played games with him and tried to get him to focus on various activities.
"The games we play help him focus on specific things, which can be hard. I also help him understand it's okay when he loses, which he gets upset about," Adkins said.
Adopt-A-School offers volunteers and classrooms alike the opportunity to connect through education and impact lives. Although the commitment may only be one hour each week, the benefits of the program stay with these volunteers long after their time is up.
To the sexy studs of Beta Theta Pi: The stereotypes are true and we love you for them! Thank you for your time and effort on dancing, singing, set building and perfecting that "sexy Spanish stud" demeanor! -Love The Saucy Senoritas of Gamma Phi Beta
NCAA for a day!!
Kansas All-Stars vs. Ku All-Campus Stars Sunday, April 22nd at 3:00 at Allen Fieldhouse autographs from Chenowith, Gregory and Axtell at 1:30 Tickets: $8 available at Wescoe Beach This event is sponsored by Junior Greek Council and benefits Habitat for Humanity or more information call 864-4643