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Dayspring Community Church has played an essential role in
promoting student growth in reading, boosting staff morale, achieving AYP and
advocating for community and school improvement.
Johns Hopkins Elementary serves 499 students in pre-K
through fifth grade. The overwhelming majority of our students are African
American, with 97% receiving free or reduced lunch. Many come from
single-parent homes where the extra help needed to increase academic
achievement is almost nonexistent due to time constraints or a personal lack of
education.
Our adopters have been relentless in the pursuit of closing
the achievement gap that exists among our students and those students in the
surrounding, more affluent areas of our state. The members of Dayspring
contribute more than 100 volunteer hours a month as book buddies, science and
reading fair judges, tutors, repairman, landscapers, decorators, caterers, etc.
On their own initiative, Dayspring has implemented two programs, a public
speaking class and The Princess Club, to build character and self-esteem, with
increased AYP as a certain byproduct. Other activities include pairing book
buddies with struggling readers and campus beautification days to increase the
visual appeal of our school and address safety matters.
Duration of partnership: 2 years
40 volunteers
Impacts 499 students
Activities: Dayspring
has launched activities to ensure high-quality learning. Book Buddies program
has 21+ participants who volunteer weekly, with new PBIS component for students
needing extra attention. Princess Club program helps 120 girls in 3rd
– 5th grades focus on character-building and self-development
activities, with monthly guest speakers and Princess Ball held at year’s end
for mothers and community guests. Partnership organizes building and campus
beautification activities.
Results: STAR
Reading Assessments showed that students had significant reading comprehension
growth after Book Buddy sessions (average four months’ growth); two students
showed 12 months’ reading comprehension growth. Facility and furniture repairs
have improved safety.
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