EastVUU congregants and Adams Elementary School in Mesa have become Partners In Education (PIE). The intention of the partnership is twofold: to improve the school’s academic performance through contributions and interaction with the administration, teachers, students, and parents and to develop relationships that create understanding, appreciation, and connection to the common values the different races and cultures have with each other.
Adams Elementary School has approximately 600 students in preschool to grade 6 classes. The diverse population includes Hispanic, African American, Native American, and White children. There are children that are homeless in the population.
EastVUU is expanding our efforts by including the entire VUU congregation in this endeavor.
Our Extra Curricular Activities Donations have opened up the world for Adams Students! Tax credit contributions have amounted to $4000-$6000 per year. These helped to fund:
- 6th Grade Science Camp – Sponsored 65 students, their teachers, and 10 chaperones
- Challenge Island – After School Reading Enrichment Program, 13 students
- Cardinals Field Trip – Buses
- Superbowl Field Trip – Buses, NFL Superbowl experience, 450 students
- Westwood Play – Buses, field trip to Westwood High School, 200+ students
- Zoo Field Trip
- Library Field Trip
Other contributions have provided “PIEs” and Coffee for Teacher Appreciation Week, rewards for the Tiger Store, teddy bears for a calming room, and hundreds of books! In addition to financial contributions, the PIE team offers programs for volunteers who want to experience the joy of interacting with students and teachers.
One of the most appreciated PIE programs is Art Masterpiece history and appreciation, taught to K-2nd grade classes at Adam’s Elementary. PIE volunteers have also brought related hands-on art projects. This is valued ancillary instruction because there are no regular art classes for the Adams Elementary lower grades. The benefits of PIE visits extend beyond art appreciation by opening the students’ minds:
“You completely impacted their experience. Very rarely does a community member come in and invest their time, energy, and natural gifts and talents. I notice they ask more questions since you’ve joined our room and they are more observant. Thank you for planting those seeds. ❤️“
~ Laura Braidi, Second Grade Teacher
The newest PIE program is “Rumbo al Éxito”, an after-school tutoring program for elementary students who are still learning English and need help with academics. Arizona is the only state that prohibits Spanish spoken in the classroom, even during the English Learners’ support classes. Only 45% of English Learners. ultimately graduate from high school. Adams has over 100 English Learner students. We need volunteers to give these kids a path to success! Please contact EastVUUadmin@vuu.org for information on volunteer opportunities.
