‘Village’ gave team great support
In education, I often witness the truth to the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But, recently my Science Bowl team at Terre Haute South experienced it to a degree I had not witnessed before.
Recent snow storms impacted my team’s participation in a regional Science Bowl competition two weekends in a row.
As I and the families of my students were quite concerned about the driving conditions, South’s Assistant Principal Mark Kirby quickly started working out alternative arrangements. Vigo County Superintendent Danny Tanoos took it upon himself to request a bus and driver for us. The driver, John Loving, graciously took the last minute overnight job. Chris Mauk, South’s principal, rapidly began the process of gathering parent phone numbers and having the students removed from class to eat lunch before our early departure.
Mick Newport, the corporation’s executive director of Secondary Education, received the parental information from Mr. Mauk and personally called the parents to get permission to leave early.
Throughout the planning of the first competition date to the actual competition two weeks later, Melissa Keegan went above and beyond in helping us arrange funding for hotel rooms, fuel and food three times. The competition was finally held this past weekend and I’m happy to say that the team represented Terre Haute well. They won 11 straight matches to win the regional event that represented teams from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. They will compete at the national event in D.C. in April.
What wonderful people we have living in our village. My students and I are grateful for the support we received.
— Aaron T. Warner
Terre Haute
Celebrating 10 years of Kids Hope USA
Meadows Elementary has had the privilege of being involved with the World Gospel Church in the Kids Hope USA mentoring program for the past decade. Each week nearly 30 mentors visit with their students for an hour during the school day. This time is used both to enhance learning experiences and to develop social skills.
An important aspect of Kids Hope USA is the positive role models that the mentors provide for their students. Mentors exhibit understanding and patience as they encourage students to always try their best in pursuing their endeavors.
Mentors are excellent listeners and involve students in the process of problem solving to determine alternatives and answers. Each mentor’s dedication to never miss their scheduled time provides a much needed constant in the life of their student. The students experience loyalty and caring while becoming better learners through their mentoring encounters. We benefit daily from the mentors being a positive and supporting element of our school community.
Since its initiation at Meadows Elementary, Kids Hope USA has expanded and is currently partnered through local churches with every elementary school in the Vigo County School Corp.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to Mrs. Joy Russell, Kids Hope USA director of World Gospel Church. Her time and effort ensures the success of this program for our students.
The many mentors that have volunteered countless hours during the last 10 years have made a decided difference in the lives of our students. The personal relationships that they have created establish in the students a sense of high self-esteem, of respect, and of servitude.
Thank you to Kids Hope USA for your continued dedication to instilling the blessing of hope in each young life that you influence.
— Susan Newton, principal
Meadows Elementary School
Terre Haute
