Schools of Hope Initiative
The Heart of West Michigan United Way is taking action to help more kids meet reading goals. Here is how the “Schools of Hope” program works.
The goal is to close the achievement gap between the highest and lowest performing school districts in Kent County. Recently published information shows that more than 30% of fourth graders in Grand Rapids Public Schools are reading below grade level.
Research shows that reading volunteers can make a difference. That’s why United Way is asking 2,000 people to step up to the challenge and volunteer to help kids learn to read. It only takes 30 minutes a week during the school year and you can transform a child’s life. No prior training or experience is necessary.
High school age students through senior citizens are welcome to volunteer. For more information on this initiative call 616-459-2255 or visit http://www.waybetterunitedway.org/program-soh.php.
I’ve been a part of the WOOD TV8 team since 2005. As Special Projects Producer, I work side by side with Maranda making things happen behind the scenes. I coordinate Maranda’s Park Parties each summer and produce a variety of station broadcasts and events through out the year. I also serve as the producer of Maranda’s weekly half-hour show, Where You Live. I love the variety of my job and getting to be a part of the impact Maranda is making on kids in our community!
Outside of work, I've been married for seven years to my husband John and we have two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Stella. When I'm not busy trying to keep up with the kids, I spend "me time" reading fashion or celebrity magazines, sneaking in some good reality television, walking around Reeds Lake with girlfriends and exploring new restaurants with my hubby.
Inspirations for my blog come from my daily life as a busy working mom -- trying to juggle a full time job and be a full time mom to a spitfire five year old and a new baby.