If it takes a village to raise a child, we are that village.
The motto of Kiwanis International is: “Serving the Children of the World.” Members of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond live out this vision in a number of local endeavors, most particularly in a close collaborative relationship with three Richmond Public Elementary Schools: G. W. Carver and Lois Harrison-Jones. Our relationship entails both financial support and volunteer service on-site at both locations.
“When you give a child the tools to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen, so our focus is just that. Through our service efforts and our caring members, we, indeed, can change the world in a positive way. ”
The Adopt-a-School Grant
Members of the Adopt-a-School Committee at the grand opening of the Computer Lab at John B. Cary (now Lois Harrison-Jones) Elementary School.
The Richmond Kiwanis Adopt-A-School Grant was first approved by the Richmond Kiwanis Foundation in 2015 to make a tangible impact for the schools with which we partner.
The program focuses on one RPS elementary campus at a time and has provided $90,000 over the course of nine years to improve the physical and learning environment of the schools not provided by other sources or RPS. Carver Elementary was the inaugural recipient in 2016-17, followed by Cary Elementary in 2018-19, Westover Hills in 2020-21, and again at Carver in 2022. Teachers, through their principal, collaborated on what would improve the quality of the school, its programs and the learning experience of the students. We have provided Richmond students at these schools with classroom computers and tablets, learning aids, a level library, upgraded literacy reading room, a new computer lab at Cary in cooperation with the VCU School of Engineering, and a sensory learning path and other campus improvements at Westover Hills.
Volunteer Opportunities
G. W. Carver Elementary School, 1110 West Leigh Street
There are currently three types of service opportunities: classroom reading; “Kiwanis Terrific Kids;” and “Beautification Day” projects. Club members read in classrooms twice a month during the school year. Those sessions take place on Monday mornings for about one hour. At present, Kiwanians read in five kindergarten classes, five first grade classes, five second grade classes, and one special education class.
In the coming school year, the reading program will expand to third grade classes as well. In the “Kiwanis Terrific Kids” program, students are recognized for achieving various goals during an academic grading period. The recognition comes during school assembly programs where Kiwanis members assist in handing Terrific Kids items (pencils, stickers, certificates, etc.) to the students when their name is called to come forward for congratulations.
“Beautification Day” projects vary according to the needs of the school. Recently, Kiwanis volunteers helped clear the auditorium of old chairs in preparation for the installation of new ones. Kiwanis members are also invited to join the Carver PTA and support the work of the “Embrace Carver Elementary Foundation.”
Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary School, 3021 Maplewood Avenue
There are several types of service opportunities: classroom reading or tutoring; “Kiwanis Terrific Kids;” “Beautification Day” projects; and miscellaneous other endeavors. Kiwanis volunteers read in every classroom on the "First Friday" of the month. The sessions last for about one hour. In addition, several Kiwanians read or tutor weekly in a specific classroom. And, it is also possible to be a “lunch buddy” with specific students.
The "Kiwanis Terrific Kids" program is similar to the one run at Carver ES. Students and parents or guardians are recognized at assemblies and at graduation ceremonies for fifth graders.
“Beautification Day” projects include celebrating Earth Day or planting trees and bushes on Arbor Day. A recent activity focused on cleaning up the Computer Lab in preparation for the Kiwanis-funded equipment upgrade that will enable internet connectivity with the VCU School of Engineering.
Various “one-time” volunteer efforts include Science Fairs at both the school and at the VCU School of Engineering, Spring Carnival, "college visits" to Richmond colleges and universities, and “Back to School Night.” Kiwanis members are also invited to join the PTA.
Westover Hills Elementary School, 211 Jahnke Road
There are several types of service opportunities currently available: classroom assistance and tutoring; “Kiwanis Terrific Kids”; “Lunch Buddies”; and “Beautification Day” or special events. Classroom assistants work weekly in specific classrooms with a small group of students in 20 minute learning blocks focusing on particular skills and information. The learning blocks are set up in a six-week sequence, so volunteers do not have to commit to a whole semester.
“Kiwanis Terrific Kids” awards are given at weekly assemblies at which volunteers can assist with the presentations.
A volunteer can be a “Lunch Buddy” sitting with a class or be trained to eat with particular students identified as “at risk.”
“Beautification Day” projects have included cleaning up and planting the inner courtyard. Other “one-time” events include helping at the school carnival or attending student-run seminar presentations on a specific book. Kiwanians are also encouraged to join the PTA and support the organized events of “The Beaver Boosters.”