On Thursday, Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. will recognize students from Good Foundations Tutoring Services, the top performing location of the Post-COVID Educational Enhancement Program, with a trolley ride to the mayor’s office and a behind-the-scenes tour from the mayor himself. The occasion is part of the Day of Action celebrated by United Way of West Central Mississippi (UWWCM). UWCCM is partnering with local government, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and emergency services to give back and show our community’s commitment to the children.
By partnering, they will provide more than 900 local children at fifteen local childcare centers with a day of engaging, educational fun, with projects including fire safety presentations, conflict resolution demonstrations, and tours of emergency vehicles, as well as story time and crafting projects. Each child will also receive a goodie bag tailored to their age and gender, full of educational materials, art supplies, snacks, and information for parents about community resources for families and education. Additionally, each childcare center will receive a bag of snacks for their participating children, staff and volunteers.
“Day of Action is a special event for United Way,” said Elizabeth Seratt, Director of Resource Development and Marketing, United Way of West Central Mississippi. “People get the chance to roll up their sleeves, give back, and see how much of an impact each of us can have on our community.”
On Thursday, the students from Good Foundations Tutoring Services will be treated for their dedication to reading.
“We are so proud of these students,” said Seratt. “It’s been amazing to see their relationships with reading—and learning as a whole—evolve as they gain confidence and passion.”
The Post-COVID Educational Enhancement Program utilizes curriculum from Voyager Passport, a comprehensive K-5 supplemental reading intervention program, to train academic guides. To measure growth, students are tested before, during and after the program. These test results are also used to create an individualized reading library for each student, introducing children to books that are not only age- and reading level-appropriate but that speak to their own unique interests. Launched in the fall of 2021, the young program has already received national recognition as a 2022 Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Pacesetter finalist. Mayor Flaggs previously recognized top-performing students from the Post-COVID Educational Enhancement Program at an awards ceremony in February.
“Mayor Flaggs has been the Post-COVID Educational Enhancement Program’s biggest cheerleader since day one,” said Michele Connelly, Executive Director, United Way of West Central Mississippi. “His support means so much to the children, but it also inspires us. It’s a testament to our community’s commitment to the future and creating meaningful change.
The students will be picked up by the trolley at 2 p.m. on Thursday from Good Foundations Tutoring Services.
Partners for 2022 Day of Action include: Alcorn State University, BancorpSouth, City of Vicksburg, City of Vicksburg Police Department, City of Vicksburg Fire Department, Delta Health Alliance, Haven House Family Shelter, Magnolia Health, Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mutual Credit Union, Regions Bank, Trustmark Bank, Unified Brands, Vicksburg Family Development, Vicksburg-Warren County Excel by 5, Vicksburg-Warren Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Vicksburg Warren School District, Warren County- Vicksburg Public Library, Warren County Sheriff Department and Walmart.
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