Use this list of ideas to have a conversation with your local schools about how your ministry can partner with and support them. Always ask where the school might have needs first, and use this list as suggestions if needed. Also, remember these 5 tips for partnering with your local schools!
Ideas for meeting student needs:
- Reading Buddies (reading once a week for 30 minutes with a student throughout the year)
- Mentoring or serving as a “Lunch Buddy” weekly or monthly
- Food on the weekends for the food insecure
- Snacks and healthy food for the school “pantry”
- School supplies drive
- Clothes to be kept in the office in case of accidents
- Personal hygiene items
- Shoes and warm clothing
Ideas for encouraging teachers:
- Write personal notes of encouragement.
- Volunteer in the classroom, organizing materials, etc.
- Provide snacks and a note in the teacher workroom.
- Purchase classroom supplies for teachers and/or students.
- Provide breakfast or lunch; serve teachers and make intentional connections.
- Support first-year teachers with classroom help, supplies, and consistent encouragement.
- Church members can “adopt” a teacher and provide ongoing support throughout the year. (Put names on an “angel tree.”)
- Volunteer in the front office, guidance counselor’s office, or library.
- Help with bulletin boards, Fun Run, Field Day, reading incentives, or family engagement nights.
- Offer the use of your building for special events.
One Comment
[…] Ask and listen. Always connect with your local school administration first, asking if you can partner with the school and how you can support them. Share that you want to partner with the school and support their staff and students through prayer. Ask about the needs the school may have, and become familiar with the polices and procedures the school may have in place when it comes to faith organizations and faith conversations. Be ready to connect and listen. Do not assume you know their needs, and suggestions for possible ways to offer to volunteer are here. […]