Volunteers needed: Take steps to help parents of New Haven’s newest students

Posted by Joshua Mamis on July 26, 2012 at 11:08am on GNH Community:

Volunteers from across New Haven will gather in two weeks to welcome parents and families of incoming kindergartners to the New Haven Public Schools.

These volunteers will partner with New Haven Public School teachers, principals and other staff to walk door-to-door to homes of some of New Haven’s youngest residents just a few days before the children take the big step to kindergarten. At each home they will answer questions about the beginning of the school year and have conversations with the parents, guardians and caregivers about “The ART of School Success.”

Studies show that parents are key to ensuring that students are successful in school and that steps taken by parents in early years translate to future success in school. The ART of School Success focuses on what research shows makes the biggest difference: Attending school every day, Reading together for 20 minutes every day, and making sure to put time aside to Talk to your child every day. The city-wide kindergarten canvass will help families start off right and grow an even better New Haven.

More than 100 volunteers are needed to make this event a success. To sign up for a canvass shift go to http://www.tinyurl.com/kindergarten2012.

Dates for city-wide canvass are:

· Saturday, August 18: 9 a.m. to noon

· Saturday, August 18: 1-4 p.m.

· Tuesday, August 21: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

· Thursday, August 23: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

· Rain date: Saturday, August 25: 9 a.m.-noon; 1-4 p.m.

Training will be provided to all volunteers, with additional information after registration. For information or questions about volunteering, please contact Joshua Mamis at jmamis@uwgnh.org or call 203-772-2010.

The city-wide kindergarten canvass is a collaborative effort between the City of New Haven, New Haven Public Schools, United Way of Greater New Haven, Boost!, and New Haven Promise.

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