Rankin Elementary School (Tupelo School District) with West Jackson Street Baptist Church
Rankin Elementary School (Tupelo Public School District)
Partner: West Jackson Street Baptist Church
Students impacted: 700
Volunteers: 60
Duration of partnership: 4 years
This partnership began in spring 2015 as an effort to support teachers and has blossomed over the last three years to include support for school-wide improvement. West Jackson volunteers offer academic assistance and tutors as well as support for students’ social, mental and physical needs. For example, when a student was seriously injured and paralyzed, West Jackson donated items for a silent auction, staffed a fundraiser night, and sold student-crafted pottery to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible van so the student would have transportation to and from school.
Activities:
- West Jackson Reading Buddies program
- Arts in the Park and Fall Festival
- Teacher appreciation meals, gift bags and gift cards
- Christmas party for teachers
Impacts:
- 78.6% of students proficient or above grade level in reading
- 98.1% average daily attendance for students (up 5%)
- 98.6% ADA for teachers (up 2.5%)