Dayspring Community Church has played an essential role in promoting student growth in reading, boosting staff morale, achieving AYP and advocating for community and school improvement.

Johns Hopkins Elementary serves 499 students in pre-K through fifth grade. The overwhelming majority of our students are African American, with 97% receiving free or reduced lunch. Many come from single-parent homes where the extra help needed to increase academic achievement is almost nonexistent due to time constraints or a personal lack of education.

Our adopters have been relentless in the pursuit of closing the achievement gap that exists among our students and those students in the surrounding, more affluent areas of our state. The members of Dayspring contribute more than 100 volunteer hours a month as book buddies, science and reading fair judges, tutors, repairman, landscapers, decorators, caterers, etc.

On their own initiative, Dayspring has implemented two programs, a public speaking class and The Princess Club, to build character and self-esteem, with increased AYP as a certain byproduct. Other activities include pairing book buddies with struggling readers and campus beautification days to increase the visual appeal of our school and address safety matters.

Duration of partnership: 2 years
40 volunteers
Impacts 499 students

Activities: Dayspring has launched activities to ensure high-quality learning. Book Buddies program has 21+ participants who volunteer weekly, with new PBIS component for students needing extra attention. Princess Club program helps 120 girls in 3rd – 5th grades focus on character-building and self-development activities, with monthly guest speakers and Princess Ball held at year’s end for mothers and community guests. Partnership organizes building and campus beautification activities.

Results: STAR Reading Assessments showed that students had significant reading comprehension growth after Book Buddy sessions (average four months’ growth); two students showed 12 months’ reading comprehension growth. Facility and furniture repairs have improved safety.