University Baptist Church - Baton Rouge, LA: To Highland With Love


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The To Highland With Love Ministry was begun more than a decade ago to minister to the students, faculty and staff of Highland Elementary School located only a few blocks from University Baptist Church. Over the years this program has grown to now include over 150 people. The information below describes some of the major aspects of this ministry which is administered by the To Highland With Love Ministry Team. It is motivated by Jesus' saying, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,” (Matthew 25:40), and by the conviction that our ACTIONS speak most clearly of God’s love as we offer care, support, and encouragement to the children and those who work to educate them. God has blessed us in countless ways as we have used this opportunity to serve Him through helping others. Encouragers Encouragers try to do something thoughtful about once a month to surprise a Highland teacher or staff member. This “surprise” can be a card or note, an e-mail, a small gift, school supplies, stickers to use as class incentives, or by putting their favorite snack/candy bar in their mailbox. If you would have difficulty delivering things to your teacher, you may leave them in the church office to be delivered. Encouragers also provide a small Christmas Gift for the teachers, and during Teacher Appreciation Week in April, we give each one a Treat Bag. Join the most appreciated morale-boosting group in EBR Parish! Yes, You CAN Do This! Every One Counts Every One Counts is a math tutorial program designed by VIPS. VIPS provides training and a kit of manipulatives to use. If you are willing to work with a second or third grader, one-on-one, once a week between 3:30 PM and 5 PM, for a 30-45 minute session, contact Gayle Wager at 766-4984 or gwager@cox.net. Uniforms Through your generosity last year, we are able to start this school year off with new uniforms already purchased and available for students who need them. Students wear navy bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts) and burgundy polo shirts in a variety of sizes ranging from 4-14. We welcome used uniforms in good condition. Items can be brought to the church office labeled for Highland School. Providing uniforms is a vital part of our ministry. Thank you for your support!	Reading Friends The Reading friend program is one loved by all. As a Reading Friend at Highland Elementary you can make a difference in the life of a child and our community. Each person who volunteers means another child has a Reading Friend – someone who becomes special to him or her. And what a difference it makes! Children who have a Reading Friend improve in reading, are more likely to pass LEAP, and are impacted positively in areas of social and emotional growth and improved behavior. Most important is that students are receiving the gift of love from a caring adult who plants seeds of success and self-confidence. The concept is simple and the commitment small: 1) You commit to work with one child for the school year; 2) The commitment required is only 30 minutes a week and there is a flexible time schedule; 3) During that time you have your Buddy read to you, you read to him or her and be a friend who shows care to that child; 4) Attend training and be familiar with information in the orientation packet. Volunteers are needed now. You can sign up and even choose your preferred grade level. Simply e-mail Carolyn Cavanaugh (MichaelCav@aol.com) and she will send a sign-up form directly to you, which can be completed and sent back to her either by regular mail or e-mail. You can also contact Carolyn by phone at 766-1657. Reading Friends for Kindergarten The Reading Friends program has been expanded to include kindergarten children. This involves one orientation, and spending approximately 30 minutes a week with a student. If encouraging a young child and helping them get off to a good start in their educational journey appeals to you, give this a try. To learn more or to sign up, call or email Rosalie Biven at 769-4519 or bivin1@cox.net. Save Those Labels • Save Community Coffee proof-of-purchase coupons (UPC labels) • Save Box Tops for Education from General Mills products. • Save Campbell’s Soup labels. • Place in boxes located in the narthex or the church office.	Highland Elementary School To Highland with Love is the 2012 VIPS Crystal Apple Award Winner Advocate staff photo by RICHARD ALAN HANNON To Highland With Love program coordinator Patty Nolan, second from left, receives a hug from Highland Elementary School principal Kaye Van Sickle, as fellow program members Sarah Rogers, left, and Carolyn Cavanaugh, far right, look on during the 22nd annual Volunteers in Public Schools Apple Awards at University Baptist Church on Tuesday. To Highland with Love won this year's Crystal Apple Award, given to an individual or group for at least 10 years of outstanding volunteer work. BY ROBERT STEWART Advocate staff writer May 02, 2012 After 14 years of faithful service, Highland Elementary School’s volunteer group To Highland With Love was honored on Tuesday for its sustained efforts on behalf of the school, its students and staff. To Highland With Love was awarded the Crystal Apple at Volunteers in Public Service’s 2012 Volunteer Picnic and Apple Awards ceremony at University Baptist Church. The Crystal Apple is VIPS’ top volunteering award and is given to an individual or group who has served with VIPS for at least 10 years. Patty Nolan, To Highland With Love’s coordinator, accepted the award on the group’s behalf. In an interview after the ceremony, Nolan praised the work of her group, which uses faith as a guiding principle. “This gives us an opportunity to be an expression of God’s love,” Nolan said. To Highland With Love does work as simple as providing “teacher treats” or as large as helping obtain air conditioning for Highland Elementary’s cafeteria. The group began with just six volunteers but now has about 400 volunteers contribute each year. “We have a very dedicated team of volunteers who love being involved in this ministry,” Nolan said.

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