DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Decatur Public Schools is inviting local churches, businesses and organizations to partner with schools through its Adopt A School program, which is designed to build relationships that directly support student success.
The program encourages community members to get involved in classrooms, mentor students, volunteer at events and provide resources that meet specific school needs. DPS leaders said the real focus is on creating lasting connections.
“We decided that we wanted to reach out to the community so we can get assistance in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark. “A lot of times, people just think it’s things like, ‘Hey, we’ll do a luncheon for your staff today,’ which is great. But we also want to be more connected in the community.”
Now in its third year, Adopt A School has already shown results. Clark said she wants to see the program expand to academic support.
“What I’ve asked our principals to do is create a list of the things that they need,” Clark explained. “So if they need someone to go to Miss Brown’s class, for example, from 10 to 11:30 to help with reading instruction, I’m hoping that I can get a few volunteers to do that.”
For students, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom.
“Number one is connecting them to the community,” Clark said. “And hopefully, when they graduate high school, they understand the importance of giving back. When you’re building those relationships, you’re also creating more trust in adults who are there to support you.”
Businesses, nonprofits and faith groups have already joined in, with partnerships ranging from hospital staff reading to children to businesses sponsoring field trips. Clark said that student success is a community effort.
“When we are talking about ‘it takes a village,’ that is what we’re talking about,” Clark said. “We need each other. We are one team, one family.”
DPS will host its Adopt A School kickoff event from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Shilling Education Center at Scovill Zoo in Decatur. Schools and potential partners will have the chance to connect, share needs and find the best ways to work together.
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