Contact:

Valerie Burke
Edina Resource Center & Community Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Phone: 952-848-3938
Email: valburke@edina.k12.mn.us

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edina Public Schools Celebrates Volunteers

Over 700 community members give time and energy to students

Edina, Minn., April 9, 2010 – What better time to celebrate the volunteers who give their time and energy to support Edina Public Schools (EPS) than during National Volunteer Month. In the past year, volunteer roles have evolved from guest speakers to hands-on mentors in and outside the classroom.

Community members can learn about the EPS Community Volunteer Program on Tuesday, April 27th from 12:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in room 165 at the Edina Community Education Center, 5701 Normandale Road. Staff will be available to answer questions, talk about opportunities, and set up interviews for those interested.

“Collectively, over 700 community members are volunteering in our schools for an average of six hours each. This commitment of time and leverage brings over $100,000 of support to our District. Amazing!” said Valerie Burke, coordinator of the Edina Resource Center.

EPS has been utilizing volunteers for over 35 years to enhance curriculum, primarily through the use of community volunteer speakers. Speakers range from World War II vets who speak to students in history classes to members of the community who have survived cancer and share their stories with students in health class.

This past year, the volunteer program expanded to provide new opportunities for community members who do not have students in school.  Through the Community Volunteer Program, volunteers work directly with students either tutoring in the afterschool Homework Help program or providing Basic Skills reinforcement in the classroom during the day. 

“Our goal is to let students know that their community cares about them and their academic success and to add a positive adult role model in their lives that helps reinforce skills being taught at school,” Burke said.

Visit http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/community/crp/index.html or call 952-848-4923 for more information on how you can make a difference in a student’s life by volunteering.

About Edina Public Schools:
Edina Public Schools is comprised of six elementary schools (K-5), two middle schools (6-9) and one senior high (10-12). Total enrollment is approximately 7,800 students. The District serves a large portion of Edina, a first-tier Minneapolis suburb comprised of approximately 47,450 people.

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