Last year, Hope partnered with Team Read and Shelby County Schools to work with 2nd graders to help improve literacy rates in Memphis. We did this because of the horrifying statistic that if a child is not at reading level by third grade, there is a good chance they will not catch up.
Nearly 70% of all second graders in our lowest performing schools cannot read at a third grade reading level. We take this very seriously and that is why Hope has made the Team Read initiative a priority.
During the 2016-2017 school year, we saw our students excel in big ways along with the creation of meaningful relationships. We are proud to announce below our Team Read progress from the 2016-2017 school year:
- South Park Elementary - 270 average words gained
- Carnes Elementary - 227 average words gained
- Hawkins Mill Elementary - 183 average words gained
- Vollentine Elementary - 233 average words gained
Volunteer Recruitment
We are currently seeking new and returning volunteers to partner with us for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year, no prior experience is required for you to join us.
What does Team Read look like?
- one hour a week (two kids for 30 minutes each)
- shift times are between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm, Monday-Friday
- teaching basic sight words to second-grade students
- requires a willing and encouraging spirit
Who are our school partners this year?
- South Park Elementary
- Hawkins Mill Elementary
- Vollentine Elementary
- *NEW* Dexter Elemenetary
Important Information for New Volunteers!
The Shelby County School Department of Education REQUIRES all new volunteers MUST attend a training session with the School Board, submit a background check and get fingerprinted. At this time there is one training scheduled, please check back for updated trainings and times. You have the option of choosing which school you prefer to serve in this year, and registration for your school will be made available in September. If you are interested in volunteering with Team Read please fill out the quick interest form located here so that we can keep you updated on all information.
Important Information For Returning Volunteers!
All returning volunteers are required to attend a reorientation for the 2017-2018 school year, but are NOT required to be re fingerprinted. You will also be required to fill out an electronic background check at a Shelby County School to reconfirm your volunteer status. You have the option of choosing which school you prefer to serve in this year, and registration for your school will be made available in September. There is only one reorientation scheduled at this time, please check back for updated reorientation dates and times. If you are interested in volunteering with Team Read please fill out the quick interest form located here so that we can keep you updated on all information.
Save the Date
Through the Team Read program, we have a partnership with ARISE2READ. ARISE2READ is a faith based nonprofit organization who helps to recruit churches to sponsor schools and helps provide trainings and other things for volunteers and schools. They will be having their fall kick off on August 29 from 9am-12pm at Bellevue Baptist Church. This event will allow you to be trained by Shelby County Schools if you are a new volunteer, and reoriented if you are a returning volunteer. You will also be able to meet other volunteers and have a time to ask questions about specific schools. There will be a lunch at the end of trainings for you to enjoy! We hope you join us. We will send out more information closer to time. Please be sure you fill out the interest form so that we know to contact you. You can find that link under the Important Information for Volunteer’s sections.
We are extremely excited about this upcoming school year and continuing to watch God move in big ways throughout our city.
For questions please email
TeamRead@HopeChurchMemphis.com