
Big Bear, Ca, December 8, 2010, 8:00am – The Bear Valley Education Trust is looking for a few good men and women to be “trusted volunteers” at schools in the Big Bear Valley. With decreased funding the school district has been forced to increase the number of students in each classroom, which has a huge impact on the way teachers teach and children learn. The Education Trust is committed to supporting teachers and students by recruiting and training trusted volunteers who can enrich the curriculum and students learning opportunities by providing individual attention to those children needing additional assistance. The Education Trust has volunteers at each of the three elementary schools and at Chautauqua High School. Each has attended training, undergone background checks, and signed a volunteer agreement. Some volunteers work with small groups of students, and others mentor or tutor individual students. Gloria Meade is a “trusted volunteer” with the Education Trust, and has the following to say about the program. “I truly enjoy being in the classroom… Sometimes the children’s attention span is rather short, and sitting with a volunteer, one to one, can get them back on the right track without disturbing the rest of the class. They are so smart, and can follow the directions with a little help. Once they are finished with their project, I tell them how proud I am of them… I feel so blessed to be a Trusted Volunteer for the Big Bear Valley Education Trust.” Everyone who cares about children and education is a potential Trusted Volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a Trusted Volunteer, you can pick up an application at the Copper Q in the Village, or contact Phil Hamilton at 585-3467, or Sharon Congdon at 584-2738.