FUMC Denton Partnership with Rivera Elementary School
Tomas Rivera Elementary School served 603 children, PreK through grade 5, in 2018-19. Of the children, 88% qualified for free or reduced-price lunch, and 33% were English language learners. Our church’s partnership with Rivera started in 2011.
FUMC Denton provides volunteers and supplies for programs such as the school garden, health education, and field day. We recognize the work of teachers and staff with gifts and treats. We support individual children in the Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT) caseload by providing mentors for individual children. Rocking Readers work in Pre-K through grade 3 classrooms through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). We provide support to families through the Back-to-School and Angel Tree Programs sponsored by various community groups and the Salvation Army, respectively, and by providing food baskets for 56 CISNT-affiliated families over spring break. Many FUMC Denton groups are involved in this ministry, as is the whole congregation through Mission Corner collections and community events. Our partnership is coordinated at FUMC Denton by the Mission Team. Mary Harris, mmcdharris3@gmail.com, 940 367-3026 is the Rivera Partnership Coordinator.
Mentor: Build a one-to-one relationship with a student who is at risk of dropping out of school through weekly meetings of no more than one hour. Our program is managed by Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT), which provides a social worker to support about 100 students at each participating school, of which Rivera Elementary School is one of 13+ in the Denton ISD. Mentors are encouraged to follow their mentees into higher grades with Rivera feeding to Bettye Myers Middle and Ryan High School. Mary will help to place mentors at any eligible school; however, some schools have other partnerships that decrease the likelihood of our church's placement there. Mary can help you navigate the road to mentoring that supports individual children on their journeys to graduation.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN VOLUNTEER FOR THE RIVERA PARTNERSHIP:
Event volunteers help with Rivera Elementary events such as field day, book fair, the school store, and field trips that require adult support. Volunteers on my list may sign up for individual events as they are announced.
Teacher/Staff Recognition Volunteers acknowledge educators and school staff through breakfasts, small gifts, and encouragement. Individuals or groups are welcome to participate as volunteers or by providing supplies.
Rivera Partnership volunteers also help organize church events such as the Alternative Gift Fair, Spring Food Basket Collection, Angel Tree, and Share the Harvest. Individuals and groups may help with events or organize their own.
For more details or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Mary Harris, Rivera Partnership Coordinator, at mmcdharris3@gmail.com or 940 367-3026.