Educational IMPACT
Innovative Ministries with Parents, Administrators, Children and Teachers

In keeping with the Wesleyan tradition of service to the community and The United Methodist Church's support of public education, members of St. Luke’s Educational IMPACT are committed to supporting the public schools of Orange County, Florida by providing them with a trained corps of volunteers who are equipped to address needs as defined by the schools when those needs are not being met through traditional and organizational channels. These volunteers, while representing St. Luke’s cannot and will not promote their Christian faith in the classroom, but will live it by using their God-given and nurtured skills and talents to contribute to the educational opportunity afforded the children of Orange County. We will seek out and serve the neediest schools and their students, always within a framework approved by the schools themselves, and will encourage other faith-based organizations within the community to join us in this endeavor.

This new Ministry is called “Educational IMPACT,” which works with selected public schools to provide services that will impact the school and make a difference in the educational programs of the school.  Each school served has a Coordinating Team of two staff members from the school, plus four members from St. Luke’s and four members from any other cooperating church, whose responsibilities will be to coordinate, promote, recruit and train volunteers, monitor and evaluate the St. Luke’s IMPACT program at that school.  The ministries offered will be determined by the needs of the specific school and selected by the Coordinating Team in partnership with the school Principal.  Major recruitment of volunteers is being made to secure up to 200 volunteers to provide the support to the selected schools. Efforts will be made to secure other churches and businesses to assist with the school’s needs.

IMPACT TRAINING: All volunteers complete a training class before being assigned to work with a teacher and students at either Mollie Ray or Pineloch Elementary School.

Two schools are being served by IMPACT: Mollie Ray Elementary School and Pineloch Elementary School. "Partners in Education" agreements have been signed with each school, as required by the Orange County Public Schools. Assistance will be given to all Servant Ministers/volunteers to secure a background check through the OCPS and their “Additions” program at no charge to the volunteers, and appropriate training will be provided.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION: IMPACT has "Partners in Education" agreements with Mollie Ray and Pineloch Elementary Schools, which is a program of the Orange County Public Schools. Close cooperation is maintained throughout the schools between IMPACT administrators and the Principals of both schools.

During the training class volunteers will meet the directors of the IMPACT program and administrators from the public school. Volunteers will receive information on how to work with the school in their chosen area; guidelines on working with elementary age students; county and federal guidelines, and a map to locate your school and your classroom. After completing the registration volunteers will receive an E-mail for call concerning training.

VOLUNTEERS ASSISTING STUDENTS: Volunteers work in the classroom with teachers and students one day a week, either morning, afternoon, or after school.

After completing the St. Luke's registration form you will be directed to fill out the background check. If you wish additional information about Educational IMPACT, please contact Ruth McKeefery at (407) 876-4991 ext. 266 or by email at rmckeefery@st.lukes.org.

If you wish additional information about Educational IMPACT, please contact Ruth McKeefery at 407-876-4991 ext. 226 or by Email.

Special Events: Pineloch students received personal books on "Book Day, A Celebration of Dr. Seuss."