Volunteer program connects community, schools

Volunteers In Schools To Achieve Success, or VISTAS, is a new program that will be piloted in the Snoqualmie Valley School District this fall.

VISTAS is designed to qualify, train and place volunteers in schools to contribute to the academic success of students in a variety of ways, including tutoring students and supporting classroom teachers. Initially, the new program will be piloted in two schools — Opstad Elementary School and Twin Falls Middle School — which have identified opportunities for reading buddies and one-on-one middle school mentors. As the program grows, VISTAS support will be extended to other schools across the district.

VISTAS volunteers do not need to have any children attending Valley schools, and adults with varied educational and professional backgrounds are welcome. Volunteers will receive training and support, and are asked to commit a minimum of one hour per week. To qualify, volunteers will need to complete a Washington State Patrol background check, fill out an application packet, provide a reference and attend an orientation session.

The first orientation is 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct 8, at the School District Office, 8001 Silva Ave. in Snoqualmie. For more information about VISTAS and to download application forms, visit www.svsd410.org. Or, e-mail to VISTAS@svsd410.org or call (425) 831-8195.

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