Schools of Hope FAQs

Schools of Hope is a United Way-led initiative in partnership with Racine Unified School District, local businesses and community members that provides young children with tutors on a regular basis to increase reading achievement in the early grades.
 

During the 2022-23 school year, Schools of Hope volunteers will be active in four Racine Unified elementary schools (Knapp, Julian Thomas, Mitchell and Wadewitz). We will serve students in first through third grade.
 

These schools were selected based on the strength of our partnership and the potential for Schools of Hope to be the most effective.
 

Schools of Hope students are recommended by their classroom teachers and selected by the school reading coach. Schools of Hope students are those who are poised to improve their reading skills with the extra support and encouragement that Schools of Hope tutors provide. Student attendance, MAP/reading level, disposition and the number of other interventions the student receives are also considered. Students are evaluated at semester to determine if they participate for a second semester or graduate out of the program.
 

Schools of Hope volunteers come from all walks of life. SOH volunteers are adults who are willing to give of their time and learn some simple strategies to help students to become confident, capable readers.
 

Absolutely. All Schools of Hope volunteers complete a background check through Sterling Volunteers before volunteering in the classroom. Returning tutors are re-screened at the beginning of each school year.
 

When kids can read, they succeed. Schools of Hope is a model that helps students become more confident, capable readers.
 

Schools of Hope provides services to students who attend a participating school and are recommended by their classroom teacher, based on established selection criteria. If you feel your child needs a tutor, please contact their school to learn about what services are available.
 

It depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, Schools of Hope students must meet the selection criteria (see “Who are the students?”). The number of participating volunteers and their availability also impact the number of students who receive tutors.
 

Your child’s teacher will send home a welcome letter if they are recommended for Schools of Hope.
 

Schools of Hope volunteers provide one-on-one assistance to specific students, allowing teachers to give the other children in the classroom more attention. We all benefit when our classrooms, and our community, have children who can read proficiently.
 

The application can be submitted on our website at Schools of Hope Volunteer Application | United Way of Racine County (unitedwayracine.org). Application deadline is September 23, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year.
 

Yes. The 2024-25 school year application period is August 1, 2024 through September 23, 2024.
 

Schools of Hope volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 30 minutes per week, during the school day, October through May.
 

That would be great. On the tutor application, you will be able to indicate your desire to volunteer for multiple sessions and your scheduling preferences. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.
 

During your 30 minute time commitment, you will tutor one student for 25 minutes. The tutoring sessions are one-on-one. You may commit to an additional 30 minute sessions if you want to work with additional students.
 

Tutoring takes place during the school day, Monday through Friday. The exact time of day depends on the student’s availability and the tutor’s availability.
 

Yes. Once the schools have set their schedules, you will receive a list of options for days and times that tutoring is being held. At that time you will be able to chose what works best for your schedule. Days and times are determined by school and grade intervention blocks. Your flexibility in serving students when they are available is appreciated.
 

Definitely. We provide all of the training and materials that you need to be successful. All tutors will be required to attend a virtual orientation and a 90 minute training held at the school that you are assigned to.
 

Yes, you can. Providing as much advance notice as possible about planned vacations and absences is appreciated as we make every effort to provide substitute tutors to fill in when a regular tutor is absent. In order to have the greatest impact on student growth, we need to provide consistent tutoring each week. Alternatively, you may choose to become a substitute tutor and fill in for tutors who need to miss an occasional session. Substitute tutors are critical to the program's success.
 

Yes. You can be a substitute tutor and fill in for volunteers who are experiencing an extended illness or vacation.
 

After you submit your application, you will be contacted by Lori Riffer at United Way of Racine County via email. You will need to complete a background check, orientation and training before tutoring begins in October. 
 

New and returning tutors are expected to attend both an orientation and training session. Orientations are held both in-person and virtually the weeks of September 30 and October 7. Orientations will include instructions and training from UWRC on program structure and tutor expectations.

Tutor training sessions are scheduled for the week of October 21. Each school will have a seperate day scheduled. Volunteers are able to attend the school training that best fits their schedule. Training will take place at the participating SOH schools. The trainings are held from 5:30-7pm and will include training from RUSD, a demonstration of a tutoring session and badge photos. Everyone must bring a driver's license or state-issued photo ID to training.
 

All Schools of Hope volunteers must complete a background check through Sterling Volunteers. Information will be provided and cost is covered by UWRC. Your status will be confirmed through Sterling Volunteers before you are able to work with students. 
 

Yes. It is the easiest way for us to update our records and be sure that we don't miss anyone who wants to be a tutor.
 

Students are individually selected each year and are not guaranteed to participate in subsequent periods. Volunteers will be assigned to students as needed to provide the greatest impact.

Yes. Just as our students are always learning and growing, Schools of Hope is continuously improving. Attending tutor orientation and training will sharpen your skills and begin the school year ready to help students succeed. Returning tutors are required to attend a 30 minute returning tutor in-person or virtual orientation and the first 45 minutes of  the in-school training session. You are welcome to stay for the remaining time if you wish. Tutor training will take place at the participating SOH schools. Training is scheduled for the week of October 21and will be held from 5:30-7pm.