FRANKLIN
Paul D. Camp Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA) and President’s Advisory Council (PAC) are paving the way for all PDCCC students, faculty and staff to support J.P. King Jr. Middle School.

“I am very excited about this development,” said PDCCC President Paul Wm. Conco, Ph.D. “The concept initially arose because the Local College Board asked the college to examine what could be done to work more with Franklin City Public Schools. Also, and most importantly, Franklin City Public Schools representatives came to the college and asked that we support them in this volunteer program. After extensive internal discussion and review by students, faculty and staff, I’m pleased to note the support for this project.

“Each student, faculty or staff member can contribute uniquely in their own way,” Conco added. “It really just takes a little time to be there for the students, to spend time with them and give them exposure to another person who works in the community or in higher education. This will be a tremendous opportunity for all who take part.”

Aspects of the Program

The following elements have been developed for the PDCCC and J.P. King, Jr. Middle School partnership:

• A minimum of 100 hours of volunteering, including tutoring and other services, by the end of the 2015 school year

• Monetary support for rewards, such as pizza parties, refreshments and recognitions suggested by teachers

• Recognition awards from the PDCCC Barnes and Noble Bookstore

• Visits from our Career Development Coaches for career exploration days

• Success Coach presentations on study skills and other success strategies

• Technology support from Information Technology professionals for students and teachers.

• Support from the PDCCC Upward Bound program and its students as role models

• Visits from our High School Career Coaches for help with the Virginia Education Wizard and educational planning

The goal of Franklin’s Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program is to enable citizens in the community to assist administrators, teachers, and other school personnel in helping young people more fully develop their academic skills, their potential as individuals and their mastery of life skills.

“I am excited to have this great relationship with PDCCC to help our students become better learners and more productive citizens,” said JPK Principal Lisa Francis. “The college student involvement will help provide great role models for our middle school students.”

The partnership will support the mission statements of both schools, as follows:

Paul D. Camp Community College provides diverse learning opportunities to enhance the quality of life for students and the community.

The mission of J. P. King Jr. Middle School, in partnership with our community, is to create responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a challenging and safe environment.

For more information, contact PDCCC’s Office of Student Activities at 569-6767.