Every Child Needs a Champion

When children are hungry, they are fed. When they are lonely, scared, or worried, someone is there to comfort them with love, support, and a helping hand. When a need exists, I have to pause before we send out a request to my school district. Why? Because, in every case, our Wylie ISD family meets the needs of others with literal truckloads of support. When I say TRUCKLOADS, I am not exaggerating. Last year, I asked for toiletry items for two students. One week later, we had an entire portable classroom full of toothpaste, wipes, soap, and shampoo. Moments like these are great reminders about the heart of our community.

Courtney Jones has taken her passion for service, and her teaching skills, and has made a radical difference in the lives of students who live in an underserved part of the school district.  Since 2017, she has organized a team of committed and selfless volunteers who arrive each week to support our kiddos with the greatest needs. She and her team haven’t missed a beat, providing snacks, academic support, and the weekly model of serving the community. She’s making a difference in the lives of students in our school district, as well as the lives of the community members.

Courtney also leads a program from a local church that provides volunteers to assist children in need throughout the summer. The program supports students beyond their academic needs by feeding them both emotionally and physically, shepherding other volunteers, both adults and children, to best share their faith with those they strive to serve. Courtney has also established a relationship with principals and campus teachers in order to keep them informed of student progress or any other unusual needs that arise. Partnering with Courtney has made a big difference in the progress of our students. She’s making an impact on the lives of students.

Every kid needs at least one positive relationship with an adult. A guide, a resource or just someone to listen.  Folks like Courtney are the foundation of an achieving student. Does your student have a strong relationship with an adult at school?  They should. It helps drive their achievement.