Volunteers are an important part of a healthy school district. I write this to both thank our current volunteers and invite community members into our small but ambitious school district. Highlighted below are several programs that benefit our students that would not exist without the selflessness and giving of our volunteers.
Eleven years ago the Oracle School District began a partnership with Skip Brauns, one of our several SaddleBrooke volunteers that graciously give their time to our District. Skip was recruited by Dr. Robert Springer, the founder of Project MathPlus+, to organize a mini army of retired professionals to work with the Oracle students in mathematics. Many of the original math tutors from 11 years ago still volunteer in the District. In fact, Dr. Springer’s wife Carla has committed herself to helping our kindergarten through third grade install a comprehensive mathematics program that will utilize several different computer based resources enabling teachers to more thoroughly cover new common core math standards.
Math isn’t the only place our volunteers make a difference, several District residents give their time helping kids learn to read, often working with students both individually and in small groups.
This year SaddleBrooke resident Judy Hans started a program called “Teen Sew Cool” that meets on Wednesdays at the Mountain Vista Campus. Each student works with their own one-on-one volunteer creating things such as winter hats, scarves, book bags, pillow cases and much more. Teen Sew Cool provides all of the machines, fabric and other supplies at no cost to the District!
On Dec. 19, the Oracle School District had a hugely successful Holiday Performance that would not have happened without the efforts and direction of volunteer choral teacher and SaddleBrooke resident Madeleine Fiorino and fellow music booster program members Earlene Lewis and Peggy Knowles. The Oracle School District even has a classical guitar program taught by Jim Barker. Of course none of this would have occurred without Principal Nannette Soule’s tireless efforts to organize and plan the performance.
The Oracle School District also has a one of a kind Horsemanship class that is directed by Oracle volunteer Karen Small. Every Wednesday Karen teaches the students all of the ins and outs of proper horse care, horse science and principles of riding. On Saturdays, the students get actual horsemanship lessons from renowned trainer Jamie Drizin.
Sometimes our super volunteers don’t work directly with the students such as the new paint job the music room received by SaddleBrooke super handyman Clay Heflebower.
Our volunteers even help round out our already thriving athletic programs. Volunteer Gilbert Rodriguez coaches wrestling and longtime Oracle resident Suzie Smith runs our cheerleading squad as well as our annual talent show.
These programs and services are examples of the invaluable service our wonderful volunteers provide for our District. We are currently looking for a volunteer to produce a District publicity video and experienced volunteers to help in Special Education.
/s/ Dennis Blauser
Superintendent, Oracle Elementary School District