Salem has a partnership with a local elementary school, Ellen Hopkins, which is less than a mile from our church. One way we believe we can seek the welfare of our city is by investing in a local public school! Not only are the teachers helping to raise up the next generation but public schools tend to be at the center of communities. By bringing gospel hope and flourishing to Ellen Hopkins, we are reaching the broader community. Additionally, it is one way that we can invest in those who are more vulnerable within the community as a significant portion of the students are under-resourced or needing some extra help academically or socially. We have multiple opportunities to love on the kids and staff of Ellen Hopkins, and would love for you to join us in this partnership!
Ways to Connect with Ellen Hopkins
Be a Reading or lunch Buddy!
Once per week for an hour or more you can read with students. You'll be matched with a teacher, and depending on the teacher's need, it might be with one student or a small group either in the classroom or the library.
Being a reading buddy is one of the most rewarding ways to be involved. The kids you get matched with are in need of some extra attention. You will laugh, have meaningful conversations, and get lots of smiles. The look on the kids' faces when they see you, there for them, is absolutely priceless. Not only are you investing in the kids, but you're connecting with the teacher and supporting their whole class.
Being a lunch buddy means joining the same 2-3 kids each week during their lunch time. During the 30-minute lunch, you get to have conversations about what is going on in the students' lives, and encourage them. Lunch with the students is usually held in a conference room or their classroom, unles you prefer to join them in the cafeteria.
If you are interested in becoming a reading or lunch buddy, contact us below, and we will reach out to you!
Serving meals for staff
The staff are always so grateful and it is a wonderful opportunity to invest and encourage them throughout the year. The exact dates for this year are still being determined, but at least two will be dinner on parent-teacher conference days.
It can be a one-time thing or a regular place for you to invest. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested, contact us below and let us know!
Other Opportunities to Invest at Ellen Hopkins
TEACHER WISHLIST GIFTS
Every September we do a supply drive for the TEACHERS. Many of them have things that they would really like to have in their rooms, and end up purchasing those things with their own money. The teachers have added their wishes to an Amazon shopping list, to make it easy for us to support them! You don't have to be an Amazon Prime member to use this wish list.
The 2025 wish list is still being collected, so check back in a couple of week!
Winter Clothing Drive Every October
Many kids do not have warm outdoor clothing including, coats, snow pants, gloves, mittens, and scarves. For the month of October, we collect these items to be distributed to students as needed. It is such a blessing for the Ellen Hopkins staff to be able to meet the needs of these kids through the clothing provided by our church!
