Community partners in education needed this school year

School bells are ringing across Ouachita Parish this week.  As teachers, faculty and staff make their way back to the classroom, it is once again time for the business community to consider ways they can support our local educational system.

The WMWO Chamber of Commerce is proud to be involved with a grass roots program that has effectively connected local businesses and organizations with Ouachita Parish pubic schools.

The Adopt-a-School Program has been administered by the Chamber, in partnership with the Ouachita Parish School system, for more than a decade.  The program's goal is simple - connect each of the parish's 36 public schools with at least one adopter for the school year.

Who can be an adopter? The answer is simple - any one person, business or organization that has a passion for education and children.  Those who choose to become an adopter are committing their support of that school (or schools) for a given school year.

There are no set requirements or expectations to take part in the Adopt-a-School Program.  By agreeing to serve as an adopter, you are encouraged to know your school and the faculty and staff who work there.  Perhaps you agree to serve as a volunteer reader, judge the school's spelling bee or donate sweet treats for teacher appreciation week.

The education of our children and the effectiveness of our local school system should be a top priority for everyone in the community.  Well-educated children will result in a qualified future workforce to help meet the growing demand of jobs in our community.

Please consider getting involved in the Adopt-a-School Program and make a true impact on our parish.  To learn more, call the WMWO Chamber of Commerce at (318) 325-1961. 

Adopt a School during the 2014-2015 School Year

School bells are officially ringing in Ouachita Parish!

Our public schools enjoyed their first official day of school today.  As our children, teachers and faculty and staff begin to set goals for themselves this school year, the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce encourages our local business community to consider taking an active role in the success of parish educational system.

The WMWO Chamber, in partnership with the Ouachita Parish School Board and Adopt-a-School Committee, hosts the "Adopt-a-School Program."  The goal is simple - connect at least one adopter with each of the 36 public schools in Ouachita Parish.  Adopters can be businesses, large or small, or even non-profit organizations, service clubs, churches or individuals.

What does it mean to adopt a school?  It means that as an adopter, you take time throughout the school year to check on your adopted school to see what needs they might have.  Perhaps they need a volunteer reader, a judge at the social studies fair, a cookie tray for Teacher Appreciation Week or someone to simply encourage the school and let them know they are doing a good job.

How do you adopt a school?  Contact the WMWO Chamber of Commerce if your business or organization is interested.  There is a minimal fee - $25 per new school adopted.  After the first year of adopting that school, there is a $10 renewal fee.  You choose the school you want to adopt, or we can help match your organization with a school in need.  Schools may have multiple adopters!

With all the changes in our state educational system this year, the WMWO Chamber feels it's even more important to show our support of our public schools.  Our children are the future workforce of this community.  There is no better investment to make in Ouachita Parish.  We strongly encourage our local businesses and organizations to consider adopting a school in Ouachita Parish and positively impact the lives of our children.