Schools seek business and community involvement - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

With shrinking budgets and resources, school officials say they can use every extra penny and helping hand. At Highland Spring Elementary, business partnerships are helping students make the grade.

Administrators say students excel because they also have outsiders cheering them on.

"We bring anywhere from $600 to $1000 worth of school supplies to the school," said Joanne White with the Elks Lodge.

Her group partners with the school because there's a need.

"Teachers, administrators, everybody working in a school, you do spend your own money," said Principal Shawnya Tolliver.

With teacher's own money often going to classroom needs, the Elks Lodge stepped up again when it learned students needed fitness equipment. The group donated it,

"It has monkey bars. We get to play out there. We used to not play out there so we just had to use what we had," said student Linze Tolliver.

On-site staff helps coordinate needs with donors.

"Whether they need food at home which would involve bringing in a program through the food bank to if they are struggling with feeling bullied at school we may bring in resources for that like an anti-bullying assembly," said Lauren Holcomb with Communities in Schools.

Anything you can think of can support a classroom.

"Some of our schools have been around a long time and some of them still have furniture from the original dates when they were built in the 60's and the 70's," the principal added.

It's why she says help from the community goes a long way in making students feel they can do well.

"There's nothing that can make you any happier than seeing the joy on a child's face," White added.

Thanks to another recent donation, every student at Highland Springs Elementary will go home at the end of the week with a new book.

To donate or get involved, you can contact Communities in Schools at (804) 237-8906.

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