HOSTS
What is HOSTS?
HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed), recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national model for successful mentoring programs, is a nationwide language arts improvement program which combines one-on-one instruction from volunteers with lessons tailored specifically for each child. The HOSTS program operates in hundreds of schools throughout the US and has received some of the nation's most prestigious honors for instructional leadership:
- Lighthouse Program Award for U.S. Department of Education
- Golden Bell Award from California Department of Education
- Educational Pacesetter Award given by the President's National Advisory Council on Education
- Outstanding Program Administrator
- Outstanding HOSTS Reading Teacher
- Outstanding HOSTS Assistant
Program Design
Each HOSTS campus is staffed by a certified teacher and assistant. HOSTS teachers are responsible for managing program activities and for recruiting and training volunteer mentors. Once the volunteers have received training from the HOSTS staff, they are ready to begin scheduled thirty-minute tutoring sessions with their assigned students. The mentor follows a carefully designed lesson plan generated by the HOSTS teacher from a comprehensive database that aligns the curriculum to local objectives. The individualized lesson plan is structured to match each child's age, assessed needs, reading level and learning style. The mentor and student quickly establish common ground, which leads to a productive relationship. The child receives nurturing and encouragement that is necessary for success.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone who has thirty minutes of spare time each week and has a love for children will qualify to work in this highly successful program. HOSTS sessions are scheduled on Mondays through Thursdays between the hours of 8:30am and 1:30 pm, so volunteers may select a convenient time.
Contact Information
To find out how you can make a difference in the Life of a child, or to arrange a presentation for your business or organization, please contact one of the HOSTS coordinators at:
- Bonham: Jan Laine (979) 209-1214 website
- Branch: Ruth Vanoye (979) 209-2924 website
- Navarro: Rhonda Putz (979) 209-1265 website
- Neal: Julie Clark-Tuggle (979) 209-3865 website
- Jane Long Middle School: Virginia Woods (979) 209-6576 website
