Parents who take part in First teacher activities are seeking to keep the program running and the room open — with the help of volunteers.

 

With Americorps volunteer Chase Hill’s service completed on April 15, First Teacher loses its coordinator until another VISTA volunteer is assigned, says First Teacher mom Nicole Brewer.

 

But Dr. Cynthia Martin, who heads the program, says that with a number of schools vying for Americorps aid, First Teacher may not get that volunteer.

 

“It’s all up in the air now, (a) state of flux,” Martin says.

 

Parents are meeting the first Monday of each month to talk about how that will work and who is available to coordinate events.

 

“The parents have been absolutely wonderful,” Martin says. “They’re stepping up to the plate, even volunteering to help clean up the room.

 

“Our biggest problem is the biggest funding,” Martin says, noting that most school district funds set aside for First Teacher have dried up over the years.

 

“We have to look to other sources of funding,” she says. “(But) we know that this program works.”

For more information, call Brewer at 461-9992.