Volunteer Newsletter
Happy New Year from the Bremerton School District.
Math Blast STEM Night is a FUN Family/Community Event
If you are interested in volunteering at Math Blast STEM Night.
Please contact: joyce.cowdery@bremertonschools.org.
STEP (Senior Tax Exchange Program) Volunteer Program
Community Member/ Dedicated Volunteer Grandpa Joe
At Crownhill Elementary Dedicated Volunteer Joe Gray is more commonly known as "Grandpa Joe".
Eighteen years ago he was bored so he thought volunteering in his granddaughter's classroom would help alleviate boredom and it was the perfect fix. Now, he still arrives at the school bright and early, ready to help out in Mrs. Lytle's kindergarten classroom. They have been a team for several years and she is so appreciative of all of his efforts in the classroom. She loves how he looks at things in a different way and streamlines them.
When asked what his favorite thing about volunteering is, his response was, the satisfaction he gets when a child finally grasps a concept. He gets pleasure out of watching the improvements of each child and is always on the lookout for ways to assist those students who are struggling with learning.
He has been active with the CH Dino Dig since he began volunteering. Each year he and the students add creative touches to the t-shirts that he silkscreens for this popular event.
For the past few years Grandpa Joe has been part of the STEP (Senior Tax Exchange Program), which he gets paid for part of his volunteering. Mrs. Lytle would be the first to say that he graciously donates back all of the money he receives and more!
If you are retired and in need of combating boredom, please consider being part of the STEP (Senior Tax Exchange Program). For additional information or to apply for the STEP Program, email joyce.cowdery@bremertonschools.org or call her at (360) 620-7291.
Teri and Bruce “Bobo” Jensen
This dynamic duo began volunteering at Kitsap Lake Elementary (KLE) 6 years ago when their granddaughter was a kindergartner. The first five years they drove all the way from Port Ludlow each time, recently they relocated to beautiful Bremerton and are able to walk to the school.
Although their granddaughter was the original inspiration for them to volunteer, she will be graduating from KLE in June. They, on the other hand will stay behind and continue to volunteer as both have made many solid connections with students and staff. They want to give a shout out to Terri Beliveau and April Cummings who are always welcoming and shower them with much deserved gratitude.
Bruce, better known as “Bobo” is at the school several times a week, and often he is there daily. Teri has committed to at least once a week, often more at the special request of Ms. Cummings. They are retired and we are fortunate that they choose to spend their time as dedicated volunteers. In their spare time, Teri enjoys photography and “Bobo” likes chillaxing by the lake.
They shared that they find volunteering at KLE very rewarding and that they feel that they are connecting well with students who need another caring adult in their lives. Indeed they are doing that and a whole lot more.
