With the school year coming to an end for Greenlee Elementary’s second grade class, Power Lunch reading buddies met for the last time and enjoyed a special trip to their local neighborhood library. During their visit, students learned how easy it was to access their local library and how to check out books so they 
could continue reading during the summer.
The Power Lunch program pairs each student with a member of DPS staff or a corporate partner employee who visits each student during reading time once a week. During this time, students and their buddies read books of their choice, learn new words and become more confident in their reading skills.
Power Lunch is a collaboration between DPS, the DPS Foundation, and Mile High United Way and it is one of the many offerings of the DPS Foundation’s School Partners Program. It combines high-dosage literacy and mentorship to increase student engagement, improve attendance and raise reading scores for hundreds of third grade students in some of DPS’ highest-need schools.
Power Lunch is a specific opportunity for corporate employees and DPS staff to step out of their daily routine and take a few hours each month to change the life of a DPS student. Each buddy works with the same student throughout the school year, building a deep and meaningful rapport and mentoring relationship.
Students shared that Power Lunch makes reading fun! One student really liked getting to learn new words that she didn’t know before. Another student said he always looked forward to meeting with his buddy and reading new books each week.
Not only does the program benefit the students, the volunteers enjoy their time spent in the classrooms as well. Many discussed that it is a great way to give back to kids and feel that you’re doing your part to make a difference on a more personal level. Being able to see how the students grow educationally and emotionally throughout the year can be inspiring.
“My student buddy gained a lot of confidence in her reading over the course of the year. When she didn’t know a word she’d sound it out on her own instead of looking directly to me for help. I loved getting to watch her grow into an amazing little reader!” Power Lunch reading buddy, Kristina Bobrowski stated.
What did you do on your lunch break this year? Please consider joining the Power Lunch program. Find out more.