Reading Rally
EWI Knoxville Chapter’s partner in its Reading Rally program is Weekend Academy.
Weekend Academy fills a special purpose since very few programs in existence
focus on the career and future goals of elementary-aged children. The Academy uniquely encourages the joy of learning without focus on tests or grades. While they want students to have fun, they do not just provide recreation. Participants are specifically chosen for a three-year period of integrated-subject activities designed to support their academic endeavors. The students have the benefit long-term commitment from caring adults.
Vision Statement –Weekend Academy provides students with enriched hands-on learning opportunities that support education, increase knowledge of community and business relations, and foster preparation for various future career choices.
Mission Statement –Weekend Academy is a Saturday enrichment program dedicated to enhancing learning for select students in grades 3-5 from Title One Schools by:
• Increasing self-esteem and zest for life-long learning;
• Empowering parents with resources for present and future educational
support;
• Equipping students to take advantage of future career and life
opportunities.
The Knoxville Chapter was the first Weekend Academy site, launched in
1996. Since that time, hundreds of students have been positively influenced by the Weekend Academy. Over the years, many graduates who started as 3rd graders have stayed involved as tutor leaders or junior tutor leaders through their middle and high school years. As a result, the Knoxville Academy is a true family unit. Some families that have had students to come “full circle” are: the Banks’, the Carters, the Harkins/ Lohreys, the Hills, the Ingrams and the Brights.
Weekend Academy currently partners with the following schools who nominate 3rd graders for participation: Sarah Moore Greene Magnet School, Dogwood Elementary and Green Magnet School.
Knoxville Tutor Leaders are from South Doyle High School, West High
School, Austin-East Magnet High School, Farragut High School and Fulton High School.
Knoxville Chapter staff includes teachers Ellen Banks and George White,
President Lisa McClain, and Tutor Leaders from the high schools
mentioned above.
Weekend Academy, Inc. Board members from Knoxville: Jim Decker,
Executive Director of MEDIC Regional Blood Center; Rev. William Fowler,
Sr, Pastor of Church Street United Methodist Church; Sarah Moore
Greene, Founding Board member; Shirley Harkins, WAI Parent and
community activist; Linda Sales-Long, TVA Attorney and Nan Scott, WAI President Emeritus.