Columbia Elementary School is seeking volunteer mentors for our one-to-one Buddies program. The program utilizes community volunteers to assist students with difficulty in language arts and/or basic math. Volunteers will be working with Kindergarten and First-grade students, helping them to become successful readers and confident students. Sessions are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30-9:00, 9:10-9:40, and 9:50-10:20. Training is available, and a background check is required. Call Lori Kouba at (517) 592-5131 for more information.

You can help make a difference at our school in various opportunities. From popcorn days to special events to reading with a buddy, you will find these opportunities to be a rewarding experience for you and the students too!

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form and turn it into the school office with a copy of your driver’s license; the office can copy your license if needed. 

Listed below are just a few areas where you can help make a difference.

Please call the school at (517) 592-6632 to find out what additional areas can use volunteers.

What is the Buddies Reading Program?
Buddies is a one-to-one reading program using volunteers as mentors and tutors. The goal of Buddies is to assist students who need additional help to become successful readers and confident students.

Who can be a Buddie Mentor?
Anyone who desires to help a young student succeed in reading and have a meaningful experience with language, parents, grandparents, guardians, retirees and senior citizens, employees, employers, college students and people who just enjoy students.

What is the Mentor role?
To work with the same student on teacher selected material. Helping to improve specific reading skills. Providing encouragement, support and just being a friend.

How much time does it take?
Each session with students is 30 minutes per week. The program operates from October to May with sessions on certain days of the week.

Who is in the Buddie program?
Students that have been selected by classroom teachers from the second grade.

How will I know what to do?
Buddie teachers and assistants are present during each session to answers questions and lead a specific activity or to provide additional help during the session.

How can I become a Buddie Mentor?
Contact Columbia Elementary School at (517) 592-5131.