Orientation to volunteers for the United Way Readers program, 2021-2022 School Year (United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut)

1. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Volunteer
Orientation
2021-2022 School Year
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2. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
For 10 years, United Way Readers has been
bringing together caring volunteers to read
one hour each week with students who are
behind or at risk of falling behind in reading.
Sources: 1. ChildTrends.org 2. Dubuque Campaign for Grade Level Reading
Help Kids Read. Help Kids Succeed.
The program is part of United Way's efforts
to help more children attain reading
proficiency by the start of the fourth grade.
Our volunteers help students get back on
track and build the literacy skills they
need to succeed in school and in life.

3. Only 19.8% of students tested
in 2021 scored proficient or
higher in reading, and only
4.1% among English learners.
78% of students are eligible
for free or reduced lunch (an
indicator of low-income); and
90% are racial minorities.
Children from low-income
homes who don’t read
proficiently are 6 times
more likely to drop out.
Students who don’t read
proficiently by the 3rd grade
are 4 times more likely to
drop out of school.

4. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Students who read 20 minutes per day
will hear 1.8 million words per year,
and, on standardized tests, will likely
score better than 90% of their peers!
Research shows that having one or more
caring adults outside the home in a child’s
life increases the likelihood they will
flourish, and become productive adults.1

5. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Thanks to contributions
from volunteers like you, historically,
94%
of the students served by United Way
Readers demonstrated improvement in
their end-of-grade reading scores
Community Impact
Hartford
New Britain
East Hartford
Natchaug
Hazardville
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6. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
● María C. Colón Sánchez Elementary
● Sarah J. Rawson Elementary
● Fred D. Wish Museum School
● S.A.N.D. Elementary School
School and Agency Partners - 2021-2022
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● Michael D Fox Elementary
● Burns Latino Studies Academy
● E. B. Kennelly School
● More will be joining soon!

7. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
United Way Readers has adapted
to the changing public health
situation by transitioning to a
virtual model with...
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8. ● Volunteers will provide 1:1 reading support to
1st- 3rd grade students in the Hartford area.
● Volunteer from anywhere with an Internet
connection (office/work, home, laptop, PC, etc.)
● 25 minute online training
● No experience necessary!
● Time commitment: 30-60 min, once each week
● Program will run from November - May

9. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Sources: 1. ChildTrends.org 2. Dubuque Campaign for Grade Level Reading
• Register an account on the Vello Portal
• Complete a background check
• Complete volunteer training on Vello Portal.
• Confirm your weekly volunteer assignment
(day/time) at one of our program sites.
• Sign United Way Readers Volunteer Agreement.
Volunteer
Checklist
• Connect to your scheduled sessions--have fun!

10. All volunteers are required to
do a background check.
This will automatically come
through your email and
prompt you to order your
background check.
Background
Check
Complete your background check when
prompted via email. Your screening will
be through Sterling Volunteers
(theadvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com).

12. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
• Volunteers and students read together on RAZ-Plus, which offers custom e-
libraries for individual students, all tailored to their reading level.
• Students’ initial reading levels will be set by the program coordinators. Some
books will be slightly easier, while others will be slightly more difficult.
• Student levels will be monitored throughout the year. As students read with
their tutors, they’ll progress, and their reading levels will need adjustment, so
that students have a custom library of books at the appropriate reading level.
• Use the Vello Session Feedback Survey to remark on student progress.
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13. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Download and print the Vello Tutoring Session Guide from the Vello Portal. Store it at
your desk or wherever is convenient. You’ll need this by your side during each session
(or at least your first few).

14. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Announcements will be posted on the Vello Portal.
Additional Volunteer Information and Resources can be found
on our Weebly site: https://unitedwayreaders.weebly.com/
This information will include:
• Site Coordinator Contact Information
• School Information Sheet
• District Calendar
• Get-to-Know-You Activity
Additional Volunteer Resources
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15. Volunteer
Agreement
Review and sign the United
Way Readers Volunteer
Agreement. The link is
available in the “Training”
section of the Vello Portal.

16. Volunteers are asked to
commit to regular attendance.
If you’re going to be tardy or
absent for a reading session,
please contact your school
liaison as soon as possible.
Volunteers are not responsible
for managing students’
behavior.
If there are any issues, please
contact the school liaison.
And note it in the feedback
survey after each session.
Volunteer Agreement
- Key Points

17. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Week of November 1st
Start of Program
Monday, November 22nd - Friday,
November 26th 2021
NO PROGRAM - Thanksgiving Week!
Friday, December 24th - Friday, January
7th 2021
NO PROGRAM - Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022
Read Across America Day
Monday, April 11th -Friday, April 15th, 2022
NO PROGRAM – Spring Break!
Week of May 23th, 2022
LAST WEEK OF THE PROGRAM!
Rolling registration! Volunteers can register
through February 2022 for this academic year.
Important Program Dates

18. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Phil Blonski
Community
Engagement
Senior Manager
Our
Readers
Team
Mark Olynciw
United We Read
Coordinator
Reach us at
readers@unitedwayinc.org

19. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
United Way Staff and our partner
schools are committed to ensuring
Volunteers (like you!) and students have
a good experience.
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Volunteers are asked to share
information on their experience
periodically and are welcome to share
suggestions or comments at any time.
Send feedback to readers@unitedwayinc.org or
contact United Way Staff directly.

20. United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
unitedwayinc.org
Thank you.
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