Campus adopts elementary school, visits with children Adopt-a-school program brings benefits to both sides

by Lauren Crider, nw news editor

    If while walking down the halls or studying in the library on the NW Campus, students find themselves in the midst of a large group of kindergartners, they should not be alarmed.

   For the last 10 years, the NW Campus has participated in the Adopt-A-School program sponsored by Fort Worth ISD. Students from the adopted school, WJ Turner Elementary, often visit the campus.

   During Halloween, small masked children can be found trick-or-treating at the campus, as part of the program. It is just one event sponsored for the children by the faculty on NW Campus.

   The children visit offices and are greeted by undercover faculty dressed as Big Bird or Mother Goose. The field trip allows the children to trick-or-treat safely and learn something while they are doing so.

   Another program allows the staff to donate items to the school during their Christmas party each year. One year over 500 books were donated to the school. Last year, school supplies were donated to the children.

   The college often invites the school to the campus.

   Some teachers bring their students to the library to research for extra credit.

   In preparation for the TAAS test each year, the fourth-grade students are invited to the campus to participate in a writing camp.
John Martin, associate dean of learning resources, works heavily with the program.

   “We try to make this not only a fun experience, but a learning experience,” he said.

   The campus also opens its doors for the WJ Turner teachers during some teacher workdays or for workshops.

   Many times groups or programs shown on the NW Campus will also perform for the students at WJ Turner.

   The adopt-a-school program is nationally recognized and is being copied by other school districts around the country.

   Other local businesses are involved in the program with some of the over 150 schools in Fort Worth ISD.

   In conjunction with Coca Cola and Carnival, TCC has won awards for the program, including Outstanding Teamwork between multiple partners.

   “The program has become a model for other school districts around the country,” Martin said.