Leader(s)
Cathy Kim-annual-report-2025
Members
Gary Ezzell, Linda Vance, Jan Kaplan, Susan Morris, Sharon Hise, Joan Myer, Smoot
Carl-Mitchell, Kathleen Waldron, Christine Seashore, Gillian Hamilton, Leslie Stallcop, Eileen Paddock,
Mike Gattorna, Mickey Tucker, Herb Tucker, many other members and friends of UUCP who have
assisted our efforts with contributions of time, money and supplies, and other members of this
community partnership
Group’s Main Purpose
As members of a community partnership with Beatitudes Campus, Church of
the Beatitudes, Delta Kappa Gamma Education Sorority, and various individual community members,
we support Maryland Elementary School, which has the highest poverty level in a district of 32 schools,
and almost no family involvement, in a variety of ways, including tutoring students, assisting with a
garden and outdoor education program, collecting school supplies and holiday gifts, providing staff
support, and responding to needs expressed by administration and staff as they arise.
Accomplishments in Past Year
We were active in all the above areas, with an increased number of tutor and garden volunteers.
The efforts of these volunteers had a significant impact and were very much appreciated. The
volunteers indicate that they have found it to be a satisfying endeavor, especially enjoying
relationships with these wonderful young people who very much need the mentoring and extra
academic help.
● Our volunteers have helped with the garden/outdoor education program which is building in a
new direction. Grants for the first time allowed the school to hire a part time Outdoor Education
Teacher who works with individual teachers at all grade levels to connect their curriculum to
lesson plans and activities that will encourage them to conduct classes outside on a regular basis,
as research shows this has many important benefits for children and staff. Share Our Plate
contributions in September helped a lot in the purchase of supplies to create more outdoor
education spaces on the campus. The results of this program have been significant, and we are
currently assisting with grant writing to continue the Outdoor Education Teacher into next year.
● Maryland School has not had a parent organization for many years. Our partnership provides
some support for staff through monthly gift card drawings and four meals during the year which
a PTA would typically do. Additionally we provide volunteers and snacks for some of the after
school family events
● We have encouraged UUCP friends and members to support Maryland School with their AZ tax
credit donations.
● We appreciate the work of Civic Engagement in raising awareness at UUCP of how we can help
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impact the work of our legislature in supporting public education. The lack of support is causing
more staff and budget cuts. The funding system is broken, and we need more work to turn things
around.
Challenges in Past Year
The social emotional well being of students in the last few years has been especially challenging,
due to conditions in our society and in the families of many of these young people. Attendance,
behavior, general well-being, academic performance all suffer.
● Staff burnout was evident again this year, with the result that more teachers continue to leave the
school and the teaching profession altogether. The general lack of support for public education
makes it difficult for people who love children and teaching to use their passion and skills.
Challenges for Upcoming Year
Challenges will be similar in the next year, in this school with so many
needs. Our participation in this partnership offering whatever we can do to help Maryland School, is
very important and much appreciated.
Goals for Upcoming Year
● To expand our partnership group and give more organizations and individuals the opportunity
to participate in a very meaningful program
● To continue building the team of volunteers for classroom and outdoor education
● To continue providing support for activities as needed
● To continue raising awareness for support of public education