COMMUNITY IMPACT
SATURDAY SCHOOL AT THE WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS By Holly Roberts
Washington School for Girls Committee Members: From left to right: Lauren Yoroshko, Megan Quigley, Sydnie Reynolds, Jemma Parsons, Jennie Kronthal, Helen Anthony, and Alexa Green
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or many in the Washington, DC, area, Saturdays are reserved for running errands, attending little league games, and engaging in well-deserved relaxation. However, for Junior League of Washington (JLW) women serving on the Washington School for Girls (WSG) Committee, Saturdays are spent making a difference in the lives of young girls through the Saturday School program. While the League has been involved with the Saturday School program for years, WSG recently launched a new focus to reach girls who need the most support. By using a tiered approach, WSG can now identify girls who are struggling academically and use Saturday mornings to provide math and reading support.
Beginning bright and early, JLW volunteers are ready to aid in that effort. Committee members serve breakfast to Saturday School attendees by 9:30 a.m. and then work with the girls in small groups until 12 p.m. Tasks can vary week to week based on the instructor, but JLW members are present to help each girl achieve academic success. “Saturday School gives WSG students the opportunity to get hands on help outside of the school day, from supportive adults other than their teachers. In facilitating an 8th grade book club, or helping girls enhance their math skills, JLW volunteers can see their work impacting students first hand,” says Helen Anthony, Vice Chair of Washington School for Girls. Alexis Olive, Chair of the WSG Committee, is particularly excited about the impact
this new approach will have on the younger girls who are new to the Washington School for Girls. “Saturday School will help provide them with more support to succeed throughout their career,” said Olive. Olive also explained that WSG already has a proven track record of impact with high rates of high school and college graduation among its alumnae. “As the School continues to grow, it needs to fill the learning gap in the community, and Saturday School is another tool and opportunity to reach the girls,” said Olive. Reaching these young women undoubtedly requires a commitment. By partnering with the Washington School for Girls, JLW volunteers can help close the education gap, and forever impact the trajectory of these girls’ lives. •
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