Fayette County Retired Teachers Hear From FCF, La Grange Main Street

The Fayette County Retired Teachers Association met on Nov. 11 at New Life Methodist Church in La Grange with 14 members in attendance.

Members enjoyed an informative presentation on the THRIVE mentoring program by Ashleigh Parks, the Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement for The Fayette Community Foundation, and Caleb Parks, Main Street Manager for the City of La Grange.

Ashleigh Parks stressed the importance of reaching out to students by matching an adult volunteer with a student in the area for academic and behavioral interventions. The THRIVE program began in Schulenburg ISD and currently has over 30 mentors. The program has expanded into La Grange ISD under the direction of Assistant Superintendent Stacy Eilers. Informal meetings with an adult mentor who takes an active interest will assist a student through role modeling, homework assistance, and helping the student transition into the workforce.

The business portion of the meeting included presenting Additions to the Standing Rules for FCTRTA, which were approved unanimously by all members present. Members were reminded to keep recording their volunteer hours, and donations of craft supplies were taken for the 18+ program at La Grange ISD.

Jeanne Wetjen was the winner of the member retention drawing, and Lisa Slinkard was the Book Project Winner.

The next meeting of the Fayette County Retired Teachers Association will be Jan. 13, 2025 where goodie baskets will be prepared for Teacher Appreciation Week for schools in Fayette County.