Project Cornerstone is a program where parents read meaningful books to students and lead important discussions and activities throughout the school year. The books are focused on respect, tolerance, peaceful conflict resolution, caring and friendship. Children learn what to do if they encounter bullying and how to become an UP-stander. Parents will read 1 book each month, beginning at the start of the school year, and complete a total of 7 books, lasting until the end of the year. Readings are scheduled based on an agreed upon date/time with the teacher.
The goal of Project Cornerstone is to create an environment where caring adults support students so they grow to be resilient, empathetic, and empowered.
As a reader, you can expect to dedicate 3 - 4 hours each month:
~1 hour attending the training (in-person/online*)
~1-2 hours preparing the lesson reading, follow-up discussion, and activities
~1 hour in the classroom doing the reading/activity session with the students.
At Lincoln, we hold monthly in-person trainings for readers in 1st-5th grade, while TK and Kinder book trainings are run directly by the YMCA and via Zoom.
Please note: Project Cornerstone has one set of books for TK/Kinder students, and a different set of books for 1st-5th graders. If you decide to read for both a TK/K class and a 1st-5th class, you will need to attend trainings for two separate books each month.
There are two steps to becoming a Project Cornerstone reader. Both steps must be completed before being allowed to enter classrooms and read to children:
Complete Volunteer Matters registration and training
Summary of requirements to be a CUSD cleared volunteer:
TB Test (valid within 4 years of test read date)
Fingerprinting through LiveScan (CUSD contracts with ??? for a discounted rate)
Mandated Reporter Training please upload into the Volunteer Agreement Form
If you have any questions regarding CUSD clearance, please contact: Rochelle Chu at chu_rochelle@cusdk8.org or 408-252-4798 x70105
Helpful tips to complete Volunteer Matters registration and training:
Registration takes about 20-30 minutes and only needs to be completed once.
You will be notified once you have completed it.
If you have any questions regarding Volunteer Matters, please contact: projectcornerstonelincoln@gmail.com
To get you started on the next steps, please contact:
projectcornerstonelincoln@gmail.com
To learn more about Project Cornerstone:
Through Project Cornerstone, we can help all children feel valued and respected!
