Ruth Hill & Welch Elementary Schools
Reading Readiness Program
At Ruth Hill Elementary and Welch Elementary Site Coordinators, Cristal Malinofsky and Linda Bennett led a Reading Readiness program with a select small group of 1st & 2nd grade students, focusing on building strong early literacy skills. Students worked on phonics, letter sounds, sight words, and began reading strategies through fun, hands-on activities in a small group setting. Students enjoyed literacy activities and story time discussions, which helped boost both their confidence and excitement about reading. Financial support was made possible through Delta Community Credit Unions’ Philanthropic Fund Program.
Ruth Hill & Welch Elementary Schools
Fifth Grade Girls Clubs
Ruth Hill Elementary site coordinator, Cristal Malinofsky continued her “Just Be You” 5th grade girls program—a space where students could connect, grow, and build confidence together. Throughout the year, they focused on topics like friendship, leadership, self-esteem, and goal setting through meaningful discussions and fun activities. Each visit sparked great conversations and gave the girls valuable perspectives to carry with them into middle school.
Welch Elementary School site coordinator, Linda Bennett, started an afterschool group for 5th-grade girls. The group was called the Welch Circle of Friends. The girls in the program discussed various topics such as self-esteem and friendship. Each session, the girls did a craft related to the topic discussed. This group was able to provide the girls with skills and confidence as they move into middle school next year.
Smokey Road Middle School
Financial Literacy Program
In partnership with Southern States Bank, a pilot program for a select group of ELEVATE caseload students at Smokey Road Middle School recently wrapped up this school year. The purpose of the program was to teach students about how to save, how to budget, how to write a check, career paths, college paths, what a paycheck looks like and electronic banking. Tara Davis, branch manager at Oak Hill Blvd and Kate Grant, Site Coordinator at Smokey Road worked together to come up with skills and lessons that they felt the students would benefit from.
“At Southern States Bank, our team takes pride in giving back to our community. Our partnership with Elevate Coweta to promote financial literacy not only connects with our mission, it also allows us to connect with the youth in our community to prepare them for future personal and business decisions that will lead them to a better financial well-being.”
Garnet Reynolds, Market President Southern States Bank
Ruth Hill Elementary, Smokey Road Middle & Newnan High Schools
Move Up Program
Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, ELEVATE has made it a priority to assist students moving up grade levels. Students have historically had challenges and face barriers as they transition from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school. Site coordinators promote a positive experience prior to and during this transition by meeting with current 5th and 8th grade caseload students including those who are referred by school administrators, teachers, and counselors to establish relationships to make their transition more seamless with less stress and anxiety.
Through these relationships, they can identify issues and barriers that might cause academic or behavior problems. Spending time and building relationships will allow students to navigate the challenges of moving to a new and bigger school. Helping with the expected anxiety and discomfort allows students to flourish and succeed academically in their new environments.
Facts & Figures
2024-25 End of Year Statistics
As we wrap up another incredible school year, we’re thrilled to share the strides our students have made. Thanks to the unwavering support of our mentors, teachers, volunteers and community partners, ELEVATE Coweta Students has witnessed tangible success across our programs! From achieving a 92% graduation rate for our senior caseload students to expanding our mentorship program to over 300 mentors, this year has been a testament to the power of our community and dedication of our volunteers.
Making Life Better In Coweta
Success Stories
Our success stories are people who worked hard to graduate from high school in order to make a better life for themselves. Turning potential dropouts into high school graduates makes life better for everyone in Coweta County.
During the 2024 – 2025 school year, ELEVATE Coweta Students made a substantial impact in thousands of lives. We served a total 440 caseload students, as well as 2,054 individual students by supplying them with clothing, school supplies, and food. We also guided them in safe driving awareness and worked with them on college and career prep.
Community Impact
Better Students Means Better Business
The impact of ELEVATE Coweta Students isn’t measured on a spreadsheet. It’s evident in Coweta’s economic vitality and gracious lifestyle—benefits that accompany a well-educated workforce.
A better-educated workforce is crucial to building a growing, prosperous community. When choosing to open a new business or expand existing facilities, businesses are attracted to Coweta County because of our highly-skilled, well-educated workforce.
When ELEVATE Coweta Students helps more students graduate and enter the local workforce, everybody wins.