The Volunteer & Partnership Program supports the goals of Arlington Public Schools, particularly Goal #4: Effective Relationships. APS partners help us “to build effective relationships with parents and the community so that they know about and actively support the education of our students.”
The V&P Program brings business and professional people into the schools to work directly with students, teachers and administrators on projects targeted at improving student achievement.
The following businesses support Gunston through the V&P program:
 Coalition of 100 Black Women
LaVerne Yates
Provides mentoring, field trips and cultural opportunities for Gunston girls
 Project Earth Force
Jen McDonnell, Executive Director
JMcDonnell@earthforce.org
1908 Mount Vernon Ave., 2nd Fl. Alexandria, VA 22301
Works with students on environmental issues, especially as they pertain to the Four Mile Run watershed.
 NEIGHBORS MENTOR PROGRAM
Helen McMahon, Coordinator
Every week, volunteer mentors work in the classroom, primarily with HILT students and second language learners. Tutors provide academic support and a listening ear.
THE DANCE PLACE
 Hermoine Glass
Sylvia Hall
3225 8th Street NE Washington, DC 20017
Taught African Dance and Drumming classes at cost. Work with us to enhance our Black History initiatives. 
Hard Times Café
Cindy MacIntyre and Richard Kelly
Provide food/refreshments routinely for a wide array of school events.
 Crystal City Sports Pub
Bill Bayne
Provide food for school wide events; provide free space at restaurant for staff parties.
Crystal City/Pentagon Rotary Club
 The Crystal City/Pentagon Rotary Club entered into a strategic partnership with Gunston beginning in the 07-08 school year. The club provides Gunston a wide array of services and resources including financial support for community service projects, summer enrichment scholarships, teacher appreciation donations, science fair judges, career day presenters and guest resource speakers. The Crystal City-PentagonRotary Club began a new year of support for the Gunston Middle School this on September 23, 2009. Ms. Holly Frisch, ablind member of the club, will be mentoring students in reading skills byfollowing along in her Braille reader. “Thestudents really enjoy being with Holly and love the chance to see her dog guideCloe,” said Ms. Mary Callow, Gunston Middle School Activities Director. “We are happy to have the Rotarians reading with thestudents” said Ms. Diana Garmus, a Resource Teacher for Grade 7 English Skills. The local Rotary clubreceived a competitive $1,500 grant from Rotary International to supportGunston Middle School during the year and the club will match that amount withtheir own funds. Besides help withreading, the club will also support the Gunston Career Day, Science Fair, andprovide mentored field trips for the Gunston “Cohort” student program using thegrant money. The Cohort programstrives to increase the number of African-American and Hispanic students whopass SOL tests, make the honor roll, and read at or above grade-level. Four groups led by trained GMS staffmembers meet weekly to support and encourage each other to maximize theiracademic potential. TheCrystal City Pentagon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for breakfast at7:30-8:30 AM on the 3rd floor of the Crystal City Sport Pub, 529 23rdSt. South, Arlington. Individualsinterested in serving the community should contact the club president, HaywardHull at hullh@aol.com for more information.Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation
T.R.E.K. program
In school year 07-08, the TREK program began a new partnership with Gunston by providing after school tutoring and homework help two days per week in school.
 Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
Rocklands partnered with Gunston in support of the cohort program by providing a catered dinner for 125 cohort members and their families.
Aurora Highlands Civic Association
 The civic association provided financial support for cohort program and will enter into a strategic partnership in the 08-09 school year to provide enrichment opportunities.
 AMEN
Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs
Worked together to learn about the plight of the homeless in Arlington and to raise money to alleviate homelessness.
A-SPAN
 Arlington Street People Assistance Network
Work together to learn about the plight of the homeless in Arlington and to raise money to alleviate homelessness.
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