Front Porch Alliance Programs
at Faxon Elementary
We’re excited to return to Faxon Elementary
for the 2023-2024 Academic Year!
Hello!
My name is Hanna Hochstelter and I am the Youth Programs Coordinator at Front Porch Alliance.
Over the last two years, I have worked with youth across the metro and Eastside Kansas City. Front Porch Alliance currently runs six STEAM programs for youth (5-17) throughout the year. Here at Faxon, we run PALs, Robotics, and RISE.
We’re excited to return to Faxon in just a few weeks. Since the mid-2000s, Front Porch Alliance has collaborated with Faxon teachers and staff and supported Faxon students. When you see me, YC NAME, Charlotte, PALs, or anyone else wearing a Front Porch Alliance shirt, please say hello.
We love connecting with the Faxon community.
See everyone in a few weeks!
Hanna Hochstetler
Youth Programs Coordinator
You may see our dedicated PALs walking through our hallways with a lanyard and name tag that looks like the one above! PALs help students with reading and math skills while also providing the benefit of a caring, consistent adult mentor. Some of our PALs volunteers also assist teachers in the classroom. We have two main contacts connected to our PALs program: Hanna Hochstetler and Charlotte Davison
Charlotte Davison (right) has been with the PALs program since it’s start in the early 2000s. Through her friendship with Principal Snipes, Charlotte helped cement the PALs program as a Faxon staple.
As the PALs Coordinator, Charlotte:
- assists with PAL recruitment, orientation, and registration with the district
- Collaborates with teachers to match PALs with students
- Introduces students and PALs
- Serves as the main point of contact for PALs and makes sure they receive school updates
Robotics teaches coding and programming skills, teamwork, and innovative problem solving. Our two Robotics teams are run in partnership with LINC. We work with 5th & 6th grade students after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program runs all school year and we compete in the local competition with FIRST Lego League each December.
Last year, the Promised Robot Slayers advanced to the Regional Championship at Crown Center. While there, they received the Spirit Award for their team attitudes and support!
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we coordinate the annual RISE (Reading Inspirational Stories to Empower) event across Eastside Kansas City. Faxon participated for the first time in January 2023. During RISE, students learn about social justice work and identify areas for change in our neighborhoods. Volunteers spend approximately one hour with each registered classroom.
FPA invites local community members to join classrooms across KCPS to read inspirational stories centered around important issues and students are then invited to respond and take action. As our country continues to work and struggle toward equity, our intergenerational RISE program encourages students & local community members to work together, using our voices to build power and enact change. Following RISE, we work with local elected officials to schedule follow up visits with each school group. In the past, we have met with local council members and the Mayor!
If you are interested in joining with us in January for RISE, sign up here:
Youth Coach
In addition to Hanna and Charlotte, you might see our new Youth Coach walking Faxon’s halls. We are in the process of hiring this individual and look forward to them joining the Front Porch Alliance team in early September. More information soon!
