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Empowering
begins third year of After School tutoring
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Today, after weeks of preparation, Empowering Darke County
Youth begins its third year of After School tutoring, its second at
Greenville Elementary and Intermediate Schools.
We began preparing almost immediately after Summer Tutoring at Edison
State Community College had wrapped up. We worked with 42 students
during June and July, primarily in the areas of math and reading
comprehension, seeing major growth in many of them.
One student who had struggled all year in math “got it” this summer.
When everyone else was ready for a break, he was ready for more math.
Having several experienced tutors involved in preparing for this fall –
plus more than 40 Edison State students ready to help during the
semester – was the difference this year. We’ve had two years to learn
what works and what doesn’t work… and thanks to those who are
supporting us, we are prepared for the increase we knew was coming.
No more waiting list was our major goal for 2018-19.
Our initial enrollment in 2017 was 59 students. That was the most we
could effectively work with. Within a few weeks we had a waiting list
of 32 students. This year we have already enrolled 79 students and have
procedures in place to work with more if needed.
Will we meet the “no waiting list” goal in the long term? I don’t know.
We know there are struggling students not in our program; whether or
not they ask for help remains to be seen. If they do, we’ll do our best
to help them.
What I liked most… I saw names of students we couldn’t help last year.
It was a welcome relief to be able to send a confirmation notice to the
child’s parents.
Our teachers are phenomenal. They care about their kids and do a
tremendous job. I know… I’m a sub and I see it in their students. Last
year I was actually able to substitute for a little over two weeks
running. I was worn out!! Teachers have their charges for nine months.
Many are offering to help with materials and lesson plans.
It’s a team effort… we follow their lead and the kids get the benefit.
On behalf of our kids, we owe a debt of thanks to the Darke County
United Way, Greenville Eagles, Bistro Off Broadway, Greenville City
Schools for the use of their facility, Edison State for the use of its
Darke County Campus as our home base, our Edison State students, and
the dozens of individuals, organizations and businesses who have been
supporting us. Without this united effort there would be no program.
Want more information on how you can help? Drop us a line at
empoweringyouth101@gmail.com or message us on Empowering Darke County
Youth Facebook.
The Empowering Mission: Empowering Darke County Youth provides After
School and Summer Tutoring programs to assist students in the areas of
language arts and math with the goal of Strong Students for a Strong
Community.
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