TRI-LAKES AREA — Administrators, teachers and staff members at Jessieville Middle School want their students to succeed and do all they can to ensure that success.
“Our goal is to help each student grow academically, physically and socially to become responsible, contributing members of our society,” Principal Janis Bremer said.
One way the school works to achieve that goal is by offering free tutoring to those students who may need a little extra help. This service is offered through the Jessieville School District’s Tutoring Center, coordinated by Jody Kidwell.
The tutoring, which is carried out by a dedicated core of volunteers, can come as a result of a request by a teacher, a parent or a student.
“The tutoring program began in 1980,” Kidwell said. “There were 25 students in it and three tutors.
“Now, with a districtwide enrollment of 932 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, I have approximately 85 students (K-12) getting help from about 30 tutors.
“Our tutors are a lovely g roup of people, most of whom are retirees who live in the (Hot Springs) Village. I have to coordinate the times they have available with the kids who need help.”
All subjects are covered in the tutoring center, “From Spanish to geometry and all in between,” Kidwell said with a smile.
Kidwell provides lesson plans to the tutors, and for the younger students, she prepares a folder for their teachers.
“We have all the resources for these teachers,” she said. “Most of them are retired from administrative jobs, big jobs. They just love to be with the kids.”
Kidwell, who is in her first year as the full-time volunteer tutor coordinator, said, “We always need more tutors. As our enrollment goes up, so, too, does the need for tutors.”
Students come for tutoring once a week, for a 50-minute period.
“We pull them out of non core subjects,” Kidwell explained. “They come during recess, library time, computer time. They can come for a second period of tutoring, if we can work it out, but we make sure everybody gets help first, before we go to that second class for a student. We’re open from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. five days a week.”
Kidwell began working at the tutoring center four years ago and “just eased into” her current position. She was a banker for 21 years.
“I did a complete 360-degree turn,” she said, laughing. “I was a stay-at-home mom for a while, then I started volunteering here at the school. I became involved with the Parent-Teacher Organization and they asked me if I would be interested in working in the tutoring center. I did it for two days a week for one year, then three days a week for the next year, and here I am today, coordinating the services five days a week.
“I go into the classes sometimes. I love to read to the younger ones. Tender, loving care is what they need. I love to spend time with them.”
Shirley Harvey, who lives in Hot Springs Village, has been volunteering at the tutoring center for 15 years.
“I come on Tuesdays,” she said. “I retired here in 1994, and someone called me up and asked if I would like to volunteer at the school.
“I said, ‘I’m not a teacher, never have been.’ But I signed up that next year (1995), and now they can’t get rid of me. I was an office manager in New York before coming here. It’s a lot easier to manage children.”
D.L. Bennett, also of the Village, has been volunteering at the center for about 15 years.
“I’ve been in and out , though,” he said. “I can’t seem to stay away. The only thing I’ve tried to teach is math.
“I’m just an old farmer who drifted away from Arkansas and then came back. I’m the one who’s getting an education. I enjoy it.”
Raul Monarque has been tutoring at the Jessieville center for about 3 1/2 years.
“I’m supposed to get a Rolex at the end of the year,” he said with a laugh.
He tutors in math and English.
“I came to the Village from Colorado Springs,” he said. “I retired as an Allstate Insurance agent. I’ve always liked to volunteer. I like coming here very much.” - crolf@arkansasonline.com
Tri-Lakes, Pages 56 on 10/15/2009