If you are worried that the 2020 spring slide, missed school days, remote learning, and this year’s other numerous stressors, are causing your child’s education to slip - have no fear, because across the region, tutoring help is here!
“Helping a student to be engaged with their education and to learn the basic reading, writing, and math skills, puts them on a path for later success in life. The sooner they get on that path, the better,” said Fern Hurley, Program Director, CAPTAIN Community Health Services.
MEETING LEARNING NEEDS IN CHANGING TIMES
Under-resourced and under-engaged kids in the Shenendehowa Central School District are finding the help they need at Cheryl’s Lodge, CAPTAIN’s outreach center in Clifton Park.
They’ve made numerous changes to adapt to the changing times. They’ve exchanged their large communal tables for individual desks, added computers, and boosted their Wi-Fi capabilities.
They’ve also limited their afterschool program, which at its’ peak capacity last year served 40 students, down to just 15. Middle and high school students receive help at staggered times and remote learners are seen for a couple hours, two days a week, to help them catch up.
“Kids are happy to have someone explain problems to them if they don’t understand the directions or the teacher’s expectations,” said Hurley.
What’s still needed there are volunteers willing to help. Expertise in a specific subject area is not required.
“The smile on their faces when the kids get done with their assignments says everything,” she added.
For more information, go to captaincares.org.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS OFFER SOLUTIONS
The Ballston Spa Central School District provides two unique mentor/tutor programs with extra instructional support for their McKinney Vento students (those considered homeless because they are without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence) and their English Language Learners.
The district’s Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) program addresses academic needs and provides behavioral supports within the school day for students.
At the secondary level, there are specific staff office hours available for students, as well as additional assistance opportunities (for example, with Math Lab).
At the elementary level, the Academic Intervention Service (AIS) providers and teachers offer extra support during WIN (What I Need) time each day to students.
For students with extended absences (due to illness or other reasons) additional tutoring options are available.
For more information, go to www.bscsd.org/Page/166
STUDENTS STEP UP
When they need help, the Saratoga Springs City School District encourages students to first talk to their teachers.
There is afterschool help time offered two days a week and currently, at the secondary level, Wednesdays are being used as a support day.
The school’s Kaleidoscopes Peer Mentoring Program, for grades 6 through 11, arranges free online or combined tutoring help from other students.
Whether your child needs help with classroom assignments, instrumental lessons, or just someone else their own age to connect with, this is the place to find it.
The district guidance office also offers scholarship and financial aid support, mindfulness essential skills, and self-care tips for caregivers.
For more information, go to www.saratogaschools.org.
