By Larry Coonrod, Lebanon Express writer | Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:00 am
Lebanon High School is asking parents and community members for help in running an after-hours tutoring program starting Oct. 27.
Volunteers need not be proficient in an academic area to help.
"The main role of an academic mentor is to check that students are doing homework, help them with time management and just be there to give positive reinforcement," said Heather Wilkins, LHS parent volunteer and after-hours program coordinator.
Tutoring will be available in all core subject areas. Initially, math teachers will be available to help with homework questions. As the program grows, teachers from other core subject areas will participate.
The high school administration created Wilkins' position to address the large number of students struggling to pass math classes.
In addition to tutors, these other positions need filled: volunteer drivers, phone call assistants, homework organizers and classroom support positions.
Hours for after school tutoring are:
€ Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 3:30-5 p.m.
€ Early release Wednesdays: 1-3:45 p.m.
€ Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7-8 a.m.
Hours will be flexible to accommodate mentors' schedules, Wilkins said.
Volunteers need to fill out an application and submit to a no-cost criminal background check.
Wilkins, 29, has previously worked with at-risk teens as a residential services aide and with Upward Bound, a federally-funded program that helps prepare low income and rural students for college.
"Getting students and the community involved in the after-hours program can help change the culture of the community," Wilkins said.
For more information, contact Wilkins at 451-8555 or by e-mail at heather.wilkins@ lebanon.k12.or.us.