It might not be the first thing that pops to mind when you hear ‘club,? but it’s something that students at Blanche Sims and Orion Oaks Elementary are enjoying and reaping the benefits of.
Through a partnership between Lake Orion schools and Orion Area Youth Assistance (OAYA), the organization offers a Homework Club, every Tuesday and Thursday at Sims, and a Tutoring Club, every Wednesday at Oaks.
Both programs are popular, with 10 to 30 students attending each session.
‘Many of the children need some extra one-on-one time with an adult and would have difficulty getting their daily work done without this extra support,? Sims Principal Eric Whitney said. ‘Youth Assistance has gone out of their way to remove many obstacles that stand in the way of our children succeeding.?
‘We are very proud to be their partner in supporting the children of our community,? he added.
These clubs are offered as a free service for students in grades third through fifth, and are made possible through adult, high school student and teacher volunteers.
According to Oaks Principal Brian Kaplan, at their school Teacher Consultant Gail Rebert oversees the program, and communicates directly with each teacher to find out what each student should be working on during their time in the club.
‘Everyone young and old needs a little help sometimes,? Kaplan said. ‘This homework/tutoring program allows students an opportunity to get a little extra attention when they feel they need it.?
‘The tutors reinforce work that came directly from the classroom teachers,? he added. ‘This communication and providing the students with extra time can turn a negative learning situation into a positive one.?
Administrators, teachers and parents aren’t the only ones that enjoy these clubs, as they are also a favorite amongst their elementary student participants.
‘It’s good,? said fifth grader Luis Urban. ‘You get help from people that really do know stuff.?
‘They’re really nice. I really like ’em,? he added about the club’s ‘helpers.?
According to Rebert, the students not only benefit from the re-explanation and reinforcement of skills and concepts taught in their classrooms, but also from the relationships they develop.
‘They have built relationships with their high school student tutors and Youth Assistance volunteers and look forward to meeting with them weekly,? she added.
Lake Orion High School senior Jason Freeman is one of the volunteer ‘helpers? that works with the students. He got involved with the program after some of his friends started tutoring, and recommends that others help out, too.
‘It’s good to help out and have fun with all the kids,? he added. ‘Don’t be afraid to try it.?
According to OAYA Secretary Kelli Johnson, they are looking for more student and adult volunteers, and she said that it is ‘up to them how often they volunteer.?
To get involved with Orion Area Youth Assistance, they can be reached at (248)693-6878 or e-mail kjohnson1@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
‘It is wonderful to work with an organization like Youth Assistance,? Kaplan added.
‘They want to make such a positive difference with young people.?