News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Celina K8’s after-school tutoring program is seeing a record high.
Supervisor of Instruction Misty Strong said that while the program typically sees about 35 to 40 students, it has been averaging over 60.
“They follow a schedule where they’re engaged in dedicated minutes for homework help, they have STREAM, STEM activities, physical activities, family engagement,” Strong said. “And then they also have activities beyond that, like for example, leadership, career awareness.”
Strong said that she attributes the increase to the fact that the program is working. She said that it is also a testament to site coordinator Debbie Jones and her commitment to her role as recruiter, communicator, and student motivator.
“And also the teachers that are extending their school day and not going home until 5:30 or 6 are true assets and we’ve got to keep them,” Strong said. “And they also do morning tutoring, so it takes a real trooper to get there for 30 minutes to an hour each morning and begin their day earlier and make their day longer. It truly is a whole partnership.”
Strong said that the program is made possible through the state of Tennessee’s LEAP grant.
“We’re thrilled at this point that we’re able to offer it,” Strong said. “That we have such great attendance and remember it’s grades K through 8 so we have the whole gambit of students. But it’s a great program and a great opportunity.”
