Assistance for ‘tweens: Middle schoolers get homework help

By Kristine Thomas

Attendance is not mandatory for the 28 Mark Twain Middle School students who are participating in the After School Activities Program (ASAP) at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Yet, they show up – on time – even on a sunny, warm Tuesday.

For some, like eight-grader Megan Brockamp, the program gives them something to do after school.

“If I went home, I would be distracted and watch TV,” Brockamp said. “When I am here, I have time to focus on my homework and get it done. ASAP is a great place to go after-school because it gives you the place where someone can help you with your homework and then there are really fun activities to do.”

For other students, like eighth-grader Alexxa Freeman, it is a place to receive academic support.

“My mom signed me up to come here because my grades were really low – Cs and Ds. When I came here, my grades got way better – As, Bs and Cs,” Freeman said. “Then, I stopped coming here because I wanted more social time and then my grades went back…. I am back here to work on my grades and I know I can focus on what needs to be done here.”

ASAP began in January and is wrapping up this month. Local churches helped start the program that runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ashley Orr, who is the ASAP onsite coordinator, is a former middle school teacher. She’s grateful for the community’s support.

She has seen the difference it has made for the students. That’s why she wants it to continue and to add more students.

A non-profit agency that operates on donations, ASAP board members have begun a fundraising campaign with the goal of operating from September to May for the 2013-14 school year and increasing the number of students served. This year, the cap was 30 students.

ASAP Board Member Sue Roessler said it costs about $1,600 per month to run the program. The money pays for one part-time employee, food, materials and supplies. Orr is the only paid staff. There is one volunteer per three students, Orr said, adding volunteers also are needed to continue the program. The board is looking at applying for grants and continuing fundraising to support the program.

“The ASAP board is committed to keeping this program a viable option for all Mark Twain students for the rest of this year and for next year, but this will take additional resources,” Roessler said. “The generous contributions from individuals, businesses and service groups plus the countless hours from volunteer workers have made this program a success.

“While we are exploring outside funding opportunities, we will continue to need and ask for financial support from our community. It is programs like this that make Silverton such a great place to live.”

Lisa Leslie, who is a volunteer and tutoring coordinator, said ASAP works as a liaison between the school and the student by making sure missing assignments are completed. She said the tutors are retired teachers. This fall, she added, three Silverton High School seniors will volunteer as tutors for their senior project.

Since the program began, Leslie said she has seen grades improve. “We need to expand this program so that it can benefit more middle school students,” she said. “ASAP is a safe and fun place for students to go after school and receive support in their studies.”

Orr said many people in the community have volunteered to teach an activity including knitting, cake decorating, sewing, video making and art classes. s

“Middle school is the time when students need supportive and positive people around them to show them how to engage in positive behaviors,” she said. “ASAP is a place where they can get extra help with their studies and get to do fun, structured activities.”