Seven years ago, after a year-long discernment process, a number of us started tutoring at a nearby public school. Within a year, First Presbyterian Church and Giffen Memorial Elementary School formed a partnership that extended past tutoring. We helped build playground equipment, repaired instruments and organized a special day that brought several authors and illustrators each spring to do small presentations and sign books that the children received for free.
However, we always wanted to do more. About two years ago, we formed a not-for-profit, free, after-school tutoring program. The students come twice a week and each works with his or her own tutor on reading, writing and problem-solving skills for 90 minutes. The Wizard’s Wardrobe uses a creative atmosphere to encourage our students to take risks and let their imaginations soar. Our goal is that every 1st and 2nd grader who starts with us will be reading on grade level no later than third grade.
– Debra Fagans, volunteer executive director
Share your 150-word story of “what’s right” with the Outlook by emailing it to submissions@pres-outlook.org.
