As the 2020-2021 school year is winding down, we at Open Arms are beginning to think about next year. We hope that you are too.
When school starts up again in the fall many students are going to want to come to the Open Arms Community for help with their school work. Open Arms has provided this type of service since we first opened our doors in 2000. But the pandemic and a year of virtual schooling gave us an opportunity to look at our program with fresh eyes and alter our approach. As a result, the 2021-2022 school year’s tutoring program will be different.
First of all, it will only be open to grades K-5. The rest of the changes are in our structure. Here’s a simple outline:
Students will arrive (by personal transport or Open Arms van) on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
When students arrive they will be given a journal prompt. (Each student will either write or draw pictures about their week or a certain topic)
Students will then divide into groups to either go to centers or work on homework. Centers will include: Web based learning, Math, Language Arts, or Spelling & Vocabulary. Students will visit two centers each week (20 minutes each)
After center time, students will eat dinner.
After dinner, students will be dismissed to go home at 7:00 pm
We will need volunteers to help with:
Driving the van
Supervising students when they arrive and general homework help
Running each center (Web learning, Math, Language Arts, Spelling & Vocabulary)
Assisting with centers
Providing meals each week (different individuals/groups can volunteer different weeks)
If you are interested in volunteering, please let Rev. Julie know now so we can start planning. There will be an information meeting and Safe Sanctuaries Training for all weekly volunteers before the tutoring year starts. If your group is interested in providing a Tuesday evening meal, please sign up here.