Beginning this February, the State Mentoring Initiative (SMI) will be assisting West Middle School with its tutoring program. SMI is sponsored by the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy and the WV National Guard. The program is designed to match WV youth with local, caring adults. The program's goals are to decrease school violence, dropout rates, and substance abuse, while increasing school performance and behavior.
West Middle School has initiated a tutoring program. In this program students will receive tutoring assistance from local community members, parents, and peer tutors during and after school. If transportation needs are an issue, the school will work with the student on a case-by-case basis.
The State Mentoring Initiative was approached by Mrs. Clark who requested tutoring assistance for West's students through the SMI program. Additions to the program include: the hiring of a county coordinator, Mrs. Donna Rumbaugh, to run the program, and training of all perspective mentors and tutors (plus, they must be fingerprinted and undergo police background checks).
The overall program plans to provide West Middle School students with trained mentors and tutors who will help them develop study skills, work hard in their classes, develop personal goals, and, more importantly, be a really good listener.
For more information on becoming a mentor or tutor, please contact Lynn Clark at 528-5214, or Donna Rumbaugh at 420-0001.
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Become a Volunteer, Tutor, or Mentor
The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child", is often quoted, but I believe also very misunderstood. By 'the village' doesn't mean turning our children over to government agencies and relinquishing our responsibilities as parents. It's very simple, really. Everyone has many and varied talents. Not everyone can be a carpenter, police officer, doctor, teacher, dancer, farmer, etc. We can each only do so much. For example, the father who leads the photography club has great knowledge and skill where photography is concerned. If you were to look at some of the obtuse shots I've made, you'd know my talents are no where near being able to 'just point and click' like the commercial says.
This is where volunteers, mentors, and tutors are invaluable. The community, as a whole, has a wealth of talent, informetion, and experiences to share. Whether it's the ability to work under the hood of a car, grow a vegetable garden, make a book come to life, or just sit and listen to someone else's story, you have something very special to offer to the youth of the 'West Middle School village'. I hope you'll make the decision right now to join our team, and help make West Huntington the best place to be. -Lynn Clark
