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Volunteers make difference in children’s education

Jack Wolf shows Daniel Evans and Caitlin Barr a chunk of coal after reading a book about rocks and minerals to the Amanda Elementary School students Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009 in Middletown. Wolf volunteers his time by reading with the students in a small group setting.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Jack Wolf shows Daniel Evans and Caitlin Barr a chunk of coal after reading a book about rocks and minerals to the Amanda Elementary School students Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009 in Middletown. Wolf volunteers his time by reading with the students in a small group setting.

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer 8:29 PM Sunday, October 25, 2009

One person and just one hour a week can make a huge difference for Middletown children.

That’s what Sandy Luksic and other volunteers discovered by spending time weekly reading or doing math with elementary school students at Amanda, Highview and Wildwood elementary schools.

Luksic, a retired school employee, spent an hour and a half at Amanda each week listening to students read news articles, sports stories or even the ads for puppies.

“I think it really benefited them,” Luksic said of the students. “They were reading more freely. I noticed their comprehension seemed to improve about what they were reading and not just dragging through the words.”

Luksic will listen to students read aloud again this year as part of a small group of volunteers.

More volunteers are need, as some had to leave the state or weren’t available this school year, said coordinator Glenna Fisher.

Fisher said people should not feel that they are unqualified or that volunteering would take a large amount of time.

“The need for volunteers never goes away, because kids who need extra help don’t suddenly stop needing it just because no one is available,” Fisher said.

“Most people have the skills required,” she said, “and the desire to see children succeed in school.

“And the time commitment is minimal – one to two hours each week. Teachers plan the exercises volunteers use with the children and have them ready when the volunteer arrives,” she said.

“This is an area where all of us can contribute to our community in a meaningful way,” she said. “We remember the people who made a difference in our lives. They’re the people who spent one-on-one time with us and who cared about what happened to us.”

Ohio Rep. Tim Derickson is not a math teacher. And police advisory president Jack Wolf is not a reading instructor.

But both men are willing to spend at least an hour a week with Middletown elementary school students.

And their small influence makes a difference in the kids’ education and their lives.

“I’m no math teacher, but I certainly can help on a third-grade level,” said Derickson, who volunteered last year at Wildwood Elementary School.

“The kids just want some one-on-one time,” he said. “Boy, they can learn if you spend one-on-one time with them.”

Derickson and Wolf are part of a small group of volunteers that for the second year are working at three elementary schools in Middletown, giving just an hour or two a week to spend time reading or doing simple math with students.

“The need for more volunteers in my opinion is real,” said Sen. Gary Cates, who volunteers at Highview Elementary School.

“It’s a worthwhile program and it doesn’t cost you more than about an hour a week,” Cates said.

“The key to good volunteering is being committed,” said teacher Rita Kolp, whose class spent time with Cates.

“Volunteers from different walks of life bring another perspective to students,” Kolp said.

Just interacting and sharing experiences with students adds to their basic vocabulary and helps when they read new information.

“The simple act of talking and being a regular part of a child’s life increases their chances to learn,” she said. “Senator Cates takes that very seriously but you do not have to be a senator you just have to be some one who is willing to stay the course.”

Wolf experienced that recently, reading a book with a small group of third-graders of Amanda Elementary School students.

When the group reached the word “nocturnal,” no one knew what it mean. But with the definition they rattled of animals that they knew were active at night.

“Their faces just exploded,” he said. “As soon as we were done, they just bolted back to their teacher saying “Guess what we learned.’”

“If you have a little time to give to kids, they’ll really appreciate you sharing it with them,” Derickson said.

“To see these kids learn and grow and look forward to you coming back, I don’t know what more you could ask for. It’s very rewarding,” Derickson said.

“They don’t want much, they just want a little time,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact school spokeswoman Debbie Alberico at (513) 423-0781.

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