by Janine Alven
Minarets Key Club has been brainstorming new methods of community service in the midst of distance learning and their latest project came from junior and vice president Laura Rohrbaugh. The program, called “Tutor Time,” provides free tutoring to the families in the Chawanakee Unified School District via Zoom.
Club Advisor Therese Righter explained, “It is a brand new idea that Key Club has never done before, and Laura brought it to the board to support students and parents during this time of distance learning.” Righter is hopeful the program will do well. “The Key Club volunteer tutors are currently serving eight students in grades K-9 in multiple subject areas. I have spoken with a few parents, who are very happy with the service. I think that as word gets out, the program will definitely grow and perhaps become an annual project.”
A majority of students that have requested a tutor have already met at least once or have set up meetings with their tutors. Tutoring is available to all grades in a multitude of subjects, and, because it is virtual, it operates on a flexible schedule.
When talking about Tutor Time, Rohrbaugh said, “My hope is once all schools are back to in-person teaching and it is safe to do so, we will stay with online tutoring but also do in-person tutoring if it's most beneficial for the student.” She explained her reasoning behind starting the program, saying, “I wanted to take on this project because I was seeing so many students struggle this year with online school, and I wanted to help as many students as our club could. Also, I think it is helpful for everyone to be able to socialize with different students during this time.”
Those interested can still sign up for tutoring, and Key Club members are still free to sign up to be tutors. The club hopes to get more students involved after the break, continuing to improve based on feedback from both parents and students being tutored.