Tuesday, April 06, 1999
Winton Woods volunteer group goes Full Circle
Tutors share slices of life
BY BERNIE MIXON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FOREST PARK — For nearly 15 years in classrooms across the Winton Woods School district, a group of volunteers has spent hours tutoring students who needed a little extra attention.
Since it was created in 1984, the Full Circle Program has matched willing volunteers with students and teachers who could benefit from the helping hand.
The group now has 119 volunteers who tutor students in the classroom, give classroom presentations and even provide assistance outside the normal school day.
“The fact that they are willing to give of their time really shows youngsters that there are people who care,” said Jackie Seymour, volunteer coordinator.
The program evolved from a desire to see how the time, talents and experiences of older adults could benefit teachers and students.
Full Circle volunteers range in age from the 20s to the 90s. Some are retired, while others are still working.
Volunteers have participated in class projects, tutored in the Saturday morning tutoring program, helped third-graders on Tuesday evenings and helped with Kids Voting, all-day science presentations and Right to Read week.
Paul Behner, principal at Cameron Park Elementary School, said the volunteers bring a life experience that transcends generations.
“These are just real life people,” Mr. Behner said. “The "yous' and the "mes' in the world. They have experienced what some of these kids are going through.”
Others have noticed the benefit volunteers provide.
“Those volunteers add immeasurably to the services we are able to provide the children,” said Assistant Superintendent Annie Wade.
“You are going to see us be ready to work with the initiative that Gov. (Bob) Taft is talking about — the volunteers to help children improve reading scores,” she said.
Mrs. Wade praised Mrs. Seymour and the volunteers for their services that the district hopes to expand.
“Mrs. Seymour is the key ingredient in that program,” she said. “She has worked diligently to secure volunteers.”
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Winton Woods volunteer group goes Full Circle
