WHAT. Tutoring students from Peterson Elementary School was initiated by North Park Covenant Church in 1989 as a service to the community.  The 30 to 40 students who enroll each year reflect the neighborhood’s diversity of homeland, language and religion. Students enroll through registration forms distributed by Peterson staff.  Recruitment of tutors focuses on the North Park congregation and the North Park University’s Urban Outreach program, but anyone interested in helping is welcome.

WHEN. The September though May weekly sessions are both on Monday, one from 3:30-to-5:00PM and one from 6:00-to-7:30PM.  Both are held at the church

WHY. Tutors most frequently give three reasons why they enjoy being a tutor:

• Hanging out/bonding with students
• Seeing improvement and growth
• Helping the community

Tutoring is not rocket science, nor is it a “piece of cake”. The most frequently cited challenges are:

• Finding alternatives when students finish/run out of homework before first hour is over and it is too soon to go to the game closet (this challenge is met with a supply of useful “paper and pencil games” that involve using words and numbers)
• When they give up or get distracted (this challenge is met with patience and words of encouragement)

Anyone wanting more information about the tutoring collaborative may call the church office (773-463-0055) for the name of the current Tutoring Coordinator (a volunteer position).

Pictures from our 2010 Tutoring Dinner.

 

For more information about Peterson Elementary click here!