Fresh Start Tutoring’s New Year

Here’s an update from Ann Weller about the Fresh Start tutoring program – and a request for new volunteers – as the new school year kicks off.

Yes, it is August; school buses are soon to rumble down our streets.  The “Fresh Start” Tutoring leadership committee has been tweaking the format from last year and adding a few new twists and support items for our volunteers.  We are excited for what God has in store for us this year.  Answers to prayer – the new principal at School 48, Carmen Sharp, has opened her heart to our ministry, seeks our prayers for her beginning, and has invited Jane McClelland and me to address the parents of School 48 at their first Open House.

Tutoring Calendar Update:

1. Training Session – August 20th from 4 – 5 PM

Note: This is for EVERYONE – new and returning volunteers.

2. Math Workshop - Thursday, August 27th - 2 – 3:30 PM for the K – 3rd grade volunteers and 4 – 5:30 PM for the 4 – 6th grade volunteers.  Kris Gable will lead!

3. Tutoring begins September 17th at 3:45 – 5:15 PM.

4. School Year Calendar – we will follow the IPS calendar.  Thursday’s 3:45 – 5:15 PM

Note: In the training sessions, we will equip you with necessary information and skills.

I have been invited to attend two functions at School 48 in August to speak to the parents and teachers about our ministry and to pre-register students.  We are anticipating a strong demand for our ministry.  We will be matching volunteers with a student in their preferred grade level / same gender.  After registering the first 40 students, I will develop a waiting list until the volunteer base is confirmed. Please prayerfully consider your involvement for this upcoming school year. In addition, our registration materials will also be placed at The Oaks Academy, Raphael, and Mid North Food Pantry.  My leadership team has been calling our former students over the summer as well. Our feedback has been very positive; excitement is brewing.  In the days ahead, pray for the students and families that might walk through our doors this fall.  Pray for each potential volunteer as they decide if this is the ministry where they want to invest their time ~ and energies.  Pray for the staff at School 48 as they once again open their doors to a new year.

Blessings, Ann Weller

“Fresh Start” Tutoring Program

Vision Statement – Christ and Academics – keys to a brighter future.

Matthew 5:41 – And whoever should force you to go one mile, go with him two.

Brief Overview:

Average Weekly Attendance: 30 + children (fairly constant)

Volunteers: 40 plus volunteer pool (30 regulars)

Time Commitment: Students arrive by 4 PM with our closing song at 4:55 PM to finish by 5 PM.
Volunteers spend from 3:50 –5:15 PM.

Questions: Contact Ann Weller and Ann Reynolds (email tabministries@gmail.com to be connected to them)

Ministries Requests:

Volunteers: As with any ministry a dedicated team of volunteers is critical. We currently have 45 individuals that are on our volunteer list, but new substitutes and regulars are always needed. Our student base has continued to grow as the year progressed and a one on one experience is our goal for every student. Feel free to try our ministry and see if this is a match for your gifts.

Restocking of School Supplies and Donations: Our goal has been to run a program without adding a financial burden to TAB’s budget. Through generous donations of “after school snacks” and school supplies, we have had a successful first year. All school supplies are either used on a weekly basis or given out to our students as a need arises. Often times by January, backpacks are splitting and paper and pencils/pens are needed for students to be adequately
prepared for school. Calculators are also in demand. We have been blessed with donations throughout the year, and likewise we have used them to be a blessing to the children in our program.

Donations: In addition, Kristine Greene (TAB treasurer) will accept donations written to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church with “Fresh Start Tutoring” in the memo line.

Volunteers Speak Out:

Beau Brown: “The cross-generational and cross-cultural relationships being built through Fresh Start are truly a foretaste of God’s Kingdom.  This program is as much (or more) of a blessing for the tutors as it is for those being tutored.”

Christine Gall: “Fresh Start tutoring has been a wonderful opportunity for me to use the tutoring skills that God blessed me with years ago. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with a young girl who really struggles in school.  She loves the one on one attention and I love seeing the smile on her face when she succeeds!”

David Kingsworthy: “The program invigorates me every week; it makes me think I am in contact with ‘the least among you’ – for which I feel fortunate.  I am also humbled that the noble young man with whom I work allows me to spend that time with him each week.  My prayers for our time together seem to be answered every week….the blessings are many and overwhelming.”

Mary Mills: “One particularly frustrating day when I felt that I was making very little significant impact on my student’s life, he and two other children ran up and hugged me as I was leaving.  That was a wonderful reminder of why I was there.”

Marjie Williams: “At Fresh Start, I see committed adults who love, listen, encourage, play, and explain while children respond, learn, laugh, sing, and share. I am delighted to be a part of this meaningful ministry.”