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Program serves hard to keep kids in school

 
Published Oct. 9, 1992|Updated Oct. 12, 2005

In the blink of an eye, another Town 'N Country student may have dropped out of school. Fifty percent of students held back in a primary grade may become tomorrow's drop-outs, according to figures compiled by SERVE, or School Enrichment Resource Volunteers in Education.

SERVE is a volunteer organization that teaches and promotes tutors in Hillsborough County elementary schools. The volunteers work during the school day assisting students with learning problems. Each volunteer must go through an hour training session before placement. Training is conducted by school officials and consists of an overview of techniques used to reinforce reading, language arts and math.

"At the training session, different learning techniques are used like Echo reading," SERVE speaker coordinator Louise Manry said. "Using this method, I would read something to a child and then they would read it back to me."

The SERVE staff includes Judy White, tutor partners coordinator; Louise Manry, speaker coordinator; Dottie Smith, executive director; and Carla Williams, community volunteer coordinator.

Anyone with a loving, caring attitude that wants to help young children can become a great tutor, Judy White said.

The program is free and open to the public. Town 'N Country schools such as Morgan Woods Elementary, 7001 Armand Drive, use SERVE volunteers for tutoring purposes.

Town 'N Country Elementary, Bellamy and Morgan Woods Elementary are currently soliciting volunteers for tutoring.

If you would like to tutor, call Judy White at 222-5448 for training.

Military news

Navy Airman Jeana Lightbody recently reported for duty at Naval Air Station in Bermuda.

Her husband, Todd, is the son of Hugh and Carleen Lightbody of Town 'N Country.

The 1989 graduate of Switzerland County High School joined the Navy in 1989.