Would you like to make a difference in the life of a struggling CMS student?

Are you frustrated by past efforts to tutor in public schools?

Are you looking for a way to be effective AND have fun as a volunteer tutor?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then HEART is for you!!!!!

What?    HEART (Helping Ensure Academic Results through Tutoring) is a new tutoring program that offers a focused and meaningful way to work with second and third grade students in the subject area of math.  Using an activity-based, CMS approved curriculum, HEART helps children internalize important math concepts that form the foundation for continued learning in math. 

Why?     Many students in Charlotte’s Title I schools have fallen below grade level and need one-on-one attention to catch up.  Most students who struggle in math have failed to learn the foundational concepts that support higher levels of learning.  By as early as the third grade, they are following rules and procedures without understanding what they are doing or why.   HEART seeks to identify and “fill in” the conceptual gaps that prevent students from progressing with their class.

How?     HEART provides tutors with the information and materials they need to work independently with students.  Before starting the program, each student is assessed so tutors know where to start along the continuum of learning activities.   The activities are simple to follow and are organized into notebooks that tutors can check out and keep with them.  An initial orientation helps tutors get started and a HEART program coordinator provides ongoing support.  Additional teacher direction is not needed.

Who?    Social Venture Partners Charlotte (a local philanthropic group) developed HEART in conjunction with CMS and Communities in Schools.  The collaborative effort is based on the belief that volunteers can be powerful change agents in the academic progress of students when provided with the information and tools they need to be effective.  The program was piloted in three Title I elementary schools last year.  Based on positive feedback from principals, teachers and volunteers, the program is expanding to two additional schools this fall.   The five schools working with HEART in 2011-2012 are Allenbrook, Bruns Academy, Druid Hills, Rama Road and Winterfield Elementary. 

Tell me more!!!        To volunteer individually or learn how you, your friends, co-workers or congregation can work with HEART at a particular school, contact Debbie Kemmy (HEART Program Coordinator) at debbiekemmy@gmail.com.  Additional information is also available at http://www.svpcharlotte.org/www/docs/110/