March - Connection Update!

Tutoring continues to go smoothly from week to week. We’ve been continuing with our rotations each session and not only do students love it, but tutors do as well. We’ve even been able to go outside a few times and work on spelling words with chalk. A few new eighth-grade tutors have been added and are doing excellent. It’s amazing to see them interact with the elementary students and build relationships with them during their short sessions together. The elementary students are so excited each time they come in the door, and are asking where someone is if they are not here for a tutoring session. As cliche as it may sound, they are fostering positive connections, which is what this building is all about! 

We still have 17 students enrolled for tutoring. Multiple parents have reported positive feedback during parent-teacher conferences and that their students are even receiving less support at school because their assessment scores are reflecting tremendous growth! Some students had previously received “Math Helpers” or were placed in a “Pack Group” during their school day. While some students still receive these supports, some have been moved out based on their recent improvements. Some students were so excited to show their report cards that were sent home at the end of the third marking period. They were so proud of their accomplishments!

Most days during sessions we have 4-6 tutors consistently. Some days we have had up to 8 or more eighth graders, which is awesome to witness. They’ve really started taking charge of things such as: getting students off the bus, distributing hand sanitizer and snacks, getting computers ready for IXL work, etc. As one of their teachers it has been truly rewarding to see them take a leadership role while at The Connection. As I said before, it may sound cliche, these eighth-grade tutors are building connections in so many ways and bearing witness to it is beyond rewarding. A goal of The Connection was to build positive and impactful relationships with those that we serve, and I feel as though we are able to do just that with these students, tutors and those enrolled.