An Even Playing Field
December 2011
We’ve been tutoring Nikea for two years. Recently, on the night of an annual Thanksgiving dinner, Nikea showed me a current Social Studies project she created. She wanted to do some additional research to make her project more complete. She turned to me and said, “I’m just tired of living here. I’m tired of all the people around me and my stuff getting ruined.” I looked at her and said, “I know.” Then I quickly changed my response and said, “I don’t know Nikea, but I can listen.” So, we discussed how we could add more detail and information to take her project to the next level. The following week I purchased specific supplies she needed and we met for two hours. We successfully completed her project. Once finished, Nikea quietly said, “Wow, no one in school is going to have a project as nice as this.” One teacher observed and said, ”That’s one of the best projects I’ve ever seen.” The seventh grader’s face was beaming with pride as she told me about the compliments she received.
Two weeks later Nikea approached me during tutoring and told me she had another project due in December. We spent time planning and brainstorming about what that project would look like and how she could meet her teacher’s expectations. Currently, I’m assisting her with this project. I purchased the necessary supplies and met with her for a few hours. She simply can’t wait to turn it in to her teacher. Recently, she gave me a timeline of how many projects she has to complete for the remainder of the school year. Nikea is excited about school projects! How amazing!
We are thrilled to provide the appropriate supplies and resources to the students we serve. ALL children should have the opportunity to walk into school with a completed project, head held high, and eager to share.
Caroline Jones
Education Director
School on Wheels of Massachusetts
