As you know, Tyler students improved their SOL math scores by over 25% in the previous school year. This year The Friends of Tyler are part of the effort to help students increase their SOL reading scores. Every Thursday we have six volunteers working with an assigned student on particular skills. Four other people volunteer at the school where needed throughout the year.
The Saturday SOL Prep program continues at First Baptist Church. Attendance at the most recent session exceeded sixty children, the absolute max for the facility and the all-volunteer staff. Among the staff are five from St. John’s who have been involved since the program began three years ago. They assist in all six grade levels, oversee registration, tutor one-on-one in math and much more.
Tyler has a new principal. She asked if we could add a little “beauty” and “color” to the landscaping. Among our volunteers we have a garden club president, a Master Gardener, some willing hands, a donor, and someone willing to water. With the help of Mike Westphal, manager of McDonalds Nursery and a former member of St. John’s, we’ve been able to add a little color and some beauty.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, December 2013.