Published: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Volunteer helps make sense of math for kids
‘Pure enjoyment' is how volunteer Janice Hertz sums up her role as a math tutor for Stanwood-Camano School District's elementary schools.
STANWOOD — Not everybody can be a Janice Hertz, but community volunteers with all sorts of talents can make a big difference to students, school officials say.
Hertz, 54, is an award- winning volunteer in the Stanwood- Camano School District, having been recognized for her efforts to establish a math tutoring program in four of the district's elementary schools.
A Camano Island resident, Hertz has a math and computer software background. Helping children improve skills in mathematics is her current passion. More than 128 students get help from the 16-member math tutoring team that Hertz leads.
“What I get out of tutoring kids is pure enjoyment,” Hertz said. “It's so wonderful when you get the ‘aha' moment, when the light bulb goes on and the smile gets big across a child's face. Working with kids challenges your thinking when see things from the perspective of a child.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact any school in the district for more information, district superintendent Jean Shumate said. Volunteer applications are available at each of the district's 10 schools.
“Janice Hertz has had a significant impact on student learning,” Shumate said. “We are so grateful for all of our volunteers.”
Tutors, classroom helpers and high school mentors, along with business owners who can offer field trip invitations or share skills, create strong bonds that enrich the entire community, she said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
How to help
To learn about volunteering in the Stanwood-Camano School District, go to www.stanwood.wednet.edu. On the main menu, click on “Community” then click on “Volunteer.” Or call 360-629-1200.
Hertz, 54, is an award- winning volunteer in the Stanwood- Camano School District, having been recognized for her efforts to establish a math tutoring program in four of the district's elementary schools.
A Camano Island resident, Hertz has a math and computer software background. Helping children improve skills in mathematics is her current passion. More than 128 students get help from the 16-member math tutoring team that Hertz leads.
“What I get out of tutoring kids is pure enjoyment,” Hertz said. “It's so wonderful when you get the ‘aha' moment, when the light bulb goes on and the smile gets big across a child's face. Working with kids challenges your thinking when see things from the perspective of a child.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact any school in the district for more information, district superintendent Jean Shumate said. Volunteer applications are available at each of the district's 10 schools.
“Janice Hertz has had a significant impact on student learning,” Shumate said. “We are so grateful for all of our volunteers.”
Tutors, classroom helpers and high school mentors, along with business owners who can offer field trip invitations or share skills, create strong bonds that enrich the entire community, she said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
How to help
To learn about volunteering in the Stanwood-Camano School District, go to www.stanwood.wednet.edu. On the main menu, click on “Community” then click on “Volunteer.” Or call 360-629-1200.
Comments
(
