KIPP Diamond Academy Principal Donald Dyer (MC Class of 1992) is grateful for the Memphis Challenge and Junior MC students who have volunteered their time to help prepare his fifth graders for the TCAP Writing Assessment test. He tells a story of one student who is usually ready to go home right at the final bell. One afternoon, the fifth-grader was working with a Memphis Challenge participant and was so intent on the help he received that he missed the end of the day.
“We had to go get him and tell him school was out,” said Mr. Dyer. “Now that’s good tutoring!”
Fifteen juniors and seniors in high school are giving one or two hours of their time each week to work with the fifth graders at KIPP. Until the TCAP Writing Assessment test in February, the tutoring will concentrate on topics like verb usage, transitions, punctuation, vocabulary and developing a narrative with a beginning, middle and end. After the test, the tutoring will include subjects like reading and math.
“I find it fulfilling,” said Junior MC member Patrice Paul. “I can help the children with
something they can carry with them through high school.”
Staff members at KIPP Diamond Academy are very appreciative of students like Patrice – students who are volunteering to be there out of the goodness of their hearts.
“I want to thank the tutors for their interest in the KIPP,” said Tutoring Coordinator Gina Macik. “We are hopeful that this will be an incredible learning experience for our students and for the tutors.”
KIPP volunteers
Iesha Boyce
Kimberly Branch
Beth Copperidge
Christopher Edge
Christian Edge
Spencer Elosiebo
Whitney Hubbard
Tracy Igberaese
Iesha Josephat
Laura Moore
Patrice Paul
JeAnna Redd
Angelica Rogers
Rachael Ruffin
Amanda Wortham
