South Decatur teachers continue summer tutoring program

(WESTPORT, Ind.) – Two South Decatur teachers have created a program to help students stay sharp during the summer months. 

Emma Shaver and Jennifer Chastain teach at South Decatur Elementary and noticed how the summer months can result in students losing some of their academic skills. 

It’s referred to as the “summer slide” and many kids return to school and have to work to re-learn the skills they had before the break. 

“Instead of complaining about all of the reasons students lose skills we decided to find a way to help keep them practicing,” Shaver said.

Shaver and Chastain launched the free Summer Tutoring program in Westport and it has taken place for the past four years. 

“We wanted to be able to offer it to all families without anyone needing to worry about a possible cost,” Shaver said. 

Students attend twice a week for a 2-hour program where they complete pages in a learning book that is for their grade level. This isn’t one-on-one tutoring, but they do make an effort to make groups as small as possible. 

They also serve dinner to the students and volunteers and there are also games and other activities throughout the summer. 

One unique project this summer was a guided paint party night. Students were able to create their own robot painting on a canvas and explore their creativity. That was made possible by community donations. 

The program had 31 students this year and they recently hosted their end of summer celebration. 

That celebration included a slip and slide, reusable water balloons, snow cones, and canvas bag decorating. 

“Students were provided with a new backpack and various school supplies to start school with,” Shaver added. 

Emma and Jennifer said the program is made possible by community donations as well as volunteers. They are welcoming new volunteers as well.

“To volunteer you do not need any teaching experience. We have volunteers from all different backgrounds and what they have in common is they love working with kids and want to make a difference,” Shaver said. 

Anyone interested in volunteering next summer can email Jennifer or Emma at jchastain@decaturco.k1.in.us or eshaver@decaturco.k12.in.us.