East School

Lorraine J Welsh: I am a tutor at East School in an after School program for children who are having a hard time with learning their vowels and how to spell.  I also detect some dyslexia in some of the students, but I am not allowed to test them, as it it now considered a medical problem.  Although I have only gone through 2 yrs. of college, I and very versed in English and language.  These children are learning faster than if just left in a classroom, and are being considered for repeating a grade.  My job is to make sure they get into third grade, as I usually take 2nd grade students.
  We recently had a party for the children and their parents, and teachers.  It was very successful and we gave the children their jars, the boys firemen and policemen which they received every time they showed up and tried hard, and did good.   The girls got pretty glass stones.  It was an incentive for them and it was very successful.  We also gave them a $10 gift certificate each to a local Target store.
  Just the feedback from the teachers and parents was tremendous.  My child was a boy who was difficult and exhibited signs of ADD and dyslexia, but I was persistent and gradually got him to pay attention and actually learn something.  I was very happy to meet his parents and grandparents.  This job, although taxing on my body because of health conditions, keeps me alive and running.  I never want to miss a class, and our fearless leader, June Zeiner, who heads up the tutoring program, is always there no matter what.  She is in her 80's and I am 63, which gives me hope that I will be doing this for the next 20 yrs.
  I also tutor at another Torrington School in the morning with 3 students on a Tues., and I use some of the same teaching methods for them also.
  More schools should have a program like this, and I should also mention that I am a member of the Torrington Woman's Club, Inc. in Torrington, in which June Zeiner is the Chairman of Education.  She is my mentor and gave me the energy to help in our community.
  East school is not the only school in Torrington which needs help, but we have no other funds besides what is given by the Woman's club.
  I should end on this note, East School is much better off because of me and others like me.  This should and can happen in all the schools.