Anaheim YMCA invests in kids' education

Ruben Vives:

Long after the final bell at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Anaheim, more than 100 students from first through sixth grade sit quietly at their desks. The only sounds are of pencils moving, chairs squeaking and the occasional whisper.

This is homework time for one of the 46 schools where 4,800 students are enrolled in Anaheim Achieves, an after-school program operated by the Anaheim Family YMCA.

In room 16, first-graders have finished their homework assignments and are drawing a picture of a cat from a book. Some glance at others' work. Some giggle. Some are fully absorbed. Once done, students must write a sentence describing what is happening in the picture.

"It helps them with their comprehension skills," said Julia Turchek, a first-grade teacher who volunteers every Monday and Wednesday.

Now in its ninth year, the program works closely with several Orange County school districts, such as Magnolia, Savanna, Centralia and Anaheim, and collaborates with other support groups, including the city of Anaheim, Orange County Department of Education, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and AmeriCorps. Together they help address the academic and mentoring needs of children.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at December 29, 2007 5:45 PM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas