When VU closed for the year on May 29, it was the end of a wonderful year of growth and learning for both the students and volunteers. Some students started off the year shy and struggling with reading or math and ended up more-confident learners who worked through problems and experienced the joy of accomplishing a goal. Other students who began a bit boisterously learned that there’s a time for working and a time for playing. I know from experience that every time a student moves up a reading level, completes a project, has an “aha” moment in math, or gets lost in their work so they are not distracted, a volunteer’s heart swells. One of the last sessions I did included some great conversation about learning with a fourth-grader as we reviewed for her SOLs. It was such a pleasure. A few of the older students showed proof of their burgeoning maturity by pitching in on busy nights and listening to younger students read. What better compliment for the program and volunteers than that?
We sent the children off with flashcards tailored to their levels and needs, activity books, and markers and provided some resources for parents so they can keep their children in learning mode over the summer. Volunteers dispersed to their own interests and travels over the summer, and we sure hope they come back refreshed and ready to go in September. We got commitments from many, including our high school students, and will be in touch over the summer to ensure that they don’t forget! And that they bring some friends! We need volunteers!