We don't just tutor... - Dipen Patel

So as many of you know, one of the primary goals of REACH is tutoring kids and helping to reduce the education achievement gap (If you did not know this then you do now). But in addition to tutoring, we try to provide a positive environment for the kids we tutor. With these intentions in mind, last Friday afternoon at Northeast Elementary, REACH tutors helped to organize an Easter egg hunt at our site.

Now the effort on our part was by no means extraordinary (Steps for an Easter Egg Hunt: 1) Buys Eggs, 2) Fill Eggs with Candy, 3) Hide Eggs). However the look of excitement it brought the children probably was. The kids practically knocked us over to get to the eggs. I personally was a little scared. We even witnessed some childhood ingenuity. As a two-egg limit was set to make sure every child got his or her fair share, some kids would try to sneak the candy out of the eggs and then return the egg to its originally hiding spot (There was some extra so everyone still managed to find two filled eggs).

In addition, not only did the kids enjoy the event, but the staff could not have been more appreciative. They were delighted to see the joy that our little gesture brought the kids. (And we had a good time ourselves) For a little teaser of the festivities, check out the pictures below. Naturally, you’ll have to join REACH if you want to experience it yourselves.


Can you spot the hidden eggs?

Welcome to REACH - Northeast Kids Count

Team Leader: Dipen Patel (dp385@cornell.edu)
Site Supervisor: Laura Peifer
Location: 425 Winthrop Drive (behind DeWitt Middle School; 10 minutes from campus by bus or car)

Northeast Kids Count (NKC) is an after-school program at Northeast Elementary School. NKC groups an eclectic mix of children aged 5-11. They're spunky, creative, diverse culturally and socioeconomically, and ALWAYS have interesting stories to tell. Students in the program come in, have a snack, and divide to various clubs (one of which is "Homework Club," which is where REACH tutors pitch in the most). Other such clubs include cooking club, science club, sports club, outdoor activities club, arts & crafts club, newspaper club (that's right; the elementary school kids publish their own paper), nature club, and the list continues! Then the entire group meets back in the lunch room to have another snack. Finally, students switch over to another club of their choice. Because these children are in elementary school, tutors who can effectively and interestingly communicate skills in basic math, social studies, science, reading, and writing would make a great fit! Furthermore, if you have any nonacademic interests you'd like to share with the students, feel free to bring it up :)

NKC is located behind DeWitt Middle School, and is easily accessible by Route 31 and Route 32 buses. The program is from 2-6 pm. Tutoring itself is administer from 2:15-3:15 pm for 3rd-5th graders, while tutoring for 1st and 2nd graders is from 3:45-4:45. During other times, tutors can assist with other clubs, or in other activities with students. The after-school program holds 80 students and 10 staff members; while these numbers may seem that a large, you'll be surprised how quickly you get to know and recognize everyone! The staff members have had a variety of life experiences, but are always wonderful resources to get to know NKC and the Ithaca area itself better.

Overall, NKC is a great program with a wonderful group of friendly children and staff. It's a fun learning environment during after-school hours, and everyone is truly appreciative of the time spent there. You're guaranteed to have a great experience at Northeast Kids Count!