The Fort Frances Public Library celebrated the end of a successful first year of its tutoring program with a pizza party for the students and tutors.
“It’s been a huge success,” said Andrea Avis, who runs the Children’s Department of the library. “All the spots were filled.”
Twenty-three students from kindergarten to Grade 4 participated in the program, where they received tutoring in reading and math.
Four tutors took part. Thanks to funding from the Royal Bank of Canada, three high school students were paid for their tutoring efforts.
Carleigh Pawlikowski, 18, said she enjoyed her tutoring experience “very much.”
“The kids teach you a lot. And you learn patience,” she added.
Joey Payeur, sports reporter for the Fort Frances Times, is the program’s lone volunteer. “He’s been our model tutor,” Avis said.
The program came about when the Royal Bank approached head librarian Margaret Sedgwick about applying for a grant. Her proposal was accepted and the tutoring began last fall running Monday-Thursday.
The free program will continue through the summer, and an additional student has been hired to tutor in French.
Some of the library’s other summer programs include the Teen Reading Program, where students from Grades 7-12 can enter their name and the title of each book they’re read into a draw box.
Then every Friday, there will be a draw for a movie pass or a gift certificate for a CD.
Activities in July and August also will include Toddler Time and arts and crafts on Tuesdays, and Storytime on Wednesdays.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
