40 Volunteers Help to Tutor, Mentor Kids Affected by Super Storm Sandy

Forty volunteers worked with young students in mid-May as part of the Belmar Elementary School Tutoring and Mentoring Program to help those who were struggling academically and socially even before Super Storm Sandy on the New Jersey Shore.

While this program originally called for 15 volunteers, Principal Lisa Hannah added more than double the number of students and add two more grades making the program from grades K-3.

The event was sponsored by the Yale Day of Service and Stanford Beyond the Farm alumni volunteer service programs.

Coordinated by Millburn school board member and Belmar site leader, Lise Pfeiffer Chapman, this collaborative effort brought volunteers from Yale, Stanford, Counselor Education - Kean University, Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Junior League of the Oranges & Short Hills, Millburn High School students and residents from many New Jersey and New York communities.

“I am thrilled about the number of volunteers who reached out to help today. It is truly overwhelming to see this much support and genuine care for others," Chapman said.

Designed in partnership with the school administration, this half day service program on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., was divided into three parts: training, tutoring and mentoring with discussion about career explorations.

After an orientation and training by the schoolteachers during the first hour, the volunteers met individually each with a student and worked on literacy and math exercises for over two hours, with a hula-hoop break.

During this time, additional Spanish-speaking volunteers shared conversations about teaching and learning with 20 parents.

MHS seniors, Krista Young, Gabrielle McCann participated with Saachi Gupta, who said, “I was paired with first grader Alexa, who is an amazing reader. Her enthusiasm for learning was truly inspiring, which made sharing what makes reading so special.”

 The children, parents and school administration were excited to hear about the variety of careers shared by volunteers, included computer and software design, electrical engineering, law, finance, interior design, counseling, public health, medicine, teaching, and special education.

 “Wow, what an unbelievable day! The school administration was so incredibly welcoming and appreciative of us being there,” Short Hills resident Sharon Portnoi  said. “The kids were adorable, well-behaved and eager to learn. It was truly a win-win for everyone. I look forward to continuing our relationship with the town of Belmar in the future.”

Portnoi, spearheaded Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s volunteer opportunities in Belmar and hopes to find a way to involve the children in its Religious School program. 

Chapman added, “I am excited about the opportunity to work together with volunteers to create a sustainable monthly weekend program for these students.”

For those interested in being part of this program, contact Principal Lisa Hannah, www.belmar.k12.nj.us/ or Lise Chapman, lisepchapman@gmail.com