Volunteer Reading Tutors Sought By Gresham-Barlow School District

GRESHAM, OR — The Gresham-Barlow School District is seeking volunteers to help first through fifth grade children learn to read through its OASIS volunteer reading tutor program.

Nationally recognized and active at the district's Deep Creek, East Gresham, East Orient, Hall, Highland, Hogan Cedars, Hollydale, Powell Valley, West Gresham schools, the OASIS program asks community volunteers to spend one hour per week during school hours to work individually with elementary school-aged kids on academics and communication skills.

The district provides the necessary training and materials, as well as consistent support from Gresham-Barlow district staff, according to program coordinator Marilyn Shephard. The Fall trainings will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20.

After training, volunteers are paired with a student with whom they'll meet once per week for an hour of reading, writing, and chatting. While no previous teaching experience is required, volunteers are expected to help kids build not only their reading and language skills but also their self-esteem and interest in learning new things.

Ideal volunteers are folks eager to be role models for the kids they're helping by willfully offering their abilities in caring and thoughtful ways.

Anyone interested in learning more about the OASIS reading tutor program can call Shephard at 503-665-3544, or email msshephard@frontier.com.

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