Humboldt Leaders Seek Grant For Tutoring Program
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Humboldt leaders are pushing for a free tutoring program for young students, that they said would not only improve their reading skills, but reduce juvenile delinquency. Board members with the Tom & O. E. Stigall Ethnic Library and History Museum said they have the motivation to start the program, but all they need now is financial help from the Gibson County commission. Lillian Shelton, the museum’s ACT tutoring program instructor, said Gibson County needs another tutoring program like her ACT class to give students an extra push through school. “Even though there are tutoring programs around the city, I don’t think you can have too many,” Shelton said. That is why leaders with the museum are asking county commissioners for $14,000 to start up a free tutoring program for elementary and middle school students. “The state of Tennessee, our schools have been rated on academic performance and as we look in West Tennessee, it’s sad to say but we’re at the F and D rate. So we want to play a part in raising our academic standards for our students,” said Dr. Frank Thomas, museum board chairman. Thomas said the money would cover teacher pay, technology, books and school supplies. If they can get the funding, the program will be held Saturday mornings before their ACT class at the West Side Center, and would focus on English, reading and math. “Those are the subjects that are geared more or less to our school system where we fall low,” Thomas said. “There’s a carryover. If you achieve in English and math, then you’ll do well in your sciences, your social studies and your other classes.” Thomas believes another tutoring program can only benefit Gibson County, plus it is free. “The academic level is going to rise. Our juvenile delinquency will be reduced. The children will feel good about themselves,” he said. Thomas told 7 Eyewitness News although they will appear before the Gibson County commission on Monday, he is not sure when they will find out if they will get the funding. He said they would like to start the program in April.
