READING AND MATH MENTORS - VOLUNTEERS 55+

AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Program (RSVP) is for those 55 years and older. Please see below for additional information about our program.

These volunteer opportunities are for elementary and junior high

CISP Reading and/or Math Mentor

The mission of this non-profit in Gig Harbor/Peninsula area is to "empower students to stay in school and achieve in life." This non-profit is a dropout prevention organization that provides reading and math mentoring programs for students on the Gig Harbor Peninsula and Key Peninsula. They have reading and math mentoring programs at a total of 8 schools in the Peninsula School District. They pair students who are struggling with reading and/or math with caring, consistent adult mentors to encourage the students' success. There is a Program Coordinator/Site Coordinator at each school who facilitates the programs and offers guidance.

The time commitment for our volunteers is one hour, once a week, and the programs run for the duration of the school year. Programs start in late October and end in May.

Reading Mentor:

Volunteer Description: Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with a student for the academic year. As a mentor, volunteers will work with their student during the session, reading with them and focusing on fluency and comprehension skills. The Program Coordinator will provide level-appropriate books for reading, activities, and games that boost reading skills. The Program Coordinator will provide guidance and encouragement to the volunteer.

Math Mentor:

Volunteer Description: Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with a student for the academic year. As a mentor, volunteers will work with their student during the session, helping them understand basic math concepts and practicing these concepts with worksheets, math games, and homework problems. The Program Coordinator will provide level-appropriate workbooks, worksheets, and academic games that boost math skills. The Program Coordinator will provide guidance and encouragement to the volunteer. (High level math skills NOT required as most of the students are below grade level and working on basics such as division, multiplication, fractions, and percentages).

Peninsula High School AVID Program:

Volunteer Description: AVID-Advancement Via Individual Determination-fosters a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms. Tutoring in AVID is different from any volunteer position you have held before. Many AVID students are first in their family to attend college and want to achieve big dreams! AVID students need role models and mentors to support their dream of college. AVID tutors assist students to achieve their full potential by facilitating collaborative tutorial groups that use critical thinking skills, practicing public speaking, utilizing multiple resources (print and electronic), asking high level questions, taking Cornell notes, analyzing the process of each question, and writing reflections about their learning. Small group tutorial sessions are held twice a week (Tuesday & Thursday), volunteers choose which time during the days they would like.

Middle School Mentor:

Volunteer Description:Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with a middle school student for the academic year at the school of their choice, either Key Peninsula Middle School or Goodman Middle School. As a mentor, volunteers will work with their student during the session, working on schoolwork from their classes or homework. The Site Coordinator will provide guidance and encouragement to the volunteer.

Tutors With Tails Volunteer Mentor Teams:

Volunteer Description:Volunteer dog teams are required to be fully certified as a therapy dog by a national organization such as Pet Partners Inc. or Therapy Dogs International. All mentors will adhere to guidelines set forth by these organizations and follow rules presented by the Peninsula School District. Volunteer dog teams will be managed by the CISP Site Coordinator at the designated school they are working in, and report to them directly. The Volunteer Coordinator will oversee confirming all certification requirements have been met. Dog teams will meet with children approximately 1 hour per week.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PROOF OF COVID VACCATION MUST BE PRESENTED AT ORIENTATION

• **INFORMATION ABOUT THE AMERICORPS SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM***

The AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is the nation's largest network for volunteers age 55 and older. The growing segment of our older population is vital to strengthening our communities through their interest in helping others. As an RSVP volunteer, you are strengthening the positive impact people 55 and over have in our communities. Our focus is to incorporate meaningful volunteer opportunities that provide purpose and a way to give back to the community.

RSVP offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches their personal interests with opportunities to serve in their communities.

Current RSVP volunteer positions include local food banks, congregate meal sites, non-profit thrift stores (shopping assistants, sorters, warehouse assistant, furniture assemblers in a fully equipped build shop), reading/enrichment/tutoring/ mentorship groups, reading and math programs at elementary schools, museums, and administrative positions throughout the Greater Tacoma, Puyallup, Graham, Lakewood and Gig Harbor Peninsula and Kitsap areas.

We are continually bringing on new and unique volunteer opportunities that help our community.

RSVP is sponsored by Lutheran Community Services Northwest, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people it serves.

Are you INTERESTED or have questions? Please email or call and we will mail or email an RSVP application for you to complete.