Classroom Assistance at Norwalk High School
In partnership with members of the Race & Social Justice Coalition, St. Pauls extends itself through volunteers at Norwalk High who assist two extraordinary teachers with group exercises. The students are part of Norwalk’s International Academy, a school within a school for non-English-speaking children who are beginning school in this country and not yet skilled enough in English to be in the bi-lingual program. All of the students live with families or friends who are sponsoring them. Those who have been volunteering in this program have found the students to be highly motivated both to learn English and also to learn math skills.
While this program has been called tutoring in the past, that is perhaps a misleading label. Volunteers do more assisting in the classroom.
The skills needed for this volunteer job are caring, patience, a desire to help, a sense of humor, and some arithmetic. We can promise that you will receive far more than you give, as you see students learn new vocabulary and new skills and an extraordinary teacher devote herself to their learning.
Classes are Friday mornings at Norwalk High. No regular weekly commitment is required. If you are interested in participating, please email Ginny Balser at balser@stpaulsnorwalk.org for more information.
At the beginning of each school year, notebooks and supplies are created and delivered according to the teachers’ instructions so that each student can begin the year with the supplies needed for success. Recently, under the initiative of the Race & Social Justice Coalition, the 501c3 non profit entity, the
Norwalk Academy for Multilingual Students has been established. This action allows us to apply for grants, accept individual and group donations, and purchase supplies for the students tax free. The NAMS Board consists of 2 members of the Race & Social Justice Coalition, 2 classroom volunteer tutors/assistants, and the 2 teachers.
Tax deductible donations may be made payable to Norwalk Academy and mailed to:
Norwalk Academy for Multilingual Students
c/o 15 Trailside Dr.
Norwalk CT 06851