A new after-school tutoring program at the Community Schools of Frankfort is already showing positive results after its first month. Tutors Accelerating Academic Growth (TAAG) began in early September at each of the schools in the district. Funded through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II & III), this program primarily provides tutoring in core subjects for students who may have fallen behind academically. However, additional enrichment opportunities continue to emerge.
Since its inception at Frankfort Middle School, 333 students have participated in one way or another. FMS TAAG Coordinator Krista Shoaf reports, “We have students being tutored in math, social studies, and science. A Dork Club that is playing board games and learning Dungeons and Dragons. Fiddle Club meets once a week to work on Solo and Ensemble pieces of music. Band meets daily to hone those musical skills.”
Meanwhile at Blue Ridge Primary, Coordinator Becca Vessels says that the first month has gone very smoothly with great attendance and participation from students and teachers alike. “I have seen hard work from the teachers as well as the students,” Vessels added. “I have also personally seen tremendous growth in the social skills of our kindergarteners. Their confidence in the hallways during the school day shows that they are benefitting from the learning that is taking place at TAAG. The STEM group that Mrs. Queen meets with has excellent conversations when they are working.”
Continued proof of the success of the program is seen in the other school buildings as well. Frankfort High School has had 121 students receive tutoring help, and an additional 96 students have participated in TAAG club meetings. With 4 clubs already started, another 5 are expected to begin this semester. FHS Coordinator Georgia Everett states, “21 teachers/staff have helped to make the TAAG program a success in September. The students have expressed an appreciation for a place to work even if they don’t need help.”
Groups at both Suncrest and Green Meadows have been working on math and reading. One group from Green Meadows has even been learning some Chinese! Groups at Suncrest have also been exploring other enrichment areas like Choir, Art, Crafts, Board games, a STEM/Robotics club and an Outdoor Science Club.
“TAAG is up and running and accelerated academic growth is the goal,” says Michelle Wolfe, Title I Director for CSF. “57 tutors are staying after school to build relationships with students as they help support their academic growth. I would like to give a special thanks to the five TAAG coordinators who have organized and managed TAAG at their school. Our bus drivers also deserve a special thanks as they go out of their way to make sure our students are transported safely home.”
Staff at every level of the Community Schools of Frankfort are making this program work! If you have a child who might benefit from the TAAG program, please contact his/her school for more information.