Parents Meet Free Tutoring Vendors; Golden Apple Award - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

By Meghan McDermott

Stewart and Dogan middle schools, along with John Tyler High School must offer this tutoring, because they did not meet math standards under the Federal "No Child Left Behind" initiative.

"I think it's awesome," said Cindy Hitchcock, Stewart Middle School parent.

Cindy Hitchcock is the parent of a 6th and 8th grader who are eligible for free tutoring.

"Just knowing the formulas. Getting the formulas down, things like that. Once they get those down I think they'll be able to understand what math is about," said Hitchcock.

Tuesday morning, she visited the Supplemental Education Services vendor fair at Stewart.

"I stopped at Sylvan already and then I really like the home school one," said Hitchcock.

Eight vendors attended Stewart's fair. They are on the state approved list issued by the Texas Education Agency.

Gloria Bell is the Tyler ISD's Director of Federal Programs. She says about 500 students in grades 6 through 12 are eligible for tutoring.

"This gives students an opportunity to take ownership in their own learning," said Gloria Bell, the Tyler ISD's Director of Federal Programs.

The Supplemental Education Service is paid for with the TISD's allocated Title I funds.

"It's pure choice, but we want to provide the opportunity for students to take advantage of this service," said Bell.

The Texas PTA is celebrating 100 years. To mark this milestone, the PTA at Bell elementary is taking part in "Start Meeting and Reading Together" or SMART.

Bell principal, Dr. Keri Hampton, says SMART is a partnership with PTA and Bell to promote reading.

"It encourages parents and students to sit down together at night to read either 100 pages, 100 stories, 100 chapters. And just spend time together reading," said Dr. Keri Hampton, Bell Elementary School Principal.

When SMART wraps up in December, students who reach their "100" goal will receive a certificate of completion. Another part of SMART is a book drive. Students will collect books on Otober 3rd and then donate them to CASA.

CBS 19 is proud to name Dr. Keri Hampton this week's Golden Apple Educator for participating in the PTA's SMART reading program.

To nominate a Golden Apple Educator, send an e-mail to mmcdermott@cbs19.tv