For immediate release
April 9, 2001

Tutoring for Kids Program launched at
Queen Elizabeth Public School

        After months of planning, a new pilot project at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Picton has gotten off to a successful launch. The Prince Edward Association for Community Living, the Prince Edward Resource Group, and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board have partnered to bring the Tutoring for Kids Program to students after school.
"We're really excited to be offering such a valuable service to our students," said Jan Simpson, Principal at Queen Elizabeth. The program is co-ordinated by Prince Edward Association for Community Living (P.E.A.C.L.) as a free service for students of the school.
        Students start their after school program with games and activities to promote learning, develop social skills, and have fun too. After a nutritious snack, the students break into two groups. The younger students participate in literacy and social skills modules delivered by Barb Matthie, an Educational Assistant with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. Students in grades 3 to 8 receive homework tutoring, and other educational activities from trained volunteers recruited and co-ordinated by the P.E.A.C.L. The volunteers themselves are a diverse group who range from high school students to retirees from the community, all with different backgrounds and interests to share with the students. Volunteer training is provided in partnership with the Prince Edward Learning Centre, P.E.A.C.L., and Queen Elizabeth Public School.
        "A great program like this wouldn't be possible without tremendous support from the community," said Simpson. "The Prince Edward Resource Group and Prince Edward Association for Community Living have been wonderful partners. Thanks also to HYPE (Helping Youth in Prince Edward), the Picton United Church, and the United Way for their generous donations to help make this project possible."
        The Tutoring for Kids Program, which can accommodate over thirty students, runs each Monday with plans to expand if required. For information about participating in the program, please contact Queen Elizabeth Public School at 476-6475, or to volunteer, call P.E.A.C.L. at 476-6038.
 

For information contact:
Jan Simpson, Queen Elizabeth Public School, Picton 476-6475
Susan Treverton Bird, Prince Edward Association for Community Living, 476-6038 ext. 115