Dereck Brown, Enrique Mendez, Robin Monk and Jacala Ward concentrate intensely as they challenge each other in their first ever chess match.  Instructed by Mr. Opferman, Monroe Middle Schools math teacher, the chess club serves each child  in better developing that part of the brain that is responsible for mathematical problem solving.  "The children not only learn 'how' to move the pieces, but hey also learn how to strategize, to think ahead and how to analyze their opponents moves," boasted Mr. Opferman.

These children are participating in the Back to Basics After School Tutoring Program (Back to Basics for short), an after-school educational assistance program administered by Concerned Parents for Literacy, Inc.  The program is conducted as a joint effort  every Monday and Tuesday from 3:45pm until 6:00pm at Lincoln Elementary School here in Monroe's Eastside.  Back-to-Basics affords each child learning opportunities through one on one tutoring from local high school students and the use of Activity Centers.    

Students from Orchard High School and Monroe High School  hold thirty-minute tutoring sessions with assigned participants.  During these sessions the elementary student receives assistance in the area of math or reading comprehension.  

Each Activity Center has its own theme and is staffed by a volunteer from Monroe County Community College. One room is dedicated to Math while the others are dedicated each to Reading, Science, or Home-work Help.

The program is an effort of the East Monroe community to insure that every child receives the best education possible. "We started this because of problems that were identified some two years ago," was Elaine Hall's answer when ask about the program's origin.  Kellie Vining, the Exec Dir of the CPfL added her insight, "Back then there was a lot of frustration and negative emotions between the community and the school.  We felt that the best way we could help the children would be to ignore the noise and develop ways to help with their education.  This program is one of those ways we're trying to help.

The Back to Basics After School Tutoring Program is free to any elementary school student living in Monroe county.  This idea runs parallel and in conjunction with the federal government's No Child Left Behind legislation.  

CPfL as well as the Lincoln Elementary School staff believes that every learning opportunity is helpful in educating children.  "While there are those students that need profession help, the learning opportunities afforded through Back-to Basics are priceless.  The more opportunities a student has to learn the more he or she will learn," explains Patty Weisbach, principal or  Lincoln Elementary School.

"Volunteerism is the key to our success.  So, please include a section in your article letting people know we need their help."  Ms Vining went on to explain that all their efforts are financed and staffed by volunteer parents, high school, college and even junior high school students.  "The junior high school students work as assistants to the activity room instructors," Ms Vining said.  "We need parents to come out and pitch-in.  We need the continued financial support of our business community.  We provide curriculum as well as snacks on each day of the program and it all cost.

"The CPfL's Back-to-Basics After-school Program has already begun to show results."  Principal Patty Weisbach noted that she has seen improvement in academic progress as well as in school behavior among a number of the students who attend the program.  

Current sponsors include, Ford Vistion workers, the Arthur Lesow Community Center,  and the Book Ware House.  To support this effort to insure that every child receives the best education available contact Kellie Vining at 242-4690 or Patty Weisbach at 241-0617. Tell who ever you speak with that you are interested in supporting the Back-to-Basics programs and they will insure that someone gets back with you immediately.

Journalists are encouraged never to take a position concerning stories they write, but that is impossible in the case of this story.  When I look at the condition of our communities today it seems imperative to this reporter that efforts such as these receive all the support available.  Remember the words of Ms Vining, "We are educating the leaders, workers, nurses, doctors, and legislation of tomorrow.

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