MANSFIELD, Ohio — They weren’t even born when Maurice Clarett was helping Ohio State win a national football title in 2002.
But the former All-American’s message about education was clear to a dozen second- and third-grade students from Prospect Elementary School recently.
“We had pizza with them afterward and asked them what they had heard (Clarett) say,” Prospect Principal Kirsten DeVito said. “One boy raised his hand and said ‘READ!’ So they did listen.”
Clarett’s recent visit to Mansfield was arranged by Richland County Children Services for the agency’s annual Spaghetti Bowl. It grew to include a second presentation by Clarett, sponsored by the Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield UMADAOP, United Way, We Act, Crossroads and The Community.
The students attending Clarett’s afternoon speech at Crossroads Church are part of the school’s tutor program, which includes more than two dozen volunteers coming to the school to work one-on-one with students on reading during 30-minute sessions.
Retired teacher Bonnie Trease, who coordinates the tutor program, said tutors work with students three days per week during 30-minute sessions.
“We have three different crews of tutors here each of those days from 9 to 11:30 a.m.,” Trease said. “They are so enthusiastic to work with these kids. They know the need is there.”
DeVito and Trease both said the volunteers build valuable relationships with the children.
“They have to build that trust with the students. When the children know you care, they want to learn. Our tutors are able to do that,” DeVito said.
“I have seen improvement in not only reading ability and also behaviors. These volunteers really care. They establish a relationship with the families. They will call and ask if the students passed the (proficiency) tests,” DeVito said.
Trease said, “Our tutors are not really here to teach reading. They want to help the children see reading as fun and important. They want to help enhance the students’ learning through learning to enjoy reading.”
