In May 2004, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church completed the seventh year of its tutoring program. The church has formed a close relationship with both students and faculty of Lynbrook Elementary School. The core of its program is the one hour per week thatour volunteers spend helping students with their homework and tutoring.Each of Kirkwood’s twenty volunteers was assigned a student.Many of the students were born overseas, so being part of their education was both rewarding and educational for the tutors.They learned to appreciate the challenges that teachers face daily, and they experienced the spirit and enthusiasm of the students.

In addition to tutoring, the members of the congregation helped the school with other activities. At the start of the school year they collected school supplies donated by the congregation. At Thanksgiving, Kirkwood Church members served meals in the school cafeteria to more than five hundred students and their parents.At Christmas, they hosted a small party with a cake, and atthe end of the school year, they again had a small party. At that event, Linda Pierce-Knutson, chairman of the session’s Outreach Committee, presented the principal with a check for $1,000 to buy each student a book for summer reading.

The faculty and students of Lynbrook have shown their appreciation in many ways. At each tutoring session, the principal or assistant principal greeted us and expressed appreciation. The children made cards and small gifts for their tutors. At the end of the year, the school presented Kirkwood with a poster thanking the church and signed by everyone at the school.

The relationship between the school and the church is deep and sincere, and both sides benefit immensely. The financial and volunteer support that the church gives the program will continue. Kirkwood’s share of the Pentecost Offering helps make this program possible.

Edward Downing
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church
Springfield, Virginia
(703) 451-5320
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