I Want To Learn

On the surface it doesn’t seem like Andres Fonseca and Marsha Smith-Robertson have very much in common. Marsha is nine, Andres is 14. Andres is Hispanic, Marsha is African American. Marsha loves music and movies, while Andres enjoys playing video games and baseball. But despite their differences, they both have parents who care and are proud to say their grades are better in school this year.

Andres and Marsha deserve a lot of the credit, but their parents agree it wouldn’t have happened without Mattie Rhodes Counseling Center’s Westside Tutoring Program.  Mattie Rhodes’ staff members pick up the students after school every Tuesday. Once they get to Mattie Rhodes, volunteers help the students with their homework or help them do worksheets focused on areas in which the kids need help. If there’s any extra time, the students work on their computer skills.

Now, the kids and their parents are beginning to see results. Marsha’s spelling grade has improved to a C and she’s getting B’s in math. Marsha’s mother, Sylvia Smith notices more than just Marsha’s improved grades. Sylvia says, "At first she just sat there because she didn’t understand or wasn’t interested. Now she’s really trying, she wants to learn." She adds, "I work at night and I can’t really help Marsha, so the tutoring program is really important."

Andres Fonseca’s mother, Liz agrees. Andres has a thyroid condition that makes concentration difficult for him. When Andres’ teacher told her that Andres was failing sixth grade Liz started looking for help. Last year, she hired a private tutor at $25 an hour. Now, Andres is receiving treatment for his thyroid condition through Children’s Mercy Hospital, and free tutoring help through Mattie Rhodes. Liz says, "Slowly but surely I’ve seen improvement in his grades. He doesn’t get as frustrated and he’s trying a lot harder."

One of the reasons for Andres’ improvement is the fact he and his volunteer tutor have hit it off really well. His tutor, Matt Hernandez, is a junior at Bishop Miege High School. Matt is an honors student who has a 4.1 average on a 4.0 scale. He lives in the neighborhood, about four blocks from Mattie Rhodes. Matt used to attend Our Lady of Angels School, which is where Andres now goes.

Matt says, "I’m really happy to see Andres doing so well. In the beginning he wanted to participate but got frustrated and almost gave up. Now, he’s understanding it and you can almost see the light bulb go on in his head. It makes me feel good to see his improvement."

Unfortunately, the number of Westside students receiving tutoring is limited by a lack of volunteers. There is a waiting list of students seeking help. Matt and two other student are their only regular volunteers. The staff of Mattie Rhodes Counseling Center is working to recruit additional tutors. In the meantime, Liz Fonseca and Sylvia Smith are thankful the Westside Tutoring program is there. As Liz says, "It gives us a sense of security as parents to know our children are receiving one-on-one help from someone who cares. We’re blessed to live in a country that has resources to help and organizations like Mattie Rhodes and people that care."