Elementary School Programs

Cambridge has 12 public elementary schools, and Cambridge School Volunteers has classroom volunteers, tutors, and programs at every school. Here's what one teacher had to say about her volunteer: "This volunteer is worth her weight in gold! She is an asset. She is wonderful with the kids and goes way beyond the call of duty." - Teacher evaluation, 2003

After-School Academic Learning Centers
CSV, in collaboration with the Cambridge School Department, manages the After School Learning Center Program serving students in grades 3-8 in each elementary school. Each center provides students with a quiet, supportive setting in which to reinforce skills, complete homework assignments, and assist with preparation for MCAS testing. CSV volunteers assist each Learning Center's teacher by providing individualized academic support to participating students.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
This innovative learning program prepares middle school students (grades 6-8) in the academic "middle" for college eligibility and success. AVID volunteers serve as tutors and mentors to teach the study skills, organizational methods and cognitive approaches that students will need to succeed in college track courses. Volunteers are trained to support the in-class small group tutorials one or two sessions per week.

Classroom Assistance
Volunteers placed in pre-K through 8th grade classrooms provide both individual and small group instruction. Placements include special ed, MCAS preparation, ESL and bilingual, art, music and others. The role of a classroom volunteer is to help students stay on task, facilitate discussion, and offer general academic support. Many classroom volunteers become an integral part of the classroom community, with some returning year after year.

Intergenerational Literacy Program
Volunteers 55 years of age and older are trained in the teaching of beginning reading skills and paired with at-risk first and second graders. Volunteers tutor one-on-one, for two 45-minute periods, weekly throughout the school year. ILP volunteers meet monthly for ongoing training and support and, under the leadership of a veteran ILP volunteer, convene monthly meetings with other ILP tutors within their respective schools to share information about their successes and challenges.

Intergenerational Math Program
Adult volunteers of all ages are trained in the teaching of inquiry-based math and paired with at-risk second and third graders. Tutors meet weekly with their students for two 45-minute periods throughout the school year. IMP tutors meet regularly with the program's director for training and support.

Library Assistance
Full service libraries are located within all 12 elementary schools. Volunteers help students with resources, and can provide assistance with shelving, checking out books, circulation and managing the front desk. In many cases library volunteers can share specialized skills in the areas of storytelling, reading aloud, book repair, cataloging, book-making, computer services and more.

Publishing Center Program
Publishing Center volunteers are trained in the art of book-making to work with individual or small groups of students in grades K-2 on a weekly basis. Students are encouraged to write and illustrate their original stories during Writer's Workshop with the goal of publishing their own stories via hand-made books.