When the LEC began nonprofit work in 2007, we had a modest goal – help children in Norfolk Public Schools become proficient readers. During the last 10 years, we have been blessed to expand our operation, and now serve fourteen public schools in the Hampton Roads area, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton. Tutors spend one hour a week every week with children who need help and encouragement to read at their grade level. Schools have seen the results in testing – children who were at risk of poor literacy started catching up to their grade level by the third grade when mentored by a tutor.
Virginia Beach resident Nellie Phipps commuted to tutor at Norfolk public schools for seven years. “I love children and I want to make sure I have a positive impact on them at an early age,” she noted. But this year, expansion into Virginia Beach Windsor Oaks Elementary means she gets to work closer to home. “This year, the opportunity opened up here at Windsor Oaks so I don’t have travel as far. But the important thing is that we still have great students to encourage,” said Phipps. Windsor Oaks Principal Dr. Sherri Archer became familiar with the Life Enrichment Center from working within Norfolk Public Schools. She has seen the difference that tutoring has made for students. “I have worked with the organization for years and have witnessed the improvement in student literacy scores based on the support provided by the organization. LEC is committed to serving children and helping them learn to read and I am so grateful for their partnership with Windsor Oaks Elementary and Virginia Beach City Public Schools,” said Dr. Archer.
Posted by Windsor Oaks Elementary. “LEC volunteers help build reading comprehension skills, confidence at Windsor Oaks.” http://www.vbcpsblogs.com/core/, The Core: All Things Virginia Beach City Public Schools, http://www.vbcpsblogs.com/core/lec-volunteers-build-comprehension-skills-confidence-windsor-oaks/. Accessed Jan 24, 2017.