For the last two years, retired professionals have provided healthy snacks and after-school tutoring for students at Chimacum Junior/Senior High School on Tuesday and Thursday …
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For the last two years, retired professionals have provided healthy snacks and after-school tutoring for students at Chimacum Junior/Senior High School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
In the fall of 2023, local retiree Doug Edelstein pitched the idea to Chimacum’s academic counselor, Samuel Swensen, and to the principal, Ryan Stevens.
Edelstein, who taught history in Seattle Public Schools for 23 years, assembled a team of local volunteers, including fellow retired teachers, engineers, and other professionals.
They launched the program in February of 2023. At first, few students came, but Edelstein coordinated with teachers to attract more students. “When they called it tutoring, no one came, because a lot of kids don’t like to admit they need tutoring,” said CHS history teacher Brian MacKenzie. “But when Doug changed the name to Homework Help, that made a difference. Kids like the idea of getting help with their homework.”
Since rebranding, “We’ve morphed into a steady rhythm of students doing their own work and asking for help when they need it,” Edelstein said. “Or students getting coaching on direct projects and assignments; essays, that sort of thing.”
Junior high student James Jenson wandered in one day because another after school opportunity had been canceled. “They actually do help,” he said. “I was barely passing” before tutoring, but after working with Edelstein, Jensen said, “I just started learning and putting in work.” Soon, his grades rose from Fs to “Ds and Bs.”
“Every student who comes here and does work for a class, I write them an extra credit slip,” said Edelstein. “Whether the teacher actually awards extra credit, I don’t know. I know that some do.”
“The extra credit is actually really helpful,” said Mikhayla Houser, a sophomore. “Even when you’re doing independent reading, you can still get points.”
“Doug deserves an award,” said MacKenzie. “He’s helped so many of my students work through their homework reading and study for map quizzes. I’m especially grateful for the tutors fluent in Spanish who work with our English language learners.”
John Nuchia and Carmen Carter are journalism students at Chimacum High School.
