A new after-school tutoring program called Polar PALS, devoted to reading enrichment for first through sixth graders will launch next week.

Tutoring, provided by ONU college students, will take place at the ReStore Community Center, 210 N. Main St, Ada, from 3:30-5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday afternoons throughout the fall semester, according to Ann Johnson,
assistant professor of psychology at ONU.

"We hope to start the program on Wednesday, Oct. 12," she added.

As part of this new opportunity, a college student tutor will be paired with each child to work on the development of reading skills via the Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies curriculum.

Tutors will work with children on increasing reading fluency and comprehension. There is no cost to the families involved in this program.

All tutoring curriculum materials, ability-level appropriate texts, craft supplies, and educational games are covered by the NetVUE grant, which has allowed ONU to start this program.

"We ask that parents or primary caregivers agree to arrange for their children’s timely transportation to and from Ada Restore each Monday and Wednesday," said Johnson.

Tutors can be present by 3:15 p.m. if needed, but children must be picked up at 5 p.m. and commit to the child being present for each tutoring session (a limited number of excused absences can be accommodated).

For additional questions or to register a child for this free tutoring opportunity,  contact Ann Johnson, Ph.D., at (419) 772-2680 or by email at [email protected].