Lance Cpl. Darrell Parodi, from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, helps first-grader Dominic Dublin with his math homework during the Toucan Instructional Mentors program at Zukeran Elementary School on Thursday. (Fred Zimmerman / S&S)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — For the last two years Marine Corps Air Station Futenma servicemembers have been taking time out of their week to help students. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., up to 11 Marines and one sailor walk into Zukeran Elementary School and become TIMs — Toucan Instructional Mentors.
For one hour the servicemembers provide assistance with not only homework, but also life skills.
The students in the program need a little extra help with their work or with organizational skills, said Venessa Barney, guidance counselor.
The program is designed for third- through sixth-graders, but it’s open to all students. Those who participate are referred by teachers or parents.
“They come here to receive help with their core classes and any homework they have assigned in those classes,” Barney said.
Barney said organizational skills are also taught to get students into a good pattern. Every time TIM meets she has the same routine: students go to the same table every time, they get out their agenda and begin to work. Even if they have no homework, students are encouraged to meet every time.
The program began last school year after Navy Lt. Dennis Wheeler, air station chaplain, was asked if he could put a volunteer group together. Wheeler put the call out, and Marines responded — most of them being younger, junior enlisted troops.
“I see in the younger generation their desire to give something back … maybe give something that they didn’t get when they were growing up,” Wheeler said. He believes the greatest thing the troops take away from the program is “seeing that they can contribute and make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Barney said it’s fun for her to see the students bond with their mentors.
“They get to know each other and the students look forward to seeing that mentor,” she said, adding that it can also help fill a void in difficult times if a child’s parent is deployed.
Sgt. Gregory Bollinger, from MCAS Futenma’s Weather Section, was one of the original volunteers.
“We do so much for our country already, but making an impact with the kids is important,” Bollinger said. “It becomes a relationship, not just teaching … it becomes a friendship.”
For sixth-grader Ricky Feliciano, working with his mentor, Sgt. William Johnson, is “cool.”
“It’s fun because they help us do our homework.”
Barney said the program seems to be working. The teacher feedback she’s received is that students are completing more homework, showing better organizational skills, and trying to do more.
Wheeler said the group of mentors has plenty of room to expand, and the program is available to all, not just those assigned to the air station.
Call Chaplain Wheeler at DSN 636-3058, for more information.
