Leaving no child behind has become a mantra for many educators and others in Sampson County, and for some, it is an opportunity to permit every youngster a chance to succeed in the 21st Century.

Now, the effort has also turned into an opportunity to reach across generations by offering tutoring to children at the Garland Senior Center.

The program, which will be led by 21st Century leaders Winifred Murphy and Mary Brown, is the first time that the Senior Center will be utilized in this manner.

“Our friends at the Department of Aging agree that this is a intergeneration opportunity,” said Brown Monday. “It is also a perfect opportunity for us to rent and use this building.”

While in years past the 21st Century program has been designed to help just students who score level one and two on end of grade tests, the Garland Senior Center program will open up opportunities for student who may be scoring threes and fours but need some extra help in certain subject areas.

“Although a child may have done well, the child still might struggle with math,” said Brown.

The program will begin in early October. It will be the third year that Sampson County Schools has had a 21st Century program, but this will be the first time that above level students will also be offered help. Currently, the program will be designed to work with grades three through five.

Right now, Brown is hoping that some qualified teachers will sign up to help with the tutoring at the Garland Senior Center, but she pointed out that the person does not have to be on staff with Sampson County Schools to be a volunteer.

In addition to tutoring, Brown noted that students will also be given a chance to work on their homework and to engage in education activities rather than merely sitting at home in the afternoon.

She also stressed that the plan is to cover all subject areas in the tutoring and for the tutors to work with the teachers and administrators in the schools to figure out areas in which the students need the most work.

“We need to find the individual child’s need; it will help the most if we work collaboratively,” Brown stated.

She also stressed that the service will be of no charge to students or parents, and she is currently talking with Sampson County Schools about providing transportation to the Senior Center from the child’s school.

Brown stated that the main goals of the program are to help promote academics and to assist students with social skills by allowing them to interact with some senior citizens.

While Brown and Murphy are both enthusiastic about this project, so are the leaders at the Department of Aging who will also have invested interest in this project.

“I think this is the most wonderful thing,” said Marie Faircloth, director of Garland Senior Center.

Faircloth pointed out that she can even foresee some volunteer opportunities for her seniors as a result of this program.

“We are just so excited,” said Faircloth.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@heartlandpublications.com.