Classroom volunteers teach, learn

***image1***Darryl Levin, third-grade teacher at Ramstein Intermediate School, and his students have learned the meaning of school’s home-school partnership with volunteers.

Mr. Levin, with the help of class parent Senior Master Sgt. Paul Hyatt, 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron, has an active volunteer program occurring in his classroom.

A total of 13 volunteers often visit the room to assist with reading and writing activities, as well as special events, such as the recent Hispanic Fiesta.

Mr. Levin is very appreciative of the extra help he and his students are given. He said he believes that his students “enjoy reading with other adults” and they are provided with “the chance just to talk.”

The students also express their appreciation.
Class member Joseph Hinojosa said he is thankful because “they spend time on their jobs and they still come to our school to read with us.”

Samantha Holcomb, said the volunteers “listen and they don’t interrupt. They’re nice. They’re kind. They’re fun.”

The volunteers feel that they, also, benefit from working with the third-graders. Airman Jennifer Hamilton, 1st ACOS, feels that being with the students inspires her to learn more. “Everything is new to them,” she said. “They are interested in everything.”

Master Sgt. Rhonda Hall, 26th Information Operations Group, feels a purpose in what she is doing. “I like to read. I have a small child at home so I know that reading is so important,” she said. “Getting to help others is so important.”

Mr. Levin feels that, because of the strong volunteer program, he is able to provide more individual instruction to his students.

“I find this time works well for all,” he said. “The students get to practice reading and working on stories. I get to work one-on-one with students, who might need extra assistance, and the military gets to be a part of the school setting.”