ANDERSON — K.D. Williams had coins and a worksheet in front of him. The 8-year-old student from 29th Street Elementary was learning how to make change.
In a way, so was everyone else at a recent open house for an after-school program at the Sherman Street Church of God.
“The need was, the children were suffering so bad in the classroom, and that’s still the issue we face,” said Bonita Holbert, a program coordinator for Marvelous Mondays at the church. “We’re trying to get children caught up with ISTEP scores ... and we’re just wanting to teach them character, accountability for their character and words, and things like that,” she said.
The program has been offered through the church’s children’s outreach ministry for about 10 years, Holbert said, and typically attracts dozens of youngsters to the sites where volunteers help with a variety of school and life lessons.
Among church volunteers, Anderson University students — “study buddies” — help out with homework and also take some lessons from the experience.
“It’s great just being able to help kids with their homework,” said AU junior Katie Porter, an elementary education major from Indianapolis. She said the hands-on interaction with children is the kind of experience she can’t get in the classroom.
“It’s a great program,” she said.
“I just love it,” said Jennifer Shelton, a freshman from LaPorte who is majoring in secondary education. “It just seems like a good thing to do.”
Holbert said that along with the after-school program offered at Sherman Street, similar programs take place at Linwood and Fairview apartment complexes. Over the years, other programs have been adopted by AU study buddies, she said.
But it’s not all hitting the books. At Sherman Street’s Marvelous Mondays, dinner is provided as is fellowship, games and fun. A coy K.D. smiled when he said singing songs and playing were his favorite parts of the after-school program.
Anderson Elementary student Douglas Odoms, 11, sat next to K.D. and succinctly explained why he looks forward to the program.
“To learn about life,” he said.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
Local Education
Sherman Street church's after-school program has lessons for all
Students, volunteers gain education
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Academic Accolades: May 27
A compilation of academic news as published in the Sunday edition of The Herald Bulletin.
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Well-behaved students rewarded with carnival
A “Can you survive the yuck?” game was one of many offered at the Student Appreciation Program held inside and on the outdoor grounds of AHS on Friday.
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Indiana Christian Academy students look ahead to summer
Tantalizing Florida vacations filled with sun, sand, sea and Disney shimmered like diamonds strewn across a distant shore for several kids awaiting pickup on the last day of classes at Indiana Christian Academy Thursday.
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AHS rewarding well-behaved students
Anderson High School is holding its Student Appreciation Program (SAP) Friday for students who meet or surpass several requirements.
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AHS will hold student appreciation day
Anderson High School is holding its Student Appreciation Program Friday for students who meet or surpass several requirements.
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Anderson High School choir to sing with Foreigner
When Julie Wood received an email from Hoosier Park Racing & Casino about an “exciting opportunity,” the Anderson High School director of choral activities thought it was a joke.
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Haffner becomes 44th winner of Red Haven Award
Pendleton Heights now has both the old and the new Red Haven Award trophy for its case at school.
When PH’s Ellie McCardwell won the award in 2010, the long-standing trophy was retired, and because the Arabians had the last winner, the school was able to permanently house that hardware.
On Tuesday, when the Anderson Noon Exchange Club presented the 2012 winner, it went to Pendleton Heights’ Abbie Haffner. So for the next 12 months, PH will be home to both the new traveling trophy, first presented a year ago to Lapel’s Leigh Steele, and the old one. -
Anderson Learning Academy withdraws charter application
When Anderson Learning Academy’s board first started seeking charter status, it was to help make changes in education as graduation rates and ISTEP scores were low in the public school system.
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Haffner, McFerran get Dickmann Awards
Alexandria-Monroe High School senior Michael McFerran and Pendleton Heights senior Abbie Haffner received the annual Dickmann Youth Community Service Awards on Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon at Anderson Country Club.
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Historic Preservation Commission turns down school board
Arguments were made over historical significance, sentimental value, structural stability, safety and finances during a Historic Preservation Commission meeting Monday evening discussing whether to grant South Madison Community Schools board’s proposal to demolish the former middle school at 301 S. East St.
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Academic Accolades: May 27


