THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 29, 1994 TAG: 9411290267
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
It's 5:30 p.m., pitch-black outside, and 20 John F. Kennedy Middle School students are in a classroom, intent on finishing homework.
In one room, three teachers are helping about a dozen students with math. Down another hallway, nine students rush to complete reading and writing assignments. Three teachers guide them around roadblocks or check on their progress - no one plays the class clown. The only noise comes from a vibrating ceiling light.
The tutoring is provided for an hour each Tuesday as part of the Nighthawk basketball program, which the school and Suffolk's YMCA have run jointly for sixth- and seventh-graders since 1991.
Students who have less than a B grade-point average are required to attend Nighthawk's tutoring sessions if they want to hit the courts.
In addition to YMCA volunteers, about a half-dozen Kennedy teachers - all of whom already tutor for other school projects - decided to sign up for Nighthawk duty this year when it looked as if a shortage of tutors would prevent the program from starting in September.
Some ``students don't have parents who can help them out,'' said sixth-grade teacher Winnie Carson. ``We need things like this to make up for that.''
Said teacher Mary Welch: ``We already give back (to the community), but you can never give enough. This is a way to keep giving.''
Across the country, parents and educators are increasingly embracing efforts like Nighthawk as a way to not only extend the traditional school day but also to expand the public school's role as a community institution.
For the past several years, for example, Portsmouth's Cradock Middle School has offered such varied after-school activities as a homework clinic, ballet class, chess group and workshops on self-control.
``Due to some deficiencies in our communities that we can't account for . . develop into well-rounded students and people,'' said Seko Varner, a Cradock counselor.
The Cradock and Kennedy programs both rely heavily on volunteers and grant money.
Nighthawk games wrap up by 8 p.m. Transportation is not provided: Parents or guardians must sign in, and later sign out, their children.
Organizers say the carrot-and-stick approach has strengthened those students who can rattle off stats about basketball stars like Mourning, Mutombo and Malone more easily than they can master some course work.
Like the boy whose report card had all F's when he joined Nighthawk during its kick-off year. He later brought up all but one of his grades, said Jeff Ward, a YMCA director.
``Our whole driving force is to take in kids who need the help and improve their overall performance,'' Ward said.
Kennedy teachers also said students they see at night consequently are more pumped up during regular classes and routinely come to school prepared.
Students who take advantage of Nighthawk tutoring say the chance to play basketball is the real draw.
``I really like to come because I just love basketball,'' said 12-year-old Satasha Taylor, who took a breather last week after nailing a two-pointer. ``I like to get the extra help with my work, too, and the teachers really help you more.''
Satasha's mother, Rita Stagg, watched her daughter shoot a few final hoops before it was time to go home.
``I'm glad they have the program,'' Stagg said. ``I want to make sure she gets whatever extra help she can.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
MICHAEL KESTNER/Staff
Volunteer teachers help students with schoolwork at Suffolk's John
F. Kennedy Middle School before the youths go to the gym for the
Nighthawk basketball program.
Jovon Jordan, in the red shirt, and other students warm up for
Nighthawk basketball in the Kennedy Middle School gym.
Photo
MICHAEL KESTNER/Staff
Brenda Hawkins, a teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School, helps
Nighthawk participant Erica Rogers with schoolwork.
by CNB