Driver Middle School Students Get CLIC-y With It

by Alexandra Novak, Class of 2011, Marcellus Senior High School
(Alexandra is shadowing/interning with me this year as she looks forward to a college career focused on the career field of journalism. The article below was researched and written by Alexandra)

Sitting hunched over their desks sits a small group of students working conscientiously on their assigned homework. A steady snowfall begins outside, and it becomes clear that leaving the classroom with unfinished work isn’t an option for these studious pupils. A look of confusion sweeps across the face of one of the boys. After attempting the tricky math problem, his hand is raised, signaling Meg Nolan, Driver Middle School (DMS) fourth grade teacher and Community Learning Intervention Center (CLIC) instructor that he is in need of her assistance. After an explanation, and a few words of encouragement, the boy’s eyes light up with understanding.

The above image has become synonymous with the after school CLIC program at Driver Middle School in the Marcellus Central School District. The CLIC program is an academic after school extra help session that is held throughout the school year for all students in grades four, five, and six at DMS. CLIC is the brainchild of Lorraine Reynolds, the Driver Middle School grade four through six counselor. The grant funded program is designed to provide a way for students to gain additional support in all aspects of their studies. “It’s really up to the student, Reynolds stated, “some may want to work on their homework, others on their organizational skills, and some may want to work on projects or group work if they need to.” But don’t be fooled by the program’s name and intentions. CLIC isn’t just for students who need extra academic assistance. According to Reynolds many of the attending students come to the program because it gives them a quiet place to work and study. For many children, finding a quiet work environment can be a challenging experience.

The snow begins to fall at a faster rate. The individual flakes that have been descending for a couple of hours have begun to create a thin, semi-opaque layer of snow over the asphalt. With each falling flake comes the increasing sanguinity that perhaps tomorrow will hold a delay or even a snow closing. The CLIC attendees in George Mango’s sixth grade classroom were lively and vibrant, feeding off of the energy created by their instructors, and the prospect of a possible delay in the morning. Review for the next day’s global test was the main objective. Students enthusiastically answered the practice multiple choice questions. Their answers rang out in unison. There is a drawn out pause. The students sit in solidarity, waiting to hear if they had been accurate. “Correct!” Mr. Mango’s voice yells. This is then followed by the hooting and hollering of twenty-two overjoyed students. Sitting at a table nearby, persevering over a worksheet is Zhao, a faithful attendee to the CLIC program. “I come to CLIC because it helps me with my homework,” he states. “When I get home I can relax because my homework is finished.”

CLIC is expected to run for the entire school year. The number of days per week is determined by the grade level. Since sixth graders receive a lengthier amount of work than, say, a fourth grader, sixth grade CLIC sessions ensue four times a week whereas fifth grade sessions occur three times a week and fourth grade twice a week. Attendance varies by grade level. Fourth grade averages eight students a day and fifth and sixth grade average about twenty (20) students a day. “Monday is our slower day,” informs Craig Johnson, a sixth grade teacher at DMS. “We can usually expect fifteen (15) on Mondays. Other days we have twenty to twenty-five students. The day before a test also brings in a bigger group.”

So, does CLIC really help the students? According to participating students and instructors, it does help, significantly. The one-on-one learning environment allows teachers to work closely with the students, zeroing in on their weaker areas, and then providing needed assistance. “Teachers can check your homework and help you with the questions you got wrong.” said Matt, a fifth grade CLIC participant. Knowing that they are answering questions correctly gives students that extra boost of confidence.

At exactly 4:30 P.M the CLIC session ends and the halls are filled with the sound of chatty students. Some are talking about their weekend endeavors, others about humorous events that had occurred that day. The doors to the outside world are pushed open, revealing to the anxious students, a landscape that resemble a life-size snow globe. Plans about outdoor activities are suddenly tossed around the bustling group, and within minutes the crowd has filed out the door. Crumbs and pencil shavings are the only forms of evidence that prove a CLIC session had even taken place. Outside the last few rays from the setting sun reflect off of the white surroundings, creating an illuminescent glow that’s almost as bright as the future of the CLIC program. “Next year, we hope to see the CLIC program expand to seventh and eighth grade,” stated Reynolds. “We’ve already gotten so much positive feedback from parents and students.” Listed below are DMS teachers who are participating as CLIC instructors:
CLIC Coordinator – Lorraine Reynolds
Grade Four – Megan Nolan, Mindy Abbott
Grade Five – Sandy Carey, Jill Zoccolillo, Katrina Ercole, Donna Costa, Kate Sheehan
Grade Six – George Mango, Craig Johnson, Anita Pawlewicz, Jen Comstock, Maureen Manke, Susan Tavolacci, Nancy van der Ven.