CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — What began with a simple question at the local library has grown into a weekly partnership aimed at supporting students and families in Habersham County.
Students from Tallulah Falls School are now tutoring children each Thursday afternoon at the Clarkesville Library, offering academic help to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
“I just happened to be at the library and asked how we could help,” said TFS staff member Wendy Jackson. “And that is how it began.”
Since then, several TFS students have committed to weekly tutoring sessions that range from early reading skills to advanced math concepts. The program is designed not only to improve academic performance but also to build confidence and relationships.
Ellen Waycaster, who homeschools her three children, said the tutoring sessions have become a valuable resource for her family.
“I love that someone else is here to help me with some of the things my kids struggle with,” Waycaster said. “There are times I can’t get through to them, and they can. It is really helping my kids.”
She also praised the student volunteers for their kindness and enthusiasm, noting that
when sessions slow down, the tutors continue spending time with the children.
“They just give their time,” Waycaster said. “It is so sweet.”
Junior Sophie Smith of Clarkesville began tutoring in the fall and now works with a rotating group of about five students.
“It is all ages,” Smith said. “Sometimes we are doing multiplication and division, sometimes it’s reading.”
During a recent session, Smith guided a young participant through a reading activity focused on identifying similes and metaphors. She said each tutoring session begins with conversation.
“Before we tutor, we learn about each other. We talk about what their life looks like or interesting things that happen at school,” Smith said.
Sophomore Joana Huang and freshman Bobby Deng also volunteer weekly. Huang said she enjoys seeing students gain confidence as they work through assignments.
“We help students solve problems. They are happy, and it makes me happy,” Huang said.
Deng said he focuses on helping students understand the steps behind solving math problems rather than simply giving answers.
The tutoring partnership reflects Tallulah Falls School’s emphasis on leadership and service. School officials say TFS students have logged more than 1,500 hours of community service this year.
