Daily Pioneer News

LEAP Program teachers and mentors: Front row, from left to right: Marie Schaefer, Katie Fogarty and Connie Chandler. Back row, from left to right: Pat Zentner, Dave Bell and Chris Wersal.

PLATTEVILLE- According to Connie Chandler, cross-categorical teacher at Platteville Middle School, the middle school students who participate in the LEAP program love it so much they can't wait for Wednesday afternoons to arrive. That's when several education students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville staff this successful after school mentoring program for students with special needs.

The Learning, Excelling, Achieving and Progressing (LEAP) project was started last fall by education major Katie Fogarty as her service learning project. For an hour and 10 minutes every Wednesday afternoon, UWP students work with the middle school students on homework or class projects, but also put some time aside for playing. Whether it's a game of dominoes or the day's science homework, students say they love the time spent with their UWP partners.

The UWP students enjoy the time as well because the program is designed so that there is a one-to-one or two-to-one ratio with the younger students. "It's very satisfying to get to know these kids on a personal level. I like being able to give my undivided attention and see the effect it has," said Dave Bell, a math education major from Gays Mills.

Pat Zentner, a birth to 11 education major from Mount Horeb, agreed that the time is educational and rewarding. "We may play games to help with critical thinking or motor skills, but we try to keep things relaxed. We want to spend quality time with them without feeling that we're rushed," she said.

Fogarty and Chandler said that the program has been exciting for both the educators and the students and hope it will continue next year. "We think this is a great way for us to get out in the community and make a contribution. We hear from their teachers that they're always excited to join us and that makes us feel great. The kids have opened up a lot this past year and we hope to continue this program for a long time to come," said Fogarty.

The other after school mentors participating in the program are Chris Wersal, a health education major from Madison; Missy Engel, a birth to 11 education major from Reedsburg; and Marie Schaefer, an education major from Fennimore. Fogarty is from Centerville, Minn.

Contact: Rea Kirk, professor, School of Education,kirkr@uwplatt.edu, (608) 342-1279

Prepared By: Evelyn Martens, Public Relations,martense@uwplatt.edu, (608) 342-1194