Communities in Schools of New Mexico has made a meaningful impact this school year by serving 1,250 students while focusing on crucial areas of student development. Of these students, 576 received academic assistance, emphasizing our commitment to educational support.
Since April is National Volunteer Month, we are excited to spotlight a few of our academic tutors for you below.
Jenny: Bilingual tutor at Nina Otero and Capital High School
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with CISNM? Getting to know the students I work with. After every visit, I feel as if my world is a little bigger. The students I work with are engaging and interesting, and as we form closer bonds, our work is even more effective. Every kid is an individual, and I feel lucky to get to know them as individuals.
Can you think of any “light bulb” or breakthrough moments you have experienced with your students this school year? One student I tutor was very reluctant to the idea of tutoring before we met. By the end of our first meeting, though, we were laughing. Seeing them smile and laugh while taking a risk was a big deal. Many sessions later, I told them how proud I was of them, and I could tell from their face that it mattered.
If you could become ANYTHING in nature (not just limited to animals) what would it be and why? I would be a coyote! Since moving to Santa Fe, I’ve heard coyotes singing at night, and I love their strong voices. They are also survivors, and even though there is a long history of attempts at eradication, the coyote is still winning. Coyotes are strong and clever survivors, and I have great admiration for anything that joyfully survives against all odds.
“Jenny has helped me achieve my semester goals by taking time out of her day to help me understand difficult subjects that are holding me back. She explains concepts in a way that will make sense to me. She makes it a no-judgment environment for me and makes connections, which helps us bond and helps with my social skills as well. Jenny has been very helpful to me and I am so thankful.” – Capital High School student
“Jenny possesses a remarkable ability to connect with her students, understanding their individual needs and finding creative ways to help them make progress, no matter how small. Her patience, encouragement, and genuine interest in getting to know the student makes her tutoring sessions both relatable and enjoyable. Jenny’s kindness and genuine care for the student shines through in her work. I want to thank her for beeing such a great help to our students and let her know that she is always welcome at Nina Otero.” – Lina, Site Coordinator
Lou: Double-duty tutor in Math at El Camino Real Elementary and in Reading at Salazar Elementary
“The Math kids at El Camino Real are so much fun. They have started from a very basic level and they have made great strides. I’ve acquired or downloaded a bunch of resources for them and don’t need anything extra. The Reading kids at Salazar are also a blast. We are using a textbook from their class and are rereading a story, with comprehension this time. Vocabulary and some phonics seem to be their challenge. I’ve seen them less, so I am still developing strategies. Trying to make it fun by bringing the stories alive.” – Lou
“Lou has taken the time to learn about his student’s individual interests and has done a great job incorporating their interests in sports & cars into their Math tutoring sessions. By using real life examples and incorporating their interests, Lou makes tutoring something his students look forward to!” – Daisy, Site Coordiator
“Lou is our new wonderful addition to the Knights volunteer team! I have seen him fit in amazingly with our students and community. He continuously asks questions to improve his tutoring for students to gain a deeper understanding. Salazar is thankful to have Lou!” – Alma, Site Coordinator
Lily: Student at Mandela International Magnet High School, tutoring at Chaparral Elementary School
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with CISNM? Building a connection with my student and being a part of her learning journey.
Can you think of any “light bulb” or breakthrough moments you have experienced with your students this school year? Watching her become confident in herself and her abilities. She challenges herself to read more difficult texts.
If you could become ANYTHING in nature (not just limited to animals) what would it be and why? I would be an aspen tree, because who wouldn’t want to change colors?
“Lily has been such an integral part to the CIS tutoring program at Chaparral. She has created a safe, warm and compassionate atmosphere to the tutoring space. The student she works with feels comfortable with Lily because she has provided patience and encouragement to them throughout their time working together. Lily is a shining star, and her brightness will continue to illuminate.” – Becca, Site Coordinator
“I like working with Lily because she helps me with reading and my homework. She helps me when I get stuck on a word and helps me work through it.” – Chaparral Elementary School student
Communities In Schools of New Mexico serves PreK-12 students enrolled in 12 high-poverty public schools in Santa Fe, providing children and their families with the support, guidance, and resources students need to stay in school and achieve in life.
YOU can be a champion for student success and help us continue to build brighter futures for all New Mexico students. Please consider supporting our work today. Thank you!