Needham accepting applications for peer tutoring program

By Jaclyn Reiss, Town Correspondent

Needham Youth Services officials are accepting applications for both high school tutors and students who want tutoring in the third through eighth grades for its peer tutoring program to start in the upcoming academic year.

The program has the tutor and student being tutored meeting weekly for one hour at a designated place, starting in October and running until the end of the school year.

Tutors must be a high school student, be able to attend a mandatory training session in the fall, and check in with program staff periodically during the year. They will also be able to earn community service credits needed to graduate.

The organization will accept the younger students for tutoring when the student has demonstrated a need for academic assistance, or a need for help in developing study habits. The program is not recommended for students with advanced learning or behavioral issues.

Applications for tutors and students needing tutoring are available at www.needhamma.gov/youth/peertutor, and both are due by May 31. Any previous applicants who were on the program's waitlist must reapply with a current application.

Parents ofstudents being tutored will be notified by the end of June if their child qualifies for the peer tutoring program. There is a $45 fee to cover cost of materials, but it can be waived if the family demonstrates financial need, according to program organizers.

For more information, contact Michelle Butman at Needham Youth Services at 781-455-7500 ext. 266, or at mbutman@needhamma.gov.

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Jaclyn Reiss can be reached at jaclyn.reiss@globe.com