Going the Extra Mile

 DENMARK – Three times a week a car pulls up in front of the Academic Support Center at Denmark Technical College (DTC) and 10 year old Katelynn pops out. Sporting a bright pink head bow with matching pink glitter kitty backpack in tow, she eagerly runs to Mrs. Shannon Williams for her after school tutoring session. Mrs. Williams is the Director of the Academic Support Center (ASC) at DTC where she helps tutor students who are struggling in their courses or who need help passing the Accuplacer tests.
 
Katelynn and Mrs. Williams reviewing American history.
Even though she is quite busy with the center, she was intrigued when asked by Katelynn’s mom about working with her daughter after hours to improve her grades. Mrs. Williams was recommended by Katelynn’s grandmother who once worked at Denmark Tech, and knew the type of services that the ASC provided. “Of course I said yes, I felt that it is always important to give back to the community,” emphasized Mrs. Williams. “One of the many things that I decided to do was to strengthen the link between school and family which would advance a student’s learning. It is very important to build one’s confidence by providing a safe environment but also making the learning fun.” Snacks are provided and Katelynn is tutored after school, three days a week, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
DTC President Christopher Hall is very supportive of her efforts. Dr. Hall is the new Interim President at DTC and he encourages employees take that extra step and do things out-of-the-box. “What Mrs. Williams is doing in her position with Katelynn is the reason why DTC exists. We were created to provide quality education primarily to our local community. When individuals take time to help students learn, everyone benefits. I applaud Mrs. Williams on her seeing a need and stepping up.”
This is the first year that Mrs. Williams has adopted a student from the local Denmark-Olar Elementary School, but she hopes to continue the program and expand it to other young students who need help. The initiative is not opened to the public at this time but it is being considered for expansion to other elementary aged students in the fall of 2017.
Mrs. Williams is in continual communication with Katelynn’s mom about Katelynn’s academic challenges and strengths so she could provide a customized prescription to fit Katelynn’s academic needs. Is it working? Judging from the smiles on Katelynn’s face and her rising grades in school, she is off to a great start, and we know that she is bound for success.
Denmark Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates. Denmark Technical College does not discriminate in any respect against a student, or applicant for admission as a student, based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.