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| A cool
breeze of learning blows through Syracuse SRP retiree keeps kids connected during a hot summer 
September 25, 2002 Jean Caraccilo, left, and Geneva Hayden listen to children reading. Photo by Betsy Sandberg. Aug. 5, like so many days this summer, was humid as the sun came up. By 9, the tape holding up a poster-sized program gave up its grip to the humidity at a community center housing a summer reading session. The paper wafted to the floor, pushed along by the lazy breeze of a window fan. Deairra Mills and Jaelin Gladney took up where the wind left off, tossing the paper into the air. Although it was an interruption from Geneva Hayden's directions for completing technology reports, she seized the teaching moment. "Who knows what makes that paper fly in the air?" The dozen youngsters, from 4 to 14, shouted out answers: the wind, the fan ... it whipped up a brainstorm about science, weather, weights and measurement, before the discussion returned to technology reports. This was the eighth summer Hayden has volunteered to keep kids learning during July and August. When she retired as a teaching assistant and member of the Syracuse Teachers Association in 1994, Hayden found her desire to help children did not retire as well. What started as reading books to several kids grew until there wasn't room in her home. At the same time, a non-profit program through a grassroots group called Communities United to Rebuild Neighborhoods outgrew space in a neighborhood school. Last year, Hayden pitched in with the city parks and recreation department to find space in an unused youth center. This summer she received a classroom, gym and cafeteria through parks and rec to accommodate the 20 or more kids who come. Supplies came from the Syracuse Glass Co. and the Gifford Foundation. Joining Hayden to work with the kids is repeat volunteer Jean Caraccilo, an STA member and teaching assistant, and her brother Bob, recently retired. They are there for these children, who are not likely to be enrolled in summer camps. "They keep these kids connected, reading and learning all summer," said STA President Kate McKenna. "It's not school, but it keeps that routine that is so valuable for lifelong learning." Deanna Givens, now a third-grader, came "to learn to read and do my times tables." Better than the pool Others said summer can be boring, except for swimming. "I like this more than swimming," Givens said. "You can always go swimming after we're done here." Children need help, Hayden said, and retired New York State United Teachers members can do it. They have the skills and dedication kids need. For anyone considering an outreach program, Hayden's advice is: "Let what the kids need be your guide and just do it. If I worried about stuff like insurance, these kids would still be out on the street. There are always obstacles but, if you're committed to kids, I have found it works out." She's found it helps to have all the children in a family, regardless of age. "Then the kids can support each other," she said. "Just like professional development for your job, it helps when you train in teams." Contributions, financial or of classroom supplies, may be sent to CURN, P.O. Box 339, Syracuse, N.Y. 13205. - Betsy Sandberg |
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