Grandparents assist grandchildren in Antioch math program
Instructors for the Math Intensive Program, currently operating a summer session in Antioch, are used to working with students of different ages and grade levels. But, unique to their classes, students attending are sometimes separated by generations.
Grandmothers, eager to assist their grandchildren with their math homework once school begins, are working alongside their grandchildren learning the same concepts, techniques, and procedures that the instructors use to help the elementary, middle, and high school students who take the class in order to rapidly increase their math skills.
Pam Thomas, grandmother of Khaaliq, who just finished his 6th grade year at Black Diamond Middle School, has been attending the program since the summer session began in early June. Since then, she has attended almost daily…even on days when her grandson is absent. Progressing rapidly through the program, she now assists other students, as well as her grandchild.
“I am happy to have my grandson in this program,” Thomas stated. “There is nothing more important than his education. It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. I also get to learn as he is leaning, so I can be more effective at teaching him, as well as the other students. Education is at the very top of the list of priorities for me.”
Angel Luevano, the Administrative Director for Math Intensive, is proud of all the students that are attending, but he’s especially pleased with the grandparents taking the class.
“I’m very happy to see these grandparents sitting in on our classes, and learning alongside their grandchildren,” he said. “This is evidence of the importance they place on the value of a good education and the level of commitment they are willing to make to ensure their students’ success. Intergenerational programs such as this add tremendous value to our entire community.”
The Math Intensive Program will continue every week day through August 12 at Delta Bay Church of Christ, 913 Sunset Drive, in Antioch. There are two sessions a day, one from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and another from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for attendance is $30 per 3-hour session. For more information, contact John Crowder at 925-628-4033, or stop by Delta Bay Church during one of their sessions.