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Math Adventures & Word Play (MAWP), a community-based, free math and writing program, was created 13 years ago by Brenda Allen, Sharelle Hanley and Ardie Walsh, who is also president of the Teaneck Board of Education.
“They found themselves going to church and ended up tutoring kids on the side,” said Pat Phillips, Walsh’s wife who also helped with the program. “They saw a need.”
The program started with six or seven students and now has 30 to 35 coming consistently from neighboring communities --Bergenfield Englewood and Hackensack, among them -- and as far as New York.
MAWP consists of programs for young scholars in the form of math, reading and writing enrichment. It runs throughout the school year on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon for grades 2 through 12.
“Parents of students who come consistently say that this has helped their child, whether it has helped with study skills or gaining confidence or helping to learn new strategies for solving math problems,” Phillips said. “I think parents will say it is absolutely helpful and some will say it has helped improve their child’s grades.”
Four years ago, Phillips who is a Bergen Community College instructor, added a component to the program for parents — Bridging the Gap.
“It’s not just enough to drop your kid off at school. You also have to carry on some strategies at home and talk to school administrators and teachers,” Phillips said. “We help parents to approach teachers and administrators and ask the right questions.”
Bridging the Gap offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. Managing Homework and Studying is the next BTG topic slated for Nov. 21.
MORE INFORMATION: (201) 836-7275 OR walser@ccny.cuny.edu
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