NWC to offer middle school enrichment program

Area fifth through eighth graders are invited to sign up for Raider REACH, a middle school enrichment program offered by Northwestern College’s education department in October.

For a total cost of just $5, middle schoolers can explore a variety of topics during eight sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Oct. 4–27. Classes will be held on Northwestern’s campus beginning at 6 p.m. and concluding by 8:30, with homework help available from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

The program is limited to 50 students on a first-come, first-served basis and will be taught by Northwestern education majors preparing to become middle or high school teachers. Participants will divide into four groups and rotate between sessions, with one Northwestern student teacher for every three middle schoolers.

Raider REACH has dual benefits, according to Jolynn Oliver, a member of Northwestern’s education department faculty who will be supervising the students teaching the classes.

“Often there aren’t sports or other activities for fifth through eighth graders,” she says, “and this will give our secondary education students experience in planning and teaching real lessons.”

Middle school students who sign up for the program will get hands-on experience in biology, history, literature, math, music and physical education. Exact topics will be determined by an interest inventory given to those who register.

Registrations for Raider REACH are due Tuesday, Sept. 27. For more information, contact Oliver at 712-707-7029 or jolynn@nwciowa.edu or Lanet Hane at 712-707-7296 or lhane@nwciowa.edu.