Since 2001, Moriches Community Center has provided after school tutoring assistance for Center Moriches elementary students who are struggling academically and who would benefit from short term individual assistance. Yearly, the program serves 25-30 students in grades 3-5, and is sponsored by Capital One Bank of East Moriches.

Administrator Joy Montecalvo is contracted to coordinate the program, with responsibilities including scheduling of meeting times and places, providing snack, facilitating communication between teachers, tutors, students and parents, and communicating information regarding applicable school policies. Teachers refer students to the program, provide assessment information, and students are matched with a tutor. A fee of $2.00 per session is charged to instill a sense of value and commitment.

Volunteer tutors are recruited mainly from honors high school and eighth grade students, and all tutors are interviewed by Moriches Community Center to screen for effective communication skills, desired attitudes and understanding of the material to be reviewed. When adult volunteer tutors are used, background checks are conducted where necessary to ensure the safety of the students. Clayton Huey Elementary School provides classrooms, and tutoring sessions are scheduled for one hour a week directly after school. Tutors work one-on-one or one-on-two with students and provide updates on the student’s progress to teachers and parents. At the end of an agreed upon time period, the tutor and teacher evaluate the student’s progress toward meeting his or her goals, and decide with parents and student on need for further tutoring.