A+ gives elementary students extra attention

A+ 2015 graduate Alex Dalbey reviews "trick words" with Dawson Maness in Amy Mouse's kindergarten classroom.
A+ 2015 graduate Alex Dalbey reviews "trick words" with Dawson Maness in Amy Mouse's kindergarten classroom.

A mutually-beneficial program, A+ at California High School provides graduates with college costs and gives elementary students extra one-on-one attention.

When 2015 graduate Alex Dalbey started to leave Amy Mouse's kindergarten class for the last time, the five-year-olds surrounded him with hugs and smiles.

Every morning for the last school year, Dalbey had been there to work with the kindergartners on there letters, words and other fundamentals. Like about half of his graduating class of 83, Dalbey earned his 50 hours of required community service through tutoring.

The only other requirements for the A+ program is to maintain a solid grade point average and good attendance, said Counselor Kim Wilkins.

The A+ program is especially beneficial to those students who were unsure they could afford to go to college, she said.

"It's for the kids who are smart enough but don't have the financial means," Wilkins said. "We tell kids it doesn't hurt you, but it's there if you need it."

For those who qualify, the state will cover the cost of a students first two years at a community college.

"Two years free is a big deal - that's usually more of a "scholarship' than what four-year schools offer," Wilkins said.

While the college-bound students gain tutoring hours, students at all three California school buildings benefit from extra hands and ears in the classrooms.

"They're able to work one-on-one with children who may have difficulties in certain skills," Mouse said. "It's been really good."

Students like Dalbey also are role models for the younger students, she said.

"These guys are pretty fun," Dalbey said.

Dalbey, who hopes to pursue a career in medicine, said he signed up for A+ in case his first choice of college - College of the Ozarks - fell through. Then, he would have attended State Fair Community College.

"A+ is definitely a help for anyone," Dalbey said. "Any high schooler can put in the hours; GPA and attendance are easy stuff; and it gets you two free years of school.

"Even if you don't want a bachelor's (degree), get an associate's. It's a no-brainer."