Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: Merry Oaks Volunteer Building Confidence Among Students

Davidson NC

28 April, 2022

5:32 PM

Description

Press release from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: 4/28/2022 For the last 10 years, CMS volunteer Jeff Mitchiner has made Merry Oaks International Academy his home away from home. The 77-year-old is affectionately known as Mr. M and volunteers twice a week, helping K-3 students with reading and math. He also helps organize classrooms and the library, putting books back on shelves. "He has built relationships with all of our kids," said kindergarten teacher Dawn Piccirillo. "He's a blessing. He helps our kids in learning sight words, reading and doing writing activities." Mitchiner sees himself as a confidence builder. "I kind of think volunteers are like confidence builders," said Mitchiner. "We just come and help everybody." Mitchiner said he really enjoys working with the younger students at Merry Oaks because he learns much more from them than what he's able to impart. He said he also enjoys watching students go through the transition of not knowing a lesson to understanding it completely. "Students come in the fall and they are learning, and then it seems during the spring, they say, 'Oh, I got it.' It's fun to watch that transition from not knowing to knowing." Mitchiner values the work of teachers. He said they need all the help they can get, and he's willing to help out in any way they need. "It has been a learning experience to encounter teachers; I mean I had no concept of what teachers are asked to do," said Mitchiner. "They have so many tasks to complete. I appreciate all they do for their students and community." Mitchiner has no plans to retire from volunteering any time soon. He welcomes all to come on board and begin volunteering, promising it will change your life in a positive way. Hear more from Mr. M in a video about his volunteer efforts. To become a CMS volunteer, find more information by visiting our volunteer webpage. This press release was produced by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.