ORANJESTAD, Aruba — A St. Franciscus Volunteer Teacher is continuing to provide extra reading support to young students at St. Franciscus College, with Spanish teacher Jeanette Heronimo returning to the school again this academic year.
School leadership and teachers at St. Franciscus College expressed their appreciation for Heronimo’s continued voluntary support.
Heronimo visits the school two days each week and works with Grade 1 and Grade 2 students in small groups.
During these sessions, she reads with the children and provides additional attention intended to strengthen their language and reading development.
St. Franciscus Volunteer Teacher Supports Reading
The St. Franciscus Volunteer Teacher initiative gives younger students an opportunity to receive additional guidance outside regular whole-class activities.
Working with children in smaller groups can provide more time for individual reading practice and interaction.
Heronimo’s background as a Spanish teacher also allows her to provide language-focused support to students who may benefit from additional reading practice.
St. Franciscus College serves a diverse student community. Previous reporting about the school has highlighted that students come from different backgrounds and that Spanish is spoken by many children attending the school.
Her volunteer work therefore provides another source of support for children as they develop their reading and communication skills.
Volunteer Support Continues This School Year
Heronimo also assisted the school previously and has chosen to return again this year.
According to the school, her presence twice a week provides valuable additional support to teachers and students.
The initiative is based entirely on voluntary participation, making her continued involvement particularly appreciated by the school community.
Teachers thanked Heronimo for dedicating her time to reading with the children and helping them receive additional attention in small groups.
Extra Attention Can Help Young Learners
The early years of education are an important period for developing reading confidence and basic language skills.
Additional opportunities to read with an adult can help children practice vocabulary, pronunciation, comprehension and confidence.
The St. Franciscus Volunteer Teacher support also allows students to work at a more focused pace in a smaller setting.
For the school, the initiative demonstrates how volunteers with educational experience can complement the work already being carried out by classroom teachers.
St. Franciscus College has previously participated in educational initiatives aimed at strengthening student learning, including technology and innovation projects recognized by the Government of Aruba.
School Thanks Jeanette Heronimo
School leadership and teachers expressed their gratitude to Heronimo for continuing to make herself available to the students.
Her twice-weekly visits provide children in Grades 1 and 2 with another opportunity to practice reading and receive personal guidance.
The school described itself as fortunate to be able to count on her support again during the new academic year.
Through her continued work as a St. Franciscus Volunteer Teacher, Heronimo is contributing her time and teaching experience to help young students strengthen their reading skills while supporting the wider educational work of the school.
