Partners in Learning serve Dubuque children

Dubuque school children are experiencing AmeriCorps -- sometimes referred to as the Peace Corps in America -- thanks to Partners in Learning.

This academic support and cultural and recreational enrichment group was formed when Iowa State University Extension in Dubuque County brought 17 education partners to the table to provide study buddies before, during and after school. Dubuque County Extension then took the lead writing a grant for 20 fulltime AmeriCorps members, which has translated into 56 actual members who serve 20 schools and three neighborhood family resource and technology centers in Dubuque County.

AmeriCorps member Stormy Mochal helped kids make Brazilian carnival dolls during an art program.

At one of those centers, St. Mark’s Community Center, purple hippos, bicycle tire hats and origami have enriched cultural experiences of the children and their families. They may not understand AmeriCorps, but they do know Stormy Mochal. She is an artist and graduate of Loras College completing her first school year as an AmeriCorps member.

"I have taught an art program called Art of Many Hands on Saturday mornings with five- to 10-year-olds," Mochal said. "My AmeriCorps projects this summer will be teaching a two-week art camp and building a sculpture at St. Mark’s with six or seven sixth-graders."

At Audubon Elementary, first graders are getting extra reading help from Jessica Huebbe, who calls the AmeriCorps experience a life-broadening one and one giving direction to her life as she considers post-secondary education.

Some of Dubuque’s Lincoln Elementary students gobbled up the food science and other after-school programs provided by Alicia Gogerty. Other students know her as their tutor for math, spelling or reading. The Clarke College grad will use her AmeriCorps community service work to help her determine future career opportunities.

Donna Loewen, Dubuque Lincoln Elementary School principal, described Gogerty’s work in the classroom as an extra pair of hands, and an extra set of ears and eyes to encourage students and keep them on track.

"Having an AmeriCorps member this past year provided yet another caring adult in service to our increasingly at-risk student population," said Loewen. "We are grateful for the partnership between our school district and Dubuque County Extension and for the grant that provided AmeriCorps members for area schools. What a positive difference it has made! Our hope is that this partnership will continue next year with another AmeriCorps member."

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• Last update: June 2001