Manhasset students offer free tutoring during pandemic

The Island Now

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all of us, including young students who in March suddenly found themselves with no classes or very limited instruction.

More than twenty Manhasset High School students have stepped up to help their younger peers by providing free virtual tutoring services while schools are closed.

According to Lucas Maley, who initiated the service, many students during shelter-at-home “were unoccupied much of the day, when they otherwise would be learning in school. Also, many high schoolers who normally would be extremely busy with schoolwork and spring sports now have free time on their hands.

So it was a win-win to match high school tutors with younger students looking for help with homework assignments, or to review old material or learn new material.”

Maley approached his honor society advisors to help him recruit volunteer tutors from their members. Several students from the Student-Athlete Leadership Team also enthusiastically volunteered.

Parents have been very pleased with the experience. Rachel Yemm said, “I told Lucas what I was looking for in a tutor for both of my kids and he quickly matched them with wonderful tutors.

They’re smart, patient, and explain concepts well. And my kids definitely prefer working with high school students than me! The tutoring has definitely eased some of the challenges of online learning for our family.”

Maley matches tutors with tutees based on the subject or subjects desired, taking into account other things that parents request. It also has been a lesson in customer service for Maley. “I really appreciate that Lucas checks in regularly to make sure the tutoring continues to work well for us,” Yemm said.

During school closure, Maley has also been busy making 3-D printed face shields and other personal protective equipment and donating them to hospitals through a collaborative campaign between Cornell University and NYC Makes PPE.

He is also co-leading an effort with two of his track teammates, Daniel O’Neill and Max Craven, to collect food and toiletries for the Shelter Rock Church Food Pantry by picking up donations at people’s doorsteps.

Tutoring was initially limited to middle school students and was recently expanded to elementary school students as well. With his tutors working on a volunteer basis, Maley says he will soon be “asking parents to make a voluntary donation of any amount for tutoring, which I’ll donate to research towards a COVID-19 vaccine, or a similar cause.” Manhasset parents who would like to request a tutor for their child can e-mail Maley at lucasmaley@yahoo.com.

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