Tammy Monson shuffles through a handful of papers and comes across a worksheet with a particularly difficult math problem.

“Who wants a challenge?” she asks the children seated at a small table nearby. A young girl quickly raises her hand, and Monson places the worksheet in front of the student, encouraging her to give it her best shot.

Minutes later, the student writes down the correct answer, and Monson enthusiastically applauds the effort. The girl flashes a big smile at the accomplishment.

It’s a warm summer morning outside, but about two dozen youngsters from all corners of the Riverview Terrace Mobile Home Park in Chaska have gathered inside the local community center to sharpen their language and math skills — and have a little fun.

While many of their schoolmates are busy sleeping in or heading to the beach, these elementary and middle school students gather four times a week to exercise their brains and prepare for another school year.

Monson, a substitute teacher in the Waconia School District during the academic year, helped launch the tutoring program in 2018 and has been its leader ever since. Back then, Eastern Carver County Schools received a grant to renovate a concrete block building at the mobile home park and a nice classroom emerged.

“This was a horrid, cobweb-ridden, dirty, gross storm shelter,” Monson says as she scans the space. “Eastern Carver County Schools gutted it and made it into this nice place.”

The tutoring program touts a core group of 25 adult and teen volunteers who regularly work with students who are struggling with math and English.

The summer tutoring sessions are Mondays through Thursdays and last from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with breaks for snacks, recess and lunch. During the school year, tutors continue to be available for instruction from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

“Honestly, I would love to have more volunteers,” Monson admits. “I always tell my volunteers that I don’t care if they come once a month or every day — just come.”

Other support for the program comes from Grace Church in Chaska, Monson says, which frequently donates snacks for the kids when funding from the district runs dry.

According to Monson, the tutoring program gives the mostly Hispanic children an important boost in their academic success. Many come from families that don’t speak English, so it’s difficult for the students to get help with their homework at home.

Also, most of the kids have parents who work long hours, and the summer and after-school program provides a safe and intellectually stimulating place for the children to gather.

“It’s better they’re here than somewhere else,” Monson explains.

The extra help has paid off for the kids, Monson reports. Test scores of the participating students have shown improvement over time. And when a new school year starts, the Riverview Community Center kids haven’t fallen behind academically like some of their friends.

“They work hard,” Monson says of the students. “They don’t come here and play games all day. They are writing and working on math all summer long. They just do tons of review … everything that they’ve learned during the school year.”

Since turning 60, Monson admits she easily tires after a long day of substitute teaching in Waconia. She’s often exhausted when turning her car toward Chaska for the afternoon tutoring sessions and admits to grumbling a bit.

But upon arrival at the Riverview Community Center, Monson is quickly reminded that the extra effort is worth it.

“They’re like my kids. Some of them I’ve known since they were this big,” she said, dropping the palm of her hand toward her knee. “I’m kind of like a grandma or another mom to them. Plus, they’re just lovely children — they’re kind, they’re loving and they’re caring.”

Monson says she also knows that if she didn’t continue her work as the center director, the tutoring program might close.

“Nobody else is going to come in and take care of it. There’s a lot of time involved,” she says. “It wouldn’t survive.”

Monson points out two girls who have benefitted from the tutoring program over the years. They are heading to middle school this coming year, which can be a scary transition for anyone.

Monson says the consistent tutoring help, plus the friendships they’ve developed throughout the summer and in the after-school program, have given the girls needed confidence and has set them up for success in the future.

“I’m praying and hoping that when they get there, they’re strong enough,” she says, “because it’s not easy.”

For information about volunteering as a tutor, contact Monson at monsontammy@hotmail.com.