Brian Wiggins, Breanna Hargett, Sarah Smitherman and Maddox Chapman, from left, study science under the supervision of their teacher, Kristie Barber.| Clif Knight

Eighteen students in first through eighth grade are getting a head start on the 2014-2015 school year, thanks to the Hartselle/Morgan County Community Task Force and its volunteers.

Students are attending classes Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon at Sparkman Civic Center with emphasis on remedial studies in math, science, English and reading.

The summer school started June 30 and will conclude on July 21.

“Most of these students have fallen behind in one or more subjects at the schools they attend on a regular basis,” said math teacher Dewayne Tapscott. “Our objective is to help them catch up in those areas and be able to achieve at a satisfactory level next school year.

“There is no cost to the student,” Tapscott added. “Classroom supplies, as well as breakfast, lunch and transportation, is provided by the Task Force.

“The first thing we do is test the students to help us determine where they need help,” Tapscott said. “We test them again at the end of the session to see how much progress they’ve made, and provide their parents with a copy of the test results.”

Working with Tapscott as classroom teachers are his wife, Tera Tapscott, and Kristie Barber. High school student assistants are Jasmine Jones, Emileigh Robb, Jessica Williams and Dakoyia Rainey. Miracle Taylor served as office secretary and Joyce Williams, Randy Love, Brenda Sharpley and Gracie Orr were kitchen volunteers.

“We have a good group of students who want to learn,” Tapscott said. “They come to class every day unless they have a prior appointment and do their work willingly and on time. We’re fortunate to have access to the civic center. We have plenty of classroom space as well as a kitchen to prepare our meals and a gym for P.E.”

“I think we have an obligation to help these kids as much as we can,” said Hartselle Mayor Don Hall. “From what I can tell, the Community Task Force is doing a good job of bringing them back up to speed in their studies.”

“Since we don’t have a big demand for meeting space from other community organizations during the summer months, it’s a win-win for the city,” Hall added.

“They’re teaching us things we’re going to be studying in class next school year,” said summer student Bricen Tapscott. “That gives us a head start. They’re also pushing us to work harder in class.”

“This is my second year to attend,” said summer student Taylor Gray. “It helps me improve in all of my studies.”

These volunteers served as office and classroom aides at the Community Task Force summer school conducted at Hartselle Civic Center. Pictured, from left, are office secretary Miracle Taylor, Jasmine Jones, Emileigh Robb, Jessica Williams and Dakoyia Rainey. | Clif Knight

Teachers Dewayne Tapscott, right, and wife, Tera, tutor summer student Austin Orr at a Community Task Force summer school. | Clif Knight

From left, Joyce Williams, Randy Love and Brenda Sharpley, and Gracie Orr, not pictured, prepared breakfast and lunch for students attending summer school sponsored by the Hartselle-Decatur Community Task Force. | Clif Knight

Teacher Tera Tapscott, center, works with students Imajjin Barrett, left, and Seth Holmes on an English project. | Clif Knight

Jaylon Chatman, Dakoyia Rainey, Tynisha Reed, Bricen Tapscott, Taylor Gray and Jasmine Jones, from left, work problems on the blackboard under the supervision of their teacher, Dewayne Tapscott. | Clif Knight