CYPRESS : Volunteer’s Hard Work Recognized

Connie Wesling helps children learn to read, write and multiply just like any other bilingual classroom helper in the Cypress School District.

But Wesling doesn’t get a paycheck.

The 58-year-old retired Hughes Aircraft Co. process engineering assistant said she volunteers at King Elementary School “because teachers don’t have time for one-on-one, and there is a great need for one-on-one help.”

Wesling, who began working at the school in 1989, turned down a salary that would have paid about $7 an hour when the Cypress School District had an opening for a bilingual aide two years ago. She still refuses to accept any pay.

Currently, there are nine paid bilingual aides in the district, and Wesling is the only volunteer who performs the same duties they do. She has no teaching experience and no children or grandchildren in any of the district’s schools, Supt. William D. Eller said.

“That’s what makes her unique,” he said. “We have parent volunteers who help teachers make copies, but (Wesling) has no ties to the school other than her interest in helping the children.”

Wesling continues to report for work every weekday at 8 a.m. to spend about five hours tutoring students of all grades who mainly need help with reading and language skills. Many of her pupils speak little or no English.

On a recent morning, Wesling helped third-grader Julio Gomez read an essay. She guided his eyes by running her thumb under the words as the 7-year-old pronounced them.

“The deer sees seeds,” Julio said, slowly. “That’s right,” Wesling replied, smiling.

Her patient dedication was recognized recently by the district, which gave her its first monthly “Above and Beyond” award, honoring those who make contributions to the schools without expecting anything in return.

Wesling “is a valued member of our team,” King Principal Stephen Teschke said. “What she does is tremendously generous on her part. We have plenty of students who need bilingual aid and could use the extra help she gives.”

He said that as district officials grapple with tight budgets which restricts hiring instructional and bilingual aides, Wesling is viewed as a blessing.

The grandmother is modest about the accolades. “The kids are there and they need the help,” she said. “I feel guilty when I take my mom to the doctors and can’t go to work, because if I’m not there, it’s not like somebody else will step in and do the tutoring.”

Her students appreciate the help.

“I’m getting better at reading because of (Wesling),” said Gaston Ortega, 9. “I’m learning a lot, and it would be sad if she left, because the teachers don’t have time to explain things more than one time.”