How is a "Clasp Locker" like SAT coaching?

The answer is found in the story of two people; Whitcomb Judson, the founder of Universal Fastener Co., and Hamilton-Wenham's Kali Reynolds, the co-founder of Episcopal City Tutoring.

Judson appreciated the brilliance of Elias Howe's 'Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure' but was sure it could be improved upon. And Reynolds, an experienced teacher keenly aware of the degree to which learning styles vary student to student, recognized that existing SAT prep courses - though good - could be better.

After making its inauspicious debut at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, the Clasp Locker continued on a natural course of evolution to become the fabulously indispensable "Zipper."

Reynolds, a mother of two and a special education teacher at Buker Elementary School in Wenham, did the same with SAT tutoring. She recognized three drawbacks with well known SAT preparation courses. Those courses are formulaic, administered in a group setting and, for many, prohibitively expensive - often costing $1,000 or more, she said.

Rev. Eric Hillegas, associate priest at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Dorchester, shared similar insight. So when Reynolds and Hillegas had an opportunity to put their heads together, a marvelous partnership was born.

The idea, which Reynolds credits to Hillegas, was christened "Episcopal City Tutoring."

"From late spring to December (last year) I'd been working on how to bring a (one on one) tutoring program to Dorchester," explains Hillegas. "But the financing component was really hard because the cost per tutor was just too high."

Meanwhile Reynolds, a parishioner at Hamilton's Christ Church, was looking for a way to multiply the benefit she could contribute to each student she tutored.

"Because of my faith," she said, "I thought 'there must be a way to use all of my training for a greater good.'"

Both Hillegas and Reynolds name a tutoring colleague and mutual friend, Alison Cook of Chestnut Hill, as the catalyst responsible for setting the wheels of creation in motion.

"My idea was to have suburban satellites feeding into Dorchester," said Hillegas. "Kali was raising her kids and teaching, so traveling to Dorchester didn't make sense for her."

"But the idea was to start the tutoring program at Christ Church and then use the money collected to launch the Dorchester program."

Still marveling at how the endeavors of three individuals with a common dream came to jell, Hillegas reflected, "When Allison introduced me to Kali, that's when it took off."

In February 2010, using a model he had spent the previous year developing, Hillegas secured a seed grant from the Diocese of Massachusetts' Episcopal City Mission. Then, with Reynolds' help, the two prepared space in the Parish Hall of Christ Church by converting it to four private classrooms.

Describing what she calls 'the lodge,' Reynolds said there are wooden walls that slide to make smaller rooms.

"The students study in their own classrooms," she said. "It's really very nice. I'm really proud of the warm, personal, supportive atmosphere we've created."

"We kicked off the Hamilton program on Aug. 5with six students, " says Hillegas.

Then, confirming that the 10 week program that costs $800 per student secured the money needed to underwrite its Dorchester counterpart, Hillegas added, "Free tutoring for Dorchester kids started Nov. 1."

Relaying thoughts via cell phone from Boston, Hillegas said in happy conclusion, "We are able to bring the same quality (of tutoring) to Dorchester."

The math tutor, Gavin Sangrey, is a graduate of Gordon College, who, when not tutoring, conducts research on Parkinson's disease at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"Gavin is doing double duty," Hillegas said. "Thursdays he tutors in Hamilton and Mondays he does the same in Dorchester."

Reynolds, who serves as the site manager of the Hamilton-Wenham program and tends to all of the marketing, scheduling and hiring - even baking snacks - revels in her work.

"I have fabulous tutors, and (our) students are just lovely," Reynolds said.

Student Grace Chmura, increased her SAT score by nearly 200 points after enrolling in the program.

"Because I had to take the test every week, it boosted my confidence in test taking and the tutors helped me with the questions I missed," Chmura said. "The tutors were friendly and knowledgeable and my scores improved."  

Those interested in the Hamilton-Wenham Episcopal City Tutoring Program can contact Reynolds at 978-407-6368 or 978-468-4268.