He’s Sounding the Right Notes As ‘The Science Guy’
When Chico Valdes was in high school, he had dreams of being a music teacher. As a tuba player, he didn’t find much need for math or science. Now he wishes that he had paid a little more attention in science class.
Valdes, known to students at Tabb Elementary School as "The Science Guy," is coordinator of the school’s Hands on Science program. The program recruits parents and volunteers to lead hands-on science experiments, which Valdes refers to as "fun science." Now in his 13th year with the program, Valdes dedicates 10 to 15 hours a week. He’s even started a second program at Mount Vernon Elementary School.
Valdes has helped the school with its plans to install a Learning Garden. He’s helped with the planning, mapping, visiting gardens at other schools and securing help from organizations like the local Boy Scouts. He even helps with odd jobs around the school — like landscaping, filling bird feeders and painting — and has donated gift certificates from his Bill’s Seafood House in Newport News to the Parent-Teacher Association for special events.
Valdes was recently recognized as this year’s York County and Peninsula District Volunteer of the Year, but despite the awards, he doesn’t believe in individual recognition.
He knows that his work is possible only with the support of parents, teachers, volunteers and local business owners who donate materials for the experiments.
Q: Why did you start volunteering?
A: My son did it. When he was in the fourth grade at Tabb Elementary, he was trying to talk me into doing this and doing that, and I saw this Hands on Science program and thought I could do that.
Now I’m the coordinator of the entire program. I’ve started a program up at Mount Vernon Elementary. I’d like to get it in all the elementary schools in the York County system.
Q: What kind of volunteer work do you do?
A: Once a month, we get parents to come in.
We get five to seven volunteers per classroom to come in. We have a training session, an hour to an hour and a half, the day before.
We break the kids into groups, and the parents lead hands-on science experiments.
My favorite one is the electricity and magnetism experiment because we get to shock each other and light the light bulbs up using static electricity. That’s the one you get the most "oohs" and "ahs" out of.
Q: What is the Learning Garden?
A: We’re going to have six grade boxes, where each grade level will have its own box and the teachers will determine what they’re going to grow in there.
There will be a reading area on the other side of the school, where teachers can take them out to read.
It’ll be right near the playground.
Q: How has this service challenged you?
A: I was going to be a music teacher. I thought, "I’m a tuba player. Who’s going to need math or science?" The hardest part is learning to think again. It’s a lot more fun this time around.
Q: Why do you continue to volunteer?
A: For the kids. Because of the kids. This is the future of the country, and they see so many negative things out there.
To me, it gives me the opportunity to let them know that people do care about you. They’re the future of the country, and now that we’ve got exchange students, it’s like the future of the world.
These kids need to know there’s still good out there. It’s also for me. When I get to the school, it gives my life meaning.
Q: What is your most memorable experience as a volunteer?
A: I was standing in the lunch line, and there was this little girl standing in front of me, and she turned and asked, "Whose grandpa are you?"
Q: If you had to go back to school, which grade would you prefer and why?
A: I would say probably fifth grade. I had a fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Westerbelt, who really impressed on me what I’m trying to impress on the kids — that people do care. I see now how important education is. Education is everything.
Chico Valdes Age: 52
Family: Wife, Pam; son, Christopher; daughter, Angela
Hometown: York County
Occupation: Owner/manager of Bill’s Seafood House in Newport News
Volunteer title: The Science Guy
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