Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) have a new opportunity to reach out to the community and do some good.

The John Tyler Elementary School in Portsmouth is looking for Sailors to help students, especially in math and reading groups.

Members of the ship's First Class Petty Officer Association, led by Logistics Specialist 1st Class Rachel Ryan, strengthened the burgeoning relationship with the school by giving a tour of the ship to the principal and three staff members, Jan. 27.

John Tyler Elementary School is categorized as a Title I school. This refers to the funds the Department of Education provides to the school based on the percentage of students from a low socio-economic bracket.

"We have kindergarten through sixth grades with approximately 650 students," said Heidi Lewis, principal of John Tyler Elementary School. "Our demographic features a lot of students from low-income families, and many of our students are in foster care or being raised by other relatives."

Volunteering at Title I can be a mutually beneficial experience as volunteers have the opportunity to positively impact the future of their community, and children receive individualized attention which help teachers provide the best possible environment and education.

"We are giving back to the children and they are very receptive," said Ryan. "They like to see people in uniform and ask questions like 'Is that your last name?' 'What does this mean on your collar?' They're very sweet, very receptive, and very interested in everything that we do."

Lewis stated in her message on the school website she will "motivate our community to participate in our school community by having a presence in the community, on social media, and host outreach programs to welcome our community members."

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Gerald Johnson, a member of the FCPOA, said GW's Command Master Chief James Tocorzic reached out to the FCPOA and Chiefs Mess to have the volunteer opportunity occur at the school on a regular basis.

"We wanted to get involved so we could help tutor students and give back to the community," said Johnson. "We want to make a difference and help bring the community together."

Lewis said she has already seen the positive impact Sailors have on the students.

"They really enjoy having a new face to help them," said Lewis. "The Sailors are very helpful. The uniform commands some attention, and it is nice for the students to bond with them, as well."

Sailors who would like to volunteer at John Tyler Elementary School should contact AO1 Gerald Johnson at j-dial 4920.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/, www.facebook.com/USSGW or www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73.