Bring a Guest to Tutor

During National Mentoring Month in January, we encourage tutors to bring a guest with them to see how easy and rewarding tutoring can be.  Those who are willing can get a "Be My Guest" button from the building coordinator to wear to promote tutoring.

Note: Because of volunteer rules, a guest must observe the tutoring process but may not tutor a child alone.

 "Across our nation, mentors steer our youth through challenging times and support their journey into adulthood. During National Mentoring Month, we honor these important individuals who unlock the potential and nurture the talent of our country, and we encourage more Americans to reach out and mentor young people in their community."       President Obama - January 4, 2011

Lunch n' Learn Moves to Morning

Early Literacy Matters!

The Power of Mentors

Phalesha Kyes, a tutor at Harrison, shared her story with us.  It seems appropriate for National Mentoring Month because it shows the power of role models in the lives of children. Read more of her story here.

 My three sisters, my mother, boyfriend of the month and I all lived together in a 2 bedroom apartment. When I was in 4th grade we transferred schools, my biggest fear.  I was pulled away from my only friends and the people I felt safe around. As the years passed we moved from apartment to apartment, school to school, each time making new friends and enemies and meeting new teachers.

The older we got, we found ourselves getting into more trouble. I was constantly being suspended, not going to school because I was failing all of my classes. My future did not look very bright.

We were taken away from my birth mother and after a short stay in foster care, a young couple took my sister and me into their home to live. The transition was hard since we had no concept of rules or parents or going to school on a regular basis, but I'm glad they did not budge, because now I have graduated from high school and attend GRCC.

When I found out that I had the opportunity to reach out to kids from a school I attended, I knew I had to be involved. I find myself looking forward to my tutoring days more than I look forward to the weekend.

The one thing I wish I could have changed growing up is the consistent influences in my life. I never had a good role model until I met Amara, my adoptive mother. I knew I wanted to be a part of United Way and Schools of Hope to be that consistent, positive influence in a child's life, because to me it really did save my life.

Inclement Weather Reminder

Looks like we were lucky in December!  Only one GRPS closed. That was not one of our schools and was due to a boiler problem.  Just a reminder; check the media in the morning.  If a school is closed for a heat or mechanical problem, staff may not report and may be unable to contact tutors.  Whether it is your school or all GRPS schools that are closed, we do not expect tutors to make up their sessions.

Remember that we never expect tutors to come if they feel the conditions are unsafe for travel.  If that is the case, we do ask that you try to contact the school to report your absence.

Schools of Hope on the Morning Show

Thanks to tutors Clara Shelton and Tom Larson, both tutoring at Brookside, who appeared on the Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on WGVU, 88.5 FM, on December 10.

If you would like to hear their interview, click here.

More Tutors!

We often get creative ideas for recruiting tutors and many come from the tutors themselves.  Here are two...........

We are in the process of developing a list of tutors who have been with the program since its inception in school year 2001 - 2002.  We have posted a list of active tutors who meet this criteria here. If you believe you belong, please review the list and email Fritz with any questions you might have.

Making the Holidays Brighter

Thanks to Meijer for a wonderful donation to Schools of Hope that provided over 30 jackets, 70 tee shirts, 50 sweatshirts, pencils, pens, tote bags and duffels.  The donation also included a decorated artificial tree that was given to United Way's adopted family.   Schools have already used these items for incentives, additions to holiday baskets and needed classroom supplies.  In addition, many of the items like backpacks and sweatshirts have been reserved for students who need these items.

Meet LeeAnn Valone - Harrison Coordinator
 

I have worked for the schools for almost 25 years, all in some type of reading area. I absolutely love my new job with Schools of Hope; I love seeing the bonding, nurturing, progress and all that goes on with our students and their tutors. It is such a joy to witness.

I am married for almost 37 years & yes to the same man. We have two wonderful sons with incredible wives who have blessed us with 4 grandchildren. With summers off my 'grandbabies' and I will take off for 4-5 days at a time, with no agenda and have more fun than a barrel of monkeys! All but the 3 year old love to read although she makes up her own stories. I love crafting. I make jewelry, play around with photography, read and love going to warm sunny tropical locations with my husband.

Meet Dave Leins - AmeriCorps Member

AmeriCorps member, Dave Leins, has really stepped up in serving the AmeriCorps mission of getting things done. Dave, who serves at Shawmut Hills, will be temporarily maintaining the Schools of Hope classroom while a new coordinator is being placed. From Livonia, Dave came to Grand Rapids to join AmeriCorps and to be with his band Cartography. After serving in AmeriCorps, Dave plans on going back to school to pursue studies in Anthropology and Archaeology. When asked why he joined AmeriCorps, Dave says, "So I could help change the world."

Although many of you did not have contact with Renee Goodemoot who primarily served our Schools of Hope after school program and our VP, Tony Campbell, she played a major role in the smooth and efficient operation of all Schools of Hope programs.  Renee has left United Way to return to the private sector.  We thank her for her outstanding service and wish her well in her new position.

Fritz Crabb

Director of Literacy Initiatives

fcrabb@hwmuw.org