November 2015

 

  

 

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." 
Albert Schweitzer
 
I have always loved the Thanksgiving holiday, but never truly appreciated it until I became a volunteer for School on Wheels. Like most people, I thought of Thanksgiving as filled with food, family, and friends. Now when I think of Thanksgiving, I reflect on the words...thanks and giving. I never felt the true power of gratitude and giving until I saw what your support, encouragement and generosity have done for thousands of homeless children in our communities. Because of you, a kindergartner can learn to read; because of you, a fifth grader will be able to go to school because she has a uniform and a brand new backpack; because of you, a high school student can solve a complex problem with his very own tutor.

We celebrate this time of giving thanks and are grateful that we have friends like you whose compassion and generosity allow us to reach out to the ever-increasing number of homeless students in our communities.  Please know how much we value your continued support. Thank you most of all for the hope you have given to our homeless students so that they too can have a chance for success through education. 

With gratitude and admiration,
 
 
Catherine Meek
Executive Director
In the News

Executive Director, Catherine Meek, was featured in the Ventana Monthly to talk about the work of School on Wheels in Ventura County.


Our Marketing Director, Sinead Chilton, was interviewed for Southern California Public Radio station, KPCC

Click here to read the story or listen to the audio interview on the SCPR website!
On the eve of Halloween (Friday, October 30) 110 volunteers, staff and students trick-or-treated around our Skid Row Learning Center. Seventy-two of our students wearing an assortment of costumes ranging from princesses to super heroes received candy from local businesses surrounding the center. 

Photos from the event were featured in the following publications: CBS News, MSN News, NBC News, The Guardian, The Tribune, and Reuters
Donor of the Month
Comerica Bank

Star Student 
Joshua, 2nd grade 
"Joshua is a smart, artistic and fun 2nd grader who brightens up my day each week during our tutoring sessions. Right before school started, Joshua had to face some pretty big obstacles for someone so young. After having underwent a corrective surgery on both of his legs, he remained positive and never let a wheelchair or casts on each leg slow him down--Joshua has shown me what a positive attitude and willingness to learn can achieve. Joshua truly is a Superstar in my book!" 
  -Amanda Evans, Tutor 
 
  Each of our students inspire us every day. Click here to see why! 
Star Tutor
Manasvi Pinnamaneni
"I wanted to tutor to become engaged in my community and to use my education to help others pursue theirs. Online tutoring allowed me to accommodate this into my irregular schedule. I am currently working with four students, each learning different topics and requiring unique lesson plans--One of my goals is to establish a comfortable and stable learning environment. While this is a more difficult task over the distance of the internet, I feel that it is a crucial part of making education rewarding."
  -Manasvi Pinnamaneni

Want to read more from our dedicated volunteer tutors? Click here and be inspired by their stories!
Upcoming Events

On Saturday, November 21, School on Wheels will participate in the United Way's HomeWalk 2015.  
Join our team and let's advocate for our homeless children and youth!
All Ages Welcome.
Tutor Resources
It's Career Month for School on Wheels!
November marks our annual Career Month! We have outlined four weeks full of activities that we want tutors to incorporate into each session to help students discover how their interests can align with careers. Many of our students come from backgrounds where they may not have anyone to guide them in making decisions for a successful future. Let's continue to cultivate their interests together.

Click here to read the all of what this month has to offer!
 
Online Workshop: Tutoring Students with Special Needs
Thursday, November 12 @ 12pm

On Thursday, November 12, School on Wheels will be hosting an online workshop on Tutoring Students with Special Needs, featuring special needs advocate, Danielle Wiltchik. This workshop will give current and pending tutors tools for effectively getting through to students with specific behavioral barriers. Save the date!

Ask a Tutor Tuesdays - Are you a current tutor looking for support and/or advice? Are you a potential tutor hoping to find out what tutoring at School on Wheels is like?
School on Wheels runs a weekly advice feature every Tuesday called Ask a Tutor Tuesday!
This blog feature serves as the perfect opportunity to ask veteran School on Wheels tutors questions regarding their experiences and to get advice for tutoring tips and techniques. To find out more, read our blog here.
 
Refer a Friend Winners!
Congratulations to our five lucky winners:

Priscilla In 
Margaret Ortlieb 
Stephanie Koenig 
Lindsay Thomas 
Sina Moridzadeh
Thank you all for continuing to spread the word about School on Wheels to your friends and family. We appreciate all that you do for our organization!
Social Media News
Our favorite posts this month: 

Click the pictures to read each post!
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