From the Executive Director:
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Denise Long, Executive Director
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Walk the hallways of Merry Oaks Elementary School and listen. Children's voices rise and fall as they play vocabulary bingo or a game about verbs. Laughter punctuates the lessons. There is the scramble of feet as one of the lead teachers in a nearby classroom announces a snack break. Music filters from another classroom where children dance the "Hokey Pokey" and learn the correct English names for various body parts. Then, take a drive over to Pinewood or Montclaire Elementary School and hear the same sounds repeated. I guarantee you will leave with a lighter step and a smile on your lips!
This is the fourth year that International House has offered a summer Youth English Tutoring Program (YETP) to children in Charlotte who struggle to keep pace with their peers due to limited English proficiency. Many children in the CMS school system lose language proficiency over the summer while staying at home in a non-English speaking household. In Mecklenburg County, 13.5% of the County's residents are foreign-born, and enrollment of language-minority students in the CMS system is at an all time high. CMS does not currently offer ESL summer programs for elementary school children, although there are programs at the middle and high school levels. >> Read More
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From a YETP Tutor!
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My students have impacted me so much. They made me precious hearts out of construction paper and they colored them in to say, "You are the best teacher!" I almost cried, and this happened the first day. I just fell in love with my students. I'm so happy to have a chance to make a difference in their lives.
-- Tamara Salazar, tutor at Pinewood Elementary
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Host a Mexican Youth Ambassador!
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20 high school youth ambassadors from Mexico will be visiting Charlotte through the Jovenes en Accion Program between July 20 - August 1. Their program will focus on "youth empowerment, anti-gang violence, and self-expression". We encourage families with teenagers to home host during this time. Teens of hosting families are welcome to participate in all meetings and workshops.
Individuals and families will welcome guests into their homes, serve as cultural ambassadors in the evenings and on weekends, assist with transportation on the weekdays with drop-offs at International House around 9:00 am and pick-ups around 5:00pm (carpools can be arranged), and provide breakfast and dinner. A Home Host Orientation will be arranged prior to your guest's arrival.
>> For further questions, please contact Johnelle Causwell at jcauswell@ihclt.org or at 704-333-8099, ext. 121.
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Become an AmeriCorps ACCESS Member
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Are you interested in learning more about education? Do you love working with immigrants? Then join us at International House! We currently have three open AmeriCorps positions:
- Education Assistant (Daytime)
- Charlotte Works SNAP Assistant
- Education Assistant (Evening)
>> To apply, please visit this page to complete and submit the AmeriCorps-ACCESS application.
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Teacher Spotlight: Heather Kegerreis
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International House has offered numerous ESL classes over the years, with the help of countless teachers that are gracious enough to contribute their time. Heather Kegerreis is one of these exceptional teachers that we are fortunate to have on our team of volunteers. Heather has helped her ESL students excel with grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing practices while maintaining a great outlook.
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Our terrific teacher, Heather Kegerreis, with her students at The Charlotte Mint Museum
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How long have you been teaching at International House?
I began as a volunteer teaching ESL Level 2, in March 2013. Prior to teaching ESL, I was a volunteer tutor to students attending the organization's U.S. Citizenship class.
What kind of activities did you complete with the students?
My students recently completed Ventures Level 2. Additionally, we concentrated on the many aspects of the English language, from reading to writing, and everything in between. We also took a field trip to the Mint Museum.
What is your most memorable teaching experience with us?
My most memorable teaching experience happened near the last day of class. The students were very concerned that over the summer they would forget their studies and what they had learned. They asked me if they could continue to meet over the summer for class. I told them that if they had the desire to continue to learn, I would be here to teach them. And every week since they have been attending. I am very proud of these students and their courage and will to learn a second language. Many of them work two jobs and have families, yet make the time for school.
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Request for Performers!
We are looking for performers, artists, dancers and volunteers who would like to participate in the music and arts activities at our Children's World of Play event.
Children's World of Play
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2013
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Midwood International & Cultural Center (1817 Central Ave)
Cost: FREE
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Language
Conversation Hours!
International House celebrates language and culture through weekly conversation hours. FREE and for all levels!
*No registration required
* Drop-ins welcome
* All ages welcome
* Conversation hours are held at
1817 Central Avenue, Room 202
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25th Anniversary
Benefit Gala - October 26
Please join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and Live and Silent Auctions to celebrate "America the Beautiful" at our 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala!
For Advance Reservations and Information, call 704-333-8099 or click here. Corporate Sponsorships Available. Tickets are $150 per person. (A portion is tax-deductible)
Location: The Westin Charlotte
Date: Saturday,October 26, 2013
Time: Six-Thirty in the Evening
Black Tie Optional
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News from our Neighbors at Midwood
On July 11, 2013, the Congress of North American Bosniaks Carolinas chapter invites you to the Srebrenica Commemoration Event being held at International House. The event commemorates and honors the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
Date: July 11, 2013
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location:
1817 Central Ave #215,
Charlotte, NC 28205
The event is free and
open to the public.
If you have any questions, please contact
Fahrudin Mekic at
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