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March, 2009 Volume 2, Issue 3
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Tom's Notes |
Lessons from "Stand
and Deliver"
I have always liked the movie, Stand and Deliver. It is the
story of an inner-city teacher who ran against popular professional thought and
taught Hispanic kids calculus, even though they were unprepared. An article by author Jerry Jessness throws a
bit more light on the subject, however.
Jaime Escalante, the founder of the program, left the
school, but the program continued. It
was open to all, and attracted a very large following of "unprepared"
students. A lot of them failed the AP
exam, but even those who did went on to do very well at the local
university. The moral for author
Jessness is, "...it is better to lose in the Olympics than win in Little League..."
There is a lesson for us, too. The poor, disadvantaged and
"culturally different" are not a fragile lot.
Academic rigor will not crush them.
On the contrary, the lesson from Stand
and Deliver is that with desire, dedicated teachers and tutors, and a great
deal of effort, these students can achieve more than they ever dreamed
possible.
We know it is true. At
our school we see it every day.
You can read the Jessness article at http://www.reason.com/news/show/28479.html
- Tom | |
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New Tutor/Teacher Trainees and New Students
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This month welcome two new tutor trainees: Tyra Osterling, and Jennifer Marshall. Tyra holds degrees in accounting and holds the CPA designation. She is currently training to teach academic level.
Jennifer is a talented classical musician, who sings at St. Joseph's Church. She is currently tutoring American citizenship.
Welcome also to returning A-2 level students Izidro Martins and Consuelo Rosa.
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LVA on the Net
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We are now a group on the social networking website, Facebook. You can find us at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danbury-CT/Danbury-Literacy-Volunteers/68722121800.
We are also working on videos to put up on Youtube. Look for the at www. xxxxx, by the end of the month.
By the way, our new annual report, Enlarging the Place of Our Tent, should also be on the website by the end of the month. You can read it by clicking www.danbury.org/literacy/annual report.
Printed copies are also available at the office.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danbury-CT/Danbury-Literacy-Volunteers/68722121800.
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Who Dun it?
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The Second Annual Mystery Dinner is scheduled for April 24th, from 6 - 9 PM. So far, the menu includes dinner, music and a "crime" for you to try to solve. It is called, "Murder, Music and Mayhem," and includes singing as well as some truly nasty characters, played by local amateur actors from around the area.
Individual tickets are priced at $75. Tables of 10 are $650. Tickets include hors d'ouvres, buffet dinner, the show and prizes for the first table to solve the mystery.
This year, in addition to our talented amateur actors, we plan to have live music.
Call Lynn at 792-8260 for reservations.
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| Saturday Morning and Early Birds: |
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Tom is now available Saturday morning for individual meetings with students, teachers/tutors and friends. Please make an appointment between 9 - 12 for a Saturday visit.
Some teachers tutors will also be available, on an appointment basis. Students can sign up at the office during the week for Saturday morning appointments, or they can call (203) 792-8260! |
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Money, Money
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Financial Report - A lot of people are under the misunderstanding that we are supported by the government (no, not really,) or that our mother agency ProLiteracy supports us (ha, ha!) Or that student tuition pays the bills. Actually, they help a lot. Student tuition covers about one fourth of the cost of running our school. The rest must come from generous friends who see fit to invest in the future of our school and our students. This month we recognize the gift of $2,000 from Pitney Bowes, in recognition of the volunteer work contributed to our school by board member Marion Liberati. We also thank the Ceres Fund for their gift of $2,500, sent to us through the recommendation of former board member Frank Gavel, of Raymond James Financial Services of Brookfield.
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Tom Gets Another Degree
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Tom received an MA in Liberal Studies degree from Excelsior College on February 20. His concentration was in Organizational Leadership. His thesis was on the role of the 19th century political leader, Stephen A. Douglas, in the years leading up to the Civil War. E-mail Tom at tom.pinkham@gmail.com, or go to Excelsior.edu to view it.
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| Intern Program at LVA: |
Sign-ups for the Intern Program are still available.
The LVA has an Intern Program for high school and college interested in gaining teaching and or nonprofit office experience. Interns at the LVA have the benefit of small class sizes and motivated students, as well as a very patient and helpful office staff. The LVA School has a variety of jobs available in addition to teaching. In the past, interns have worked as fundraising assistant, researchers and tutors, as well as general office help. If you know of a student who may be interest, have him or her call Lynn at 792-8260 or e-mail lva.lynn@gmail.com. |
Happy Birthdays!
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There is always a reason to have a party!
Birthdays, farewells, special occaisions are only a few. (Sometimes we just need an excuse to have cake and coke.) This month we wish a belated "Happy Birthday to Frelin Chacon, and a timely happy birthday to Olga Leon. Also celebrating birthdays this month are teachers Jim Churchill and Victor Flores. Special Happy Birthday
Best wishes to former student Anita Landi, who gave birth to a daughter, Paula, on March18th.
 Pictured above: Maria, Johanna, and Monica enjoy a morning party (between classes.)
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Volunteers
Our school started with volunteers, and they are still very important to us. As we grow, we find ourselves in need of volunteers with special skills, such as math and computers, in addition to basic English. We always need more volunteers - and no, you don't have to teach! We need some party people to help us put on fundraisers and other festivities. Please send us an email at lva.danbury@gmail.com if you are interested in helping!
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