Rotary Youth Literacy
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Steve Rastin introduced Dan Glassier, co-ordinator of the MARC Rotary Youth Literacy Program, as a retired teacher, and Jake Brideau, a volunteer peer tutor.
Dan said thanks for inviting him back. 18 months ago he spoke to the Club of the serious need in the schools for help in improving and maintaining literacy skills. MARC had identified a large number of students about to enter High School who needed extra help to give them the abilities and the confidence to take on new challenges.
The Club listened and in the spirit of Paul Harris funded this new program's first year. 30 youth and their families in 4 schools are now better equipped to pursue their education.
A supportive network across 3 Boards is preparing for another year of assistance.
Dan invited Jake to give the Club his perspective. Jake said he'd signed up mostly to make up his community hours and went back to his own elementary school to work with students. He noticed amazing growth in these kids, changing from shy and poorly performing to more confident and able youn adults. He felt he was able to create a bond, which a busy teacher is not able to do, and that he became the resource for questions they couldn't take to the teacher. But more important, he said, they learned to help themselves.
Dan said thanks for inviting him back. 18 months ago he spoke to the Club of the serious need in the schools for help in improving and maintaining literacy skills. MARC had identified a large number of students about to enter High School who needed extra help to give them the abilities and the confidence to take on new challenges.
The Club listened and in the spirit of Paul Harris funded this new program's first year. 30 youth and their families in 4 schools are now better equipped to pursue their education.
A supportive network across 3 Boards is preparing for another year of assistance.
Dan invited Jake to give the Club his perspective. Jake said he'd signed up mostly to make up his community hours and went back to his own elementary school to work with students. He noticed amazing growth in these kids, changing from shy and poorly performing to more confident and able youn adults. He felt he was able to create a bond, which a busy teacher is not able to do, and that he became the resource for questions they couldn't take to the teacher. But more important, he said, they learned to help themselves.
Dan said all 4 schools involved last year gave very positive feedback about the program, citing significant differences in students' attitudes and abilities. He said the Club's sponsorship was vital to provide a helping hand at the right time.
Research shows that choices made while young are the foundation of the rest of a person's life and the school and success strategies this program imparts help these kids make better choices.
The need for this transition program (from elementary to HS) is still there and getting greater. MARC and its partners must be able to continue to help and the long term implications are important. Rotary is making a difference right here.
Last year Rotary donated $28,500.00, the entire budget of the program. This year MARC has made applications to 7 agencies, including $10,000.00 they are asking for from the Rotary Club of Midland. They have had no response from the others yet. They are in the process of getting up and running again in the first four schools and have requests from several others and hope to put that 10 to start up costs.
These kids are struggling but capable and they get left behind in the crowd. They need help with confidence building and developing motivation.
Rob Thompson asked that as most staff are volunteers, what is the money spent on? Dan replied that he is acting as paid co-ordinator, taking care of logistics and supervision and training. It involves travel and a lot of time. He says he's paid for 12 hrs a week and works at least 20. But he says the money is doing good work - he told of a young girl who was withdrawn and almost curled up on herself who is now confident in her abilities.
Jamie Tripp thanked Dan for coming and for telling the Club how the money is being spent and he thought Jake's personal account was very helpful to the members.
Steve Rastin reported that the Board will recommend that the Club contribute $10,000.00 to MARC for the continuation of this program and there will be a Club vote next week.
Research shows that choices made while young are the foundation of the rest of a person's life and the school and success strategies this program imparts help these kids make better choices.
The need for this transition program (from elementary to HS) is still there and getting greater. MARC and its partners must be able to continue to help and the long term implications are important. Rotary is making a difference right here.
Last year Rotary donated $28,500.00, the entire budget of the program. This year MARC has made applications to 7 agencies, including $10,000.00 they are asking for from the Rotary Club of Midland. They have had no response from the others yet. They are in the process of getting up and running again in the first four schools and have requests from several others and hope to put that 10 to start up costs.
These kids are struggling but capable and they get left behind in the crowd. They need help with confidence building and developing motivation.
Rob Thompson asked that as most staff are volunteers, what is the money spent on? Dan replied that he is acting as paid co-ordinator, taking care of logistics and supervision and training. It involves travel and a lot of time. He says he's paid for 12 hrs a week and works at least 20. But he says the money is doing good work - he told of a young girl who was withdrawn and almost curled up on herself who is now confident in her abilities.
Jamie Tripp thanked Dan for coming and for telling the Club how the money is being spent and he thought Jake's personal account was very helpful to the members.
Steve Rastin reported that the Board will recommend that the Club contribute $10,000.00 to MARC for the continuation of this program and there will be a Club vote next week.