Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Celebration of Reading


For a birthday, you have a celebration,
for Dr. Seuss’ birthday, you read with elation.

On March 2, local celebrities came to the Q
They came armed with books, some old and some new
Upstairs they went where the children were gathered

They read to the kids and let them know that they mattered. 

Superintendent Adkins read a book about animals
Some with nostrils or a blowhole, and all with jawbones we call mandibles.


 
Artist Michael Letts read a book about hands,
He drew a picture of his dog, and made some new fans.

Former Q swim coach and now TV show host,
Lee Pitts came back to read to the kids - he's really the most!



Lt. Larry King came from LCSO to read a book about bears.
He let us know literacy is important, and the sheriff’s office cares!

Weatherman John Patrick, wearing a big, striped hat
Gave kids a choice, then read “Pete the Cat.”

Dressed is Seuss attire, Fort Myers Police Officers Harris and Brown
Showed their fun side, read books, and turned frowns upside down.



Tony Sadiku came from Fox4 bearing gifts of books
He read with expression, and a sunny outlook.



We had a visit from the Fire Marshal and firefighters too
They read about fires, and a Seuss character with a crazy hairdo!



Children who spend more time reading, do better in school.
Community celebrities inspired, and gave kids a new tool.
Through their actions, this community they are leading
With their participation, they demonstrate the joy of reading.

The Early Learning Coalition got the books and organized the day too.
For their time and support, all of us here say, "Thank you!"

Monday, March 21, 2016

It’s Crazy Out Here… and What You Can Do

A 4-year old Egyptian boy was given a life sentence for murder. A dude with weird hair says he can shoot someone on the street and still win the Republic presidential nomination. And 35% of black kids dropped out of school last year. Again. 35%!!!



If you are one of those optimistic folks who think change begins one person at a time, and we can all be part of the solution, hurray for you! And keep reading.

Last year, Quality Life Center launched a new tutoring program, combining features from the Australian First Steps Literacy program with Florida Sunshine Standards to create a comprehensive, skill-based tutoring program focused on literacy and math fluency.

Combining in-house assessments and students' individual grades, the Q's academic coordinator, Talissa Soto was able to identify specific student needs and pair students with volunteers from FGCU and around the community.



In addition to helping improve academic standing, the tutoring program builds positive relationships between our students and tutors, who serve as role models and provide emotional support and motivation.

Shy 4th grader “Kim” began the last school year with C and D grades, despite showing indications that she was familiar with the concepts she was learning in school. As she participated in the Q's tutoring program, Kim's confidence began increasing and she became more comfortable asking questions and participating in class. By the end of the second quarter in January, she earned all A's and B's on her report card.




You may not be able to do anything for the boy in Egypt, but you can make a difference in a child’s life right here, right now. Help your neighbor, help your friend, go volunteer at the Q or another organization that could use a hand. For information about Quality Life Center’s tutoring program, contact Talissa at tsoto@qlcswfl.org or come on in and get started by filling out a volunteer form.