Vickery Meadow Summer Reading Academy – McShan Reading Homeroom
"Of all holy works, the education of children is most holy." -St. Theophan, the Recluse
Valued Tutors/Youth Leaders
** Second Year
*** Third Year
***+ 2010 Student returning as Youth Leader, and first Eagle Scholar
34 of 56 outside PHPC
Joined after tutoring #
Alice McCurdy Alice White Allison Lorimer
Alondra Martinez ***+ Anne Edwards Barbara Neill ***
Ben Lorimer Betty Muse ** Billie Adams
Cindy Finley ** Clare Kernie Cris Oliver **
Dalene Buhl *** Daniel Walker Debbie Stinnett
Debbie Tunnell *** Emilly Bawier Eugene Massad **
Ginny Gurney Gloria Valadez *** Jami Wood
Jan Bendiksen # Janie Hughes Jie Yu
Joan Hemer ** Joan Orleans John Buhl ***
Jordan Thomas ** Judy Bryant ** Kalen Doyle
Leslie Sanchez Lucas Chen Marcia Parrish
Marcia Walker Marnie Wildenthal ** Martha Daniels **
Justice Molly Francis Nancy Britton ** Nanette Elufa
Nayet Daniel Norman Bendiksen # Pam Little
Pat Coggan Pat Warren Rita Uwe
Robert Agnich Rochelle Higson Rosemary Curtis ***
Ruth Whelan ** Shruti Rao Sylvia Garcia
Teresa Balderas ** Tory Agnich Walter Dunlap
Syeda Quadri Yabsera Mesfin
Valued Tutors/Youth Leaders
** Second Year
*** Third Year
****Fourth Year
17 of 48 are PHPC
Adam Bartlett Alice White** Allison Lorimer**
Amy Lowther Anne Edwards** Barbara Neill ****
Betty Muse *** Chris Verling Dalene Buhl ****
Daniel Walker ** David Carris Debbie Tunnell ***
Edna Clemmons Emilly Bawier Eugene Massad **
Evelyn Romero Gabby Gutierrez Angel Gauthier Fally
Janie Hughes** Joan Hemer *** Joan Orleans **
John Buhl **** Jordan Thomas *** Julia Wright
Kathy Bufkin Katie Francis Kalen Doyle **
Kaylee Little Kristi Gutzman Leah Bartlett
Marjorie Burditt Marnie Wildenthal **** Martha Daniels ***
Nancy Britton *** Pat Warren ** Rita Koger
Rosemary Curtis **** Rozann Hermann Ruth Whelan **
Sheila McCartor Sylvia Garcia** Teresa Balderas ***
Tila Subedi Tory Agnich ** West Roberts
William Roberts ** Xi Thang Yolanda Allen
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We currently are not accepting applications for youth leaders. We appreciate your interest, and check our blog to review any recent news.
Under Construction!
Curriculum is being developed, and will be available shortly. We appreciate your support! Check our news posts here for recent updates.
Valued Adult Tutors/Young Collegiates/Youth Leaders
(*) Indicates years with VMSRA (Red) Indicates continuing school year tutoring at McShan
(%) indicates Vickery Meadow Former Student, now Assistant Youth Leader (#) indicates PHPC Member
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Apologies to those whose names do not appear above but selflessly served.
Timing of Academy (July 16 through August 9) – Even though we coincided with Ramadan, attendance and participation was robust. 2013 start date is tentatively set for July 16, 2013, Tutor Orientation July 15, 2013.
Venue – McShan Elementary was superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Principal Dayann Carson, Facilities, Transportation, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities.
Final Budget – We concluded the 2012 Academy $4,000 under budget, due to savings in transportation garnered by Principal Carson. VMSRA budget will be flat in 2013.
Curriculum – Received high marks from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. We will continue to improve early learning lesson plans, and increase difficulty in upper stages in 2013, where we are seeing significant achievement levels.
Baseline Measures and Outcomes – Will continue to be emphasized. 2013 will see even more emphasis by Tutors on pre and post measurements.
Book Donation – Over 1,000 books of various interest levels were donated by Temple Emanu-El’s Penny Coney, North Park Presbyterian Church members, and Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church members. Students loved “shopping” for books and have been challenged to submit at least one Book Report for prizes September 15.
Tasby/Conrad Eagle Scholars – 19 arrived Second Week of Academy, providing solid role models/mentors. Eagles Scholars will be invited for 2013, and we will provide more in-depth training.
PHPC Commissioning Sunday – Proved to be a valuable addition. PHPC Commissioning Sunday is tentatively planned for July 14, 2013.
Athletics – Solid weekly incentive for attendance. Athletics will be continued in 2013.
Publicity – Secured photo and caption in Park Cities neighborsgo print section August 10, 2012.
Website – www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com was a solid addition this year, and we will continue to encourage more usage by Tutors, potential Partners.
This magnet should read 3rd Tuesday for 2014
Timing of Academy (July 15 through August 8) – Even though we coincided with Ramadan, and various competing summer day camps, attendance and participation was robust. 2014 start date is set for July 15, 2014, Tutor Orientation July 14, 2014.
Venue –Jack Lowe Elementary was superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Principal Yesevia Cardoza, Facilities, Transportation, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2013, DISD District Director, Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come.
Food – For the second summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
Curriculum – Received high marks from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. We will continue to improve early earning lesson plans, and increase difficulty in upper stages in 2014, where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was introduced this summer, was a hit, and will be embedded throughout curriculum in 2014.
Puzzles and Gym – Before school puzzles were spread throughout the Jack Lowe cafeteria, and were a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for baseball and scooters. Before school activities coordination will be improved through the work of a Youth Leader’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project. Marnie Wildenthal has volunteered to enhance our puzzle inventory for 2014.
Youth Leaders – Youth Leaders were given more decision making authority and leadership responsibility this summer. They were actively engaged in all decisions regarding athletics, lunch, information distribution, and changes in pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an appreciation for Job Ready skills, and hours not recorded were not counted when preparing their individual Service Hour Reports. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting out, working in your group in an inspiring manner, anticipating needs, all were a part of Youth Leader development.
In one Youth Leader’s case, when the experienced teacher who prepared curriculum could not volunteer for Academy this year, Kalen Doyle stepped up and lead her Team of six (two adults and three other Youth Leaders) to provide a meaningful experience for the largest group of students of any group, many of whom had not attended school before.
This year, we introduced a scholarship element to Youth Leadership, and one Youth Leader will be recognized with the First Republican Women’s Club Ethyel Stallings Founders Award, and a $500 scholarship.
Tutors – We recruited via the internet on several sites for the first time this year, resulting in stellar Tutor and Youth Leader additions. We were seen by a Masters in Education student who needed hours to finish her Masters Program, requiring classroom observation by her counselor. We will increase awareness of local universities that we are a superb “finishing school” for summer MEd Program students.
Students – Temple Emanu-El’s Nancy Lubar supported VMSRA 2013 with both funding and registration of 10 students from Pebbles/The Bridge. Word spread, and more than 10 students attended at any one time during the Academy, but only one achieved Perfect Attendance, and he was lauded as a stellar student. He is being rewarded by one volunteer with a new pair of tennis shoes, as he is also a great basketball player, but his shoes prevented his best performance.
Another VMSRA student, identified last summer as needing far more one-on-one attention, has been granted a Hillier School Scholarship. This eleven-year old girl has repeated Third Grade, so must be advanced, yet reads at a First Year Ninth Month level. Hillier will provide the nurturing, one-on-one environment for this dyslexic student, and VMSRA is beholden to Highland Park Presbyterian Church for scholarships for Hillier and After School Care, and to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church for scholarship to provide transportation, incidentals, and books. The family is also partnering to contribute each month for the student’s education.
Parents – Parents were encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers, and one was able to carve out time to do so. We will continue to emphasize parental involvement.
Baseline Measures and Outcomes – Will continue to be emphasized. 2014 will see even more emphasis by Tutors on pre and post measurements.
Book Donation – For the second year in a row, over 1,000 books of various interest levels were donated, this year by Parkland Legal Services Team, a special donor, and Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church members. Students loved “shopping” for books, which were given as incentives for work well done.
Tasby/Conrad Eagle Scholars – 1 Eagle Scholar arrived Fourth Week of Academy, providing solid role model/mentorship. This Eagle Scholar wrote that “Summer Academy is like her home every summer, and she sees VMSRA to be the same for many of our returning students.” Eagle Scholars will be invited for 2014, and we will provide more in-depth training.
Athletics – DinamoSports provided a wholesome, challenging soccer camp each Thursday. Basketball was added as an option Weeks Three and Four. Viewed as a solid weekly incentive for attendance, soccer and basketball will be continued in 2014.
Publicity – We introduced VMSRA tote bags for Tutors and Youth Leaders. We posted a story and photo in neighborsgo.com sections Park Cities, Richardson/Lake Highlands, and White Rock/Lakewood.
Website – www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com was a solid addition last year, was augmented with a recurring page this year, and we will continue to encourage even more usage by Tutors, potential Partners. We will add a webpage just for Youth Leaders: “What’s Happening with Youth Leaders between Summer Academies?”
Final Budget – We concluded the 2012 Academy $1500 under budget, due to savings through no need for transportation. VMSRA budget will be flat in 2014. Temple Emanu-El has pledged $500 for 2014.
Youth Leaders – Youth Leaders received further development opportunities with even more decision making authority and leadership responsibility. They were actively engaged in all decisions regarding athletics, lunch, information distribution, and coordination of after school pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an appreciation for Job Ready skills, and hours not recorded were not counted when preparing their individual Service Hour Reports. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting out, working in groups in an inspiring manner, anticipating needs, all were a part of Youth Leader development.
Youth Leader Kalen Doyle accepted full Lead Tutor responsibility, leading her class of student newcomers, guiding three other Youth Leaders the entire four weeks of Academy. When two other experienced adult teachers could not volunteer for Academy one week, Eugene Massad and Jordan Thomas stepped up and lead their classes, providing a meaningful experience for their groups of students.
Youth Leader Scholarship – Summer 2013, a scholarship element was added to Youth Leadership, and one Youth Leader will be recognized with the First Republican Women’s Club Ethyel Stallings Founders Award, and will receive a $500 scholarship in February 2015.
Tutors – Recruiting via the internet on several sites again this year resulted in four stellar Tutor additions. We will continue to grow our internet marketing volunteer opportunities via VolunteersMatch.com, neighborsgo.com, and other sites.
Timing of Academy (July 10 through August 7) – Even though we coincided with various competing summer day camps, attendance and participation was robust. 2015 class start date is set for July 14, 2015, Tutor Orientation July 13, 2015. Move in will be July 9/10.
Venue –Jack Lowe Elementary was again superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Summer Principal Shanekia Sanders-Barnes, Facilities, Transportation, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2014, DISD District Director, Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come, and we are appreciative.
Food – For the second summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
Curriculum – Received high marks from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. We will continue to improve early learning and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty in Level 4 in 2015, where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will be embedded throughout all future curricula.
Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles and Gym – Before school, puzzles and crafts were spread throughout the cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for before school Brain and Body Warm Up. These activities were coordinated through the gifted work of Leah Bartlett, a Youth Leader working on her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, whose poise and professionalism resulted in her being mistaken for a certified teacher. Leah personally recruited four additional Youth Leaders.
Publicity – We are grateful to Heather Noel and Allison Wisk of Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson, who featured VMSRA 2014 as their August 1, 2014 cover story, with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We continued VMSRA tote bags for Tutors and Youth Leaders.
Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be encouraged for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, neighborsg.com, and other connection sites will continue to be maximized.
Parents – Parents were encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers, but none were able to do so this summer.
Book Donation – For the third year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated, this year by NorthPark Presbyterian Church and Daniel and John Walker and Family. Students loved “shopping” for books, which were given as incentives for work well done.
Athletics – VMSRA Youth Leaders provided a wholesome, challenging soccer session, this year without the help of professional coaches each Thursday. Again this year, basketball was added as an option. Viewed as a solid weekly incentive for attendance, soccer and basketball will be continued in 2015.
Final Budget – We concluded the 2014 Academy under budget. VMSRA budget will be flat in 2015 for the third year.
Valued Tutors/Youth Leaders
** Second Year
*** Third Year
**** Fourth Year
***** Fifth Year
# Connection made through VolunteerMatch.com
@McShan, Tasby, Conrad Assistant Youth Leader and former VMSRA Student
$ Conrad Eagle Scholar
15 of 62 are PHPC
Adam Bartlett ** Aldo Padilla***** Alice White***
Allison Lorimer*** Anthony Gilbreath@ Barbara Neill*****
Beena Adhikari@ Betty Muse**** Bing Han**
Bruce Patti Camille Andrews Cynthia Cunningham
Dalene Buhl***** Daniel Walker*** David Carris**
Dawn Levy Debbie Tunnell**** Edna Clemmons**
Ellen Margaret Andrews Emma Rivera# Emilly Bawier**
Enrica Zocchi Ereonia Jackson@ Evelyn Rayo@
Eugene Massad**** Gauthier Fally ** Haley Dotter
Hortense Sutton# Janie Hughes*** Jaycee Padilla *****
Joan Gremont Joan Hemer **** Joan Orleans***
John Buhl***** John Latson John Walker
Jordan Thomas**** Julia Wright** Kalen Doyle ***
Kathy Bufkin** Leah Bartlett** Maddy Rosenbaum
Marc Rosenbaum Marcum Hicks Marisol Galvez @
Marnie Wildenthal***** Martha Daniels**** Mary Piper#
Nancy Britton**** Marshana Westly@ Nge Meh@
Pat Warren*** Pedie Bramblett Rachel Sheumaker
Rosemary Curtis***** Ruth Whelan**** Say Meh@
Stephen Teng# Steve Silverman eresa Balderas$****
West Roberts William Roberts***
Young Collegiate/Youth Leaders – Each were afforded further development opportunities with even more decision making authority and leadership responsibility. They were actively engaged in all decisions regarding gym and cafeteria, athletics, lunch, information distribution, and coordination of after school pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an appreciation for Job Ready skills, and hours not recorded were not counted when preparing their individual Service Hour Reports. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting out, working in groups in an inspiring manner, anticipating needs–all were a part of Youth Leader development.
Young Collegiate/Youth Leader Scholarship – In Summer 2013, a scholarship element was added to encourage distinguishing service, and one Young Collegiate/Youth Leader will be recognized December 2015, receiving the First Republican Women’s Club Ethyel Stallings Founders Award and a $500 scholarship.
Caitlyn Hodo was selected in 2015, and has subsequently been accepted at Oxford University, Oxford, England.
Tutor Recruiting via the internet on several sites again this year resulted in stellar Tutor additions. We will continue to grow our internet marketing volunteer opportunities via VolunteersMatch.com, neighborsgo.com, and other sites.
*Timing of Academy (July 9 through August 6)
We coordinated with various competing summer day camps this year, and VMSRA attendance proved to be robust.
*Venue
Jack Lowe Elementary was again superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Facilities, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2015, then DISD District Director, Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come, and we are appreciative.
*Food
For the third summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
*Curriculum
Curriculum again received high praise from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. We will continue to improve early learning and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty in Level where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will be embedded throughout all future curricula.
We held a Final Day Wrap-up Volunteer Luncheon for immediate briefing of needs for improvement, what worked well, what did not work so well.
*Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles and Gym
A must for parents’ early delivery of students to school, before school, games, puzzles and crafts were spread throughout the cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for before school Brain and Body Warm Up.
*Publicity
We did not seek printed community publicity this summer, as we had been prominently featured in a 2014 cover story by the Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson August 1, 2014, complete with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We will seek community publicity in 2016. We continued bright yellow VMSRA tote bags for Tutors and Youth Leaders.
We published a Tutor Newsletter, complete with photos and bios of each volunteer, to enable familiarity in advance of Academy start, and to encourage others to join the team.
Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be encouraged for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, neighborsg.com, and other connection sites will continue to be maximized.
*Parents
Parents were again encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers, but none were able to do so this summer.
*Book Donation
For the fourth year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated, this year by NorthPark Presbyterian Church. Students loved “shopping” for take-home books, which were given as incentives for work well done.
*Athletics
VMSRA Youth Leaders provided a one-hour wholesome, challenging soccer session again this year for both boys and girls without the help of professional coaches each Thursday. Viewed as a solid weekly incentive for attendance, soccer will be continued in 2016.
*Budget
We concluded the 2015 Academy under budget. VMSRA budget will be flat in 2016 for the fourth year.
Valued Tutors/Young Collegiates/Youth Leaders –
** Second Year *** Third Year **** Fourth Year ***** Fifth Year ******Sixth Year
#29 of 74 are PHPC members
Adam Bartlett *** Aldo Padilla****** Anye Zel ***
Barbara Neill****** #Betty Muse***** #Bruce Patti **
#Camille Andrews ** Casandra Padilla *** Cora Kennebrew **
#Cynthia Cunningham ** #Dalene Buhl****** David Carris ***
#Debbie Tunnell***** #Edna Clemmons*** #Ellen Margaret Andrews **
Evelyn Rayo ***** #Eugene Massad***** Janie Hughes****
Joan Gremont ** #Joan Hemer ***** Joan Orleans*
#John Buhl****** John Walker ** #Julia Wright***
Leah Bartlett*** Maddy Rosenbaum ** Marcum Hicks**
Marisol Galvez **** Marnie Wildenthal****** #Martha Daniels*****
#Nancy Britton***** Nanette Elufa ** #Pat Warren****
#Rosemary Curtis****** Ruth Whelan***** Tanu Shivraswamy
Teresa Balderas***** West Roberts *** Aditya Shivaswamy
#Alan Murray #Amy Moore #Bernadettte Latson
Caitlyn Hodo #Carlotta Rhoades #Carol Wall
Caroline Woodman Chris Ladd Claire Boike
#Claire Simpson Danna Pyke #Gail Stoke
Gladys Ikuna #Ian Stewart Isabella Soby
Janeth Falck Jeffrey Carp Jennifer McCaslin
Joan Poole Jose Martins #JT Henry
Juliet Richardson #Katie Wall Kim Woodman
Leon Kaplan Madalyn White Marcy Prager
Margaret Ladtkow Martha Ramos Martin Hernandez
Mary Uloth Matthew White #Morgan Simpson
Nancy Montgomery Priscilla Lara Randy Winski
Roxana Soby Sara Pinson Bierner #Sarah Moore
Sherien George Sue Roman #Susan McLean
Tamara Dabney Tatiana Lefeld Vivianne Mogna Lefeld
The addition of an Art Class and classroom enrichment far exceeded expectation, with tutors providing exceptional personal experiences, artifacts and examples of places they have traveled, collections they enjoy, crafts on their reading topics, musical instruments, current events, etc.
A source of fabulous tutor talent was the high number of SMU and UT-D Masters of Education students who participated this summer, thanks, in large part, to adept recruiting by Dr. Nancy Montgomery, SMU Associate Clinical Professor of ESL, who subsequently gained support from Department Chair, Dr. Paige Ware, to add VMSRA as a class for credit for future Undergraduate and graduate education students. Dr. Montgomery has also agreed to join our stellar Curriculum Committee going forward.
VMYDF sponsored the appearance of Michelle Staubach Grimes, who presented her childrens’ book, “Where is Pidge?”, and signed books for each student. What a unique experience!
Nancy Lubar provided valuable and joy-filled photographs of events and classes each day.
We added a Book Club, in which emerging readers were tutored one-on-one for thirty minutes each day. Organized by Katie Wall in pursuit of her Girl Scout Gold Award, Katie recruited 14 tutors, developed their schedule, lead each day’s routine, provided immediate feedback to “homeroom” tutors as to students’ progress, and rewarded readers for their work. To our joy, many of Katie’s volunteer recruits voiced their desire to return for VMSRA 2016!
Serving formally the first time in a newly created position as Assistant Youth Leaders were 9 former VMSRA students who volunteered to serve as role models/leaders for their fellow students.
For the first time, we ended VMSRA with a grand finale celebration appearance by a mesmerizing magician, who captivated and delighted students, parents and tutors alike with his extraordinary skills of humor, visual deception, levitation and audience participation. What a grand VMSRA 2015 we did have!
Our fifth summer for the title “Assistant Youth Leader” welcomed 10 former VMSRA refugee/immigrant students who volunteered to serve as role models/leaders for their fellow younger students. One former student, Conrad High School IB student Marisol Galvez, earned our VMSRA Youth Leader of the Year $500 Scholarship, having attended VMSRA for nine years, first as a student and then as an outstanding Assistant Youth Leader. Our second Youth Leader of the Year $500 Scholarship was earned by Highland Park High School’s Juliet Richardson, who has served as an extraordinary Youth Leader five years. We will continue to work with former students to ensure their development as committed, dedicated leaders. DISD Executive Director Angie Torres and McShan ES’s new Principal Henry Medaris enabled VMSRA2019 to house at McShan ES by providing transportation for students to travel the two miles between their neighborhood and McShan ES.
For the second year, an additional week of cross-cultural learning, Preston Hollow Presbyterian’s Super Happy Fun Week brought together at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church 29 Preston Hollow children with 31 VMSRA refugee/immigrant “Perfect Attenders” and 14 VMSRA refugee/immigrant Assistant Youth/Youth Leaders in five, highly successful, 8-hour days of rotational learning in nutrition, games, dance/movement, art, and story-telling, providing cultural lunches, and a grand finale including parents. Margot McGuire encored as the most savvy Administrative Assistant ever. We have come to heavily rely on
Margot, and cannot accomplish this large undertaking without her expertise. Thank you, Margot!
Our dynamic curriculum was again enhanced at every level by dedicated effort by Nancy Britton and Marnie Wildenthal. Emphasizing ACP literacy requirements, Nancy completely revised curricula for four levels this year. Great effort, greatly appreciated, great reception by tutors. Kudos to Nancy and Marnie!
Costing tax dollars only for bus, cafeteria service and facility utilities, VMSRA2019’s $37,000 expenses extend to cover an additional 9 months during the 2019-20 school year for 127 students and over 100 volunteer tutors.
The continuation of Thursday Music Class this year through the help of Marie Jacko with recommendations from Dr. Michael Jacko of Booker T. Washington HSPVA, and Thursday Art Class lead this year by Barbara Franklin and Sheila Stieglitz along with tutors’ classroom enrichment far exceeded expectation, with tutors providing exceptional personal experiences, artifacts and examples of places they have traveled, collections they enjoy, crafts on their reading topics, current events, etc.
Again, Martha Stowe spearheaded securing Dallas Museum of Art’s summer “Go! Van Gogh!” art program one Thursday.
Wonderful Nancy Lubar again provided essential historical and joy-filled photographs of events and classes each day.
VMSRA2019 continued a ten-minute sharing circle at the opening of each class day, again this year focusing on manners and building class “family relationships”.
VMSRA2019 climaxed with a grand finale celebration appearance by Tharpo, Mr. Jeff Tharp, who presented an interactive, magical clown act filled with highly interactive elements involving students.
First Day and continuing attendance was dramatically strengthened by advance parental texting of Academy start. As a direct result, 104 students arrived Day One, and 159 arrived at least one day, compared to 35 on VMSRA2015’s Day One when no week-prior advance contact was made.
Our curriculum was again greatly enhanced at every level by dedicated effort from Nancy Britton and Marnie Wildenthal.
The continuation of Thursday Music Class this year lead by Paige Lehmann, and Thursday Art Class lead this year by Barbara Franklin, Darla Abrego, Courtney Garabedian and Lindsie Harris, along with tutors’ classroom enrichment again far exceeded expectation, with tutors providing exceptional personal experiences, artifacts and examples of places they have traveled, collections they enjoy, crafts on their reading topics, current events, etc. Again, Martha Stowe spearheaded securing Dallas Museum of Art’s summer “Go! Van Gogh!” art program one Thursday.
Wonderful Nancy Lubar again provided essential historical and joy-filled photographs of events and classes each day.
Margot “The Magician” McGuire encored as the best Adult Administrative Assistant ever.
VMSRA2018 continued a ten-minute sharing circle to the opening of each class day, this year focusing on manners.
Our fourth summer for the title “Assistant Youth Leader” saw 12 former VMSRA students who volunteered to serve as role models/leaders for their fellow younger students. We will continue to work with former students to ensure their development and dedication to service.
VMSRA2018 climaxed with a grand finale celebration appearance by The Texas Bubble Lady, Linda Berman, who presented good, clean fun filled with magic and math.
Young Collegiate/Youth Leaders – Each were afforded developmental and administrative opportunities with decision making authority and leadership responsibility. Each were actively engaged in all decisions regarding gym and cafeteria, athletics, lunch, information distribution, and coordination of after school pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an appreciation for Job Ready skills. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting out, working in groups in an inspiring manner, anticipating needs–all were a part of Assistant Youth and Youth Leader development.
One SMU Education Major received course credit for VMSRA participation. We will continue to emphasize the value of VMSRA service for both SMU and UT-D Education majors and post-graduates.
Tutor Recruiting via various social media again this year resulted in stellar Tutor additions. We will continue to grow our social media marketing volunteer opportunities via VolunteersMatch.com, “Mitzvah Central”, neighborsgo.com, and other sites.
*Timing of Academy (July 12 through August 4)
We again coordinated with various competing summer day camps this year, and VMSRA attendance proved to be robust, averaging 154 students each of twelve days.
*Venue
Jack Lowe Elementary was again superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Facilities, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2015, then DISD District Executive , Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come, and we are deeply appreciative.
*Food
For the third summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
*Curriculum
Curriculum again received high praise from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. We will continue to improve early learning and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will continue to be embedded throughout all future curricula.
We held a Mid-Term and a Final Day Wrap-up Volunteer Luncheon for immediate briefing of needs for improvement, what worked well, what did not work so well.
*Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles and Gym
A must for parents’ early delivery of students to school, before school, games, puzzles and crafts were spread throughout the cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for before school Brain and Body Warm Up.
*Publicity
While the Brighter Bites element of VMSRA received DMN publicity, VMSRA 2016 did not seek printed community publicity this summer, as we had been prominently featured in a 2014 cover story by the Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson August 1, 2014, complete with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We will seek community publicity in 2017. We continued bright yellow VMSRA tote bags for Tutors, and added neon yellow T-shirts for Youth Leaders.
We published a Tutor Newsletter, complete with photos and bios of each volunteer, to enable familiarity in advance of Academy start, and to encourage others to join the team.
Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be encouraged for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, neighborsgo.com, “Mitzvah Central” and other connection sites will continue to be maximized.
*Parents
Parents were again encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers. None were able to work in the classroom, but ten helped with Brighter Bites packing and distribution.
*Book Donation
For the fourth year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated, this year by NorthPark Presbyterian Church. Students loved “shopping” for take-home books, which were given as incentives for work well done.
*Athletics and Art
VMSRA Youth Leaders provided one-hour wholesome, challenging art and soccer sessions again this year for both boys and girls without the help of professional coaches each Thursday. Viewed as solid weekly enrichments, art and soccer will be continued in 2017, and music will be added.
*Budget
We concluded the 2016 Academy under budget. Our goal will be for our budget to be flat in 2017.
Valued Tutors/Young Collegiates/Youth Leaders –
[**Second Year ***Third Year ****Fourth Year *****Fifth Year ******Sixth Year *******Seventh Year]
#34 are PHPC members
| Aidan Smith | #Dalene Buhl******* | Joan Gremont *** | Nicola Harris |
| Aldo Padilla******* | #Dani Hall | Joan Orleans *** | Norhafizah Mohammad Shafi |
| Anita Adhikari | #Debbie Tunnell******* | Joan Poole | Oo Meh |
| Andy West | Deidra Cizon | John Walker ** | #Pat Warren **** |
| Aditya Shivaswamy** | #Dennis Simpson | #Joyce Wright | #Paul Stoker |
| #Alan Murray** | Diane Lee | #Julia Wright **** | Phul Maya Gurung |
| Alec Hanson | #Donna Vick | Julie Walters
Juliet Richardson** |
#Polly Campbell |
| Alexandra Harris | #Edna Clemens *** | Karen Padilla* | #Rebecca Stoker |
| Alistair Keggan | Eh Kaw | #Katie Wall** | Reed Torres |
| #Allison Lorimer*** | #Ellen Dortch | Kertee Za* | Reema Diyali***** |
| Amy, Alexander, Kyle, Elizabeth Cribbins | #Ellen Margaret Andrews *** | Madalyn White** | Ragen Elterman |
| Anna Grace Claunch | Elysse Alvarado and Sergio | Maddy Rosenbaum *** | Robert Klein |
| Anye Zel**** | Emma Eades | Marcum Hicks ** | Rolene Berk** |
| Arianna Pouzar | Evelyn Rayo*** | Marcy Prager** | #Rosemary Curtis ******* |
| Audrey Allen | Felix Kimbrell | Margaret Schieffer | Ruth Whelan ****** |
| #Barbara Franklin | #Gail Stoke** | #Margot McGuire** | Sam Clift |
| Barbara Neill ******* | Giovannie Ferrer-Falto | Marisol Galvez***** | Sarah Chen |
| Bert Fischel | Grace Woodmansee | Marnie Wildenthal ******* | Shelby Hague |
| #Beth Eaton | Greg Lerma | Mary Uloth** | Sue Roman** |
| #Betty Muse ******* | Hanna Moon | Matthew White** | Sunita Pradhan |
| Brehyn Evans | Harish Nagarathinam | Melvyn Rayo*** | #Susan McLean** |
| #Bruce Patti *** | Herschel Wilonsky | #Morgan Simpson** | Syl Benenson |
| #Carlotta Rhoades** | Ian Stewart | Myra Fischel | Tamara Dabney** |
| #Carol Wall** | Isabella Botello**** | #Nancy Britton ****** | Tanu Shivaswamy *** |
| Caroline Harris | Jack Bandiera | Nancy Lubar *** | Tatiana Lefeld** |
| #Claire Simpson** | Janie Hughes **** | Nancy Todd | TayMo |
| Coco Villasana
#Curtis Swinson Cynthia Cunningham***
|
Jaycee Padilla*******
#Joan Hemer******
|
Natalie Jenkins
Nathan Ampil Nga Meh 1 Nga Meh 2** |
#Tom Dortch
Wendy Narzem West Roberts***** |
Apologies to those whose names do not appear above but who selflessly served.
First Day and continuing attendance was dramatically strengthened by the advance marketing work lead by seven-year VMSRA student-turned-Assistant Youth Leader Aldo Padilla. Aldo lead a group of Youth Leaders who walked door-to-door delivering registration forms, urging students to come to class beginning July 12. As a direct result, 153 students arrived Day One, compared to 35 on 2015’s Day One.
Our curriculum was greatly enhanced at every level by dedicated effort from Nancy Britton, Rosemary Curtis, and Marnie Wildenthal.
The continuation of Edna Clemens’ Thursday Art Class and classroom enrichment again far exceeded expectation, with tutors providing exceptional personal experiences, artifacts and examples of places they have traveled, collections they enjoy, crafts on their reading topics, current events, etc. Additionally, Martha Stowe guided us in securing Dallas Museum of Art’s summer “Go! Van Gogh!” art program one Thursday. Edna also organized her South Central Region Embroidery Guild of America members who created more than 250 hand-stitched book marks for students.
Nancy Lubar again provided valuable historical and joy-filled photographs of events and classes each day.
Brighter Bites, a non-profit, partnered to deliver 30 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables weekly, directly into VMSRA families’ hands, while VMSRA added a nutrition element to our daily curriculum, teaching families how to use and choose a different kind of fast food.
VMSRA 2017 added a ten-minute sharing circle to the opening of each class day, to thwart the effects of students’ mocking of one another for not being able to read or write or speak well.
Book Club was continued, in which emerging readers were tutored one-on-one for thirty minutes each day. Katie Wall personally recruited 12 tutors, developed their schedule, lead each day’s routine, provided immediate feedback to “homeroom” tutors as to students’ progress, and rewarded readers for their work. To our joy, many of Katie’s volunteer were returning for their second consecutive VMSRA.
Our second summer for the title “Assistant Youth Leader” saw 15 former VMSRA students who volunteered to serve as role models/leaders for their fellow younger students. Administration expanded this summer to include an Administrative Assistant Youth Leader, a Librarian, and 3 Assistant Youth Hall Leaders who greatly contributed to the day-to-day efficiency of activities.
VMSRA 2016 climaxed with a grand finale celebration appearance by renowned herpetologist, Daryl Sprout, who not only educated our participants in the importance of protecting snakes throughout the world, but also captivated and delighted students and tutors alike with his extraordinary skills of humor, visual deception and awesome audience participation. What a grand VMSRA 2016 we did have, and what challenges lie ahead to make 2017 even greater!
• Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
• Martha Stowe and Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation
• North Park Presbyterian Church
• DISD Executive Director-Conrad/Jefferson, Angie Torres
• Principal Joseph Medaris, McShan Elementary School
• Zeljka Ravlija, Program Supervisor for DISD Refugee Support Services
• DISD Partnership Coordination, Facilities and Summer Food Program Teams
• Nancy Lubar and Temple Emanu-El
• Rosemary Curtis Memorial Fund
• Peter Lewis
• Youth Leaders representing Bishop Lynch, Conrad HS, Harmony Science Academy, Highland Park HS, Sam Tasby Middle School, Ursuline, Jesuit, Parish Episcopal, Plano HS, Jasper HS and Woodrow Wilson HS
• Young Collegiates representing Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln, UT-Dallas, UT-Arlington
• Candidates for Texas Teaching Certificates
• Coordination is underway with DISD Executive Director Angie Torres, McShan Principal Medaris, DISD Summer Programming, Food Services and Facilities to continue to partner to secure 16 classrooms at McShan, and a bus from the neighborhood to McShan ES.
• DISD has selected VMSRA2020 “as one of two programs that will be evaluated this summer by the DISD Evaluation and Assessment Team”.
• First quarter 2020, we will establish a select committee of community leaders to ensure continued quality programming, documentation of procedures, succession planning, budgeting, funding and publicity.
• We will continue enhancing our dynamic curriculum at every level, emphasizing ACP literacy requirements to help close the gaps so more students meet the state’s “meets” standard in reading.
• We have secured agreement with Dr. Nancy Montgomery Warren of SMU Education Department for VMSRA2020 to be an approved SMU Summer Program for Education student course credit and tutor development.
• Our VMSRA 2020 schedule sets Move In to McShan June 24-25, Tutor Orientation July 6, Class Start July 7, Final Day July 30.
• We will continue strong partnership with DISD Refugee Services for advance parent notification, and student assessment to determine appropriate reading skills for student placement. Younger siblings of returning or new “older” students will be included to enable older student attendance.
• We will continue to improve coordination with other area children’s programs to reduce schedule conflicts to encourage and prioritize VMSRA Student Perfect Attendance.
• We endeavor to expand VMSRA’s Partner base through additional churches and local organizations.
• We will recruit 120+ Tutors/Collegiates/Youth Leaders, aiming for each to be full-time. We will continue to recruit tutors nationwide through sites such as VolunteerMatch.com, www.vickerymeadow-summer-academy.com, Facebook, Mitzvah Central, dallasisd.voly.org and neighborsgo.com.
• We will prepare for 160 refugee students in 16 classrooms, expanding our Pre-Reader and New Reader class numbers.
• We will continue to include a full-time Managing Assistant volunteer position to assist the Managing Director.
• We will continue Music, Art, Games, Soccer, Final Day Big Finale.
• We will continue our final Tutor Wrap Up Luncheon and Debriefing.
• We will continue to encourage Texas Teachers Certification agencies to inform their candidates of our extraordinary opportunity for credit hours and experience.
• We will reach out to community media for publicity.
• We will continue each of 16 classes through assignment of two experienced Adult Tutors, one new Adult Tutor, one or more Youth Leaders, and one or more Assistant Youth Leader.
• We will continue to provide expanded before school Brain and Body exercises in the gym and puzzles/games in the cafeteria.
• We will continue to incorporate cursive writing throughout the curriculum at age 7 and above.
• We will ensure parental text reminders the weekend before class start to encourage Day One attendance.
• We will continue Super Happy Fun Week* (SHFW), encouraging even greater participation for a total of 38 VMSRA students. VMSRA2020 will sponsor $100 for each participating VMSRA student.
• We will continue to be grateful to each of our valuable volunteers and life-giving sponsors, and most especially Martha Stowe and Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation for their generous support of our day-to-day and ongoing activities throughout the year. Without Martha and VMYDF, our going would be impossible.
*Young Collegiate/Youth Leaders – Each signed commitment agreements, were afforded developmental and administrative opportunities with decision making authority and leadership responsibility. Each were actively engaged in all decisions regarding nutrition training, athletics, lunch, information distribution, and coordination of after school pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an 6 appreciation for job ready skills. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting their whereabouts, working in groups in an inspiring manner, serving as role models for younger students, anticipating needs–all were a part of Assistant Youth and Youth Leader development. Having set improved expectations and coaching for Assistant Youth Leaders, this summer was a positive, developmental experience for both adults and youth in full partnership. Tutor Recruiting via various social media again this year resulted in stellar Tutor additions. We will continue to grow our social media marketing volunteer opportunities via dallasisd.voly.org, Facebook, VolunteersMatch.com, “Mitzvah Central”, neighborsgo.com, our own VMSRA website, and other sites.
*Student Attendance
VMSRA First Day and continuing attendance was again strengthened by advance parental texting of Academy start. As a direct result, 92 students arrived Day One, and 134 arrived at least one day, compared to 35 on VMSRA2015’s Day One when no week-prior advance contact was made.
*Timing of Academy (July 11 through August 3)
We again coordinated with various competing summer day camps and Muslim School this year, and VMSRA attendance proved to be robust, averaging 134 students each of twelve days.
*Venue
We deeply appreciate the ample space provided by McShan ES, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support afforded VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Executive Director Angie Torres, Principal Henry Medaris, and Summer Food Services staff. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities.
*Food for Students
For the fifth summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
*Food for Families
Brighter Bites informed us after Academy start that they would be providing 35 pounds fresh fruit andvegetables for each registered family two Thursdays at Jack Lowe. Overnight, VMSRA established a team to deliver nutrition training for all students before start of class once each week. Families were grateful for
the produce they received, and we are in gratitude to Brighter Bites and Martha Stowe for arranging this much-needed nutritious gift.
*Curriculum
Nancy Britton developed Level N, 1, 2, and 3 curriculum. Marnie Wildenthal developed Level 4. Curriculum again received high praise from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. Level 1 curriculum was improved to increase relevance and ease of use by new tutors. We will continue to improve early learning
and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will continue to be embedded throughout all future curricula. We held a Final Day Wrap-up Volunteer Luncheon for immediate briefing of needs for improvement, what worked well, what did not work so well.
*Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles
A must for parents’ early delivery of students to school, before school start, games, puzzles and crafts werespread throughout the Cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity.
*Publicity
McShan Reading Homeroom/VMSRA received Dallas Morning News front page attention December 2016
[https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2016/12/26/at-this-dallas-school-it-takes-a-village-to-helprefugee-kids-learn-to-read/], and were prominently featured in a 2014 cover story by the Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson August 1, 2014, 7
[https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2014/08/01/reading-program-targets-vickery-meadow-students/] complete
with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We will seek community publicity in 2020. We continued bright yellow VMSRA tote bags for Tutors, adding yellow work aprons for Youth Leaders. VMSRA valued Newsletter of Tutors, complete with photos and bios of each
volunteer, enables familiarity in advance of Academy start, and encourages others to join our team. Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be our source for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, dallasisd.voly.org,
neighborsgo.com, Facebook, “Mitzvah Central” and other networking resources will continue to be maximized.
*Parents of Students
Parents were again encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted interaction with tutors.
*Book Donation
For the seventh year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated by various individuals. Students loved “shopping” for take-home books, which were given as incentives for work well done.
*Athletics, Music and Art
Each Thursday, VMSRA Youth Leaders and special guest artists provided one-hour wholesome, challenging
music, art and soccer sessions for both boys and girls. Viewed as solid weekly enrichments, music, art and
soccer will be continued in 2020.
*Budget
We concluded the 2019 Academy under budget. Our budget will hold steady in 2020, our eleventh
summer.
VMSRA2019 all-volunteer tutor team welcomed 134 students attending at least one day during 12 five-hour days over four weeks, averaging 100 attendees each day, costing less than $37,000. Costing nominal tax dollars for bus, cafeteria service and facility utilities, VMSRA expenses extend to cover an additional 9 months during the 2019-20 school year for 127 students and over 100 volunteer tutors. Comparatively, DISD conducted a new summer reading program designed to boost achievement for African American and English-language learners entering third, sixth or ninth grades, in which district officials hoped to jump-start reading abilities with an intensive, two-week “Creating Accelerated Performance (CAP)” camp, which saw 100 average attending each day. Results were promising, but costs totaled $714,735. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2019/10/06/early-returns-dallas-new-readingprogram-students-colorare-promising-steep-price/
Valued Adult Tutors/Young Collegiates/Youth Leaders
(*) Indicate years with VMSRA
|
Apologies to those whose names do not appear above, but who selflessly served.
https://goo.gl/photos/oYMsEM38oJtY7UkL8
https://goo.gl/photos/hNBmQz9EALDt3n94A
https://goo.gl/photos/5gDtcWydFNqAezxa8
https://goo.gl/photos/6cDShpJ4Gack528u7
https://goo.gl/photos/sfHWFHWoFyx3FJdN8
https://goo.gl/photos/KUdbJfoK3r
https://goo.gl/photos/xDmQBKe9BCmKBvz3A
https://goo.gl/photos/SGF5fR93FwyYsJqw7
https://goo.gl/photos/HzBr5PbDMtqvbpn48
https://goo.gl/photos/GVPCbA7xmNPCLhV57
https://goo.gl/photos/WRLNCHrYMtoxGwyM7
https://goo.gl/photos/FEst6oM2ieKKtBPo7
https://goo.gl/photos/VN7pLJ3wZXsuD5NW8
https://goo.gl/photos/PZ5iMD9Fi6cgzdxv9
First Day and continuing attendance was dramatically strengthened by the advance marketing work lead by eight-year VMSRA student-turned-Administrative Assistant and Youth Leader Aldo Padilla. Aldo personally walked door-to-door delivering registration forms, urging students to come to class beginning July 11. As a direct result, 143 students arrived Day One, and 181 arrived at least one day, compared to 35 on VMSRA2015’s Day One.
Additionally, Aldo served as a stellar Administrative Assistant, going well above the ordinary to meet the needs of every student and tutor throughout our four week run. For his exemplary service, Aldo Padilla was named 2017 Youth Leader of the Year, and earned a $500 scholarship.
Our curriculum was again greatly enhanced at every level by dedicated effort from Nancy Britton, Rosemary Curtis, and Marnie Wildenthal.
The addition of Caroline Brossalini’s Thursday Music Class, and continuation of Edna Clemens’ Thursday Art Class lead in part this year by Barbara Franklin, along with tutors’ classroom enrichment again far exceeded expectation, with tutors providing exceptional personal experiences, artifacts and examples of places they have traveled, collections they enjoy, crafts on their reading topics, current events, etc. Again, Martha Stowe guided us in securing Dallas Museum of Art’s summer “Go! Van Gogh!” art program one Thursday.
Nancy Lubar again provided valuable historical and joy-filled photographs of events and classes each day.
VMSRA 2017 continued a ten-minute sharing circle to the opening of each class day, to thwart the effects of discrimination, and students’ mocking of one another for not being able to read or write or speak well.
Book Club was continued, in which emerging readers were tutored one-on-one for thirty minutes each day. Katie Wall personally recruited 12 tutors, and with help from Matthew White, developed their schedule, lead each day’s routine, provided immediate feedback to “homeroom” tutors as to students’ progress, and rewarded readers for their work. To our joy, many of Katie’s volunteer returned for their third consecutive VMSRA, and served as our “Farm Team” when classroom tutors needed relief.
Our third summer for the title “Assistant Youth Leader” saw 15 former VMSRA students who volunteered to serve as role models/leaders for their fellow younger students. Prayers were answered, and Administration expanded this summer to gratefully include Margot McGuire who served as the best Adult Administrative Assistant ever. Additionally, 4 Youth Leader Admins greatly contributed to the day-to-day efficiency of all activities.
VMSRA 2017 climaxed with a grand finale celebration appearance by acclaimed naturalist, Belinda Henry-The Creature Teacher, who educated our students on rare South American and Australian animals.
Young Collegiate/Youth Leaders – Each were afforded developmental and administrative opportunities with decision making authority and leadership responsibility. Each were actively engaged in all decisions regarding gym and cafeteria, athletics, lunch, information distribution, and coordination of after school pick-up routine. They were required to “clock in” each day, to gain an appreciation for Job Ready skills. Emphasis was placed on real-world experience and performance. Following directions, being prompt, reporting out, working in groups in an inspiring manner, anticipating needs–all were a part of Assistant Youth and Youth Leader development.
Through daily on-site guidance from Adjunct Professor Jillian Conry, seven SMU Education Majors received course credit for VMSRA participation. Our entire VMSRA Tutor Team greatly benefited from daily contact and partnering with SMU representatives, and we will continue to emphasize the value of VMSRA experience for both SMU and UT-D Education majors.
Tutor Recruiting via various social media again this year resulted in stellar Tutor additions. We will continue to grow our social media marketing volunteer opportunities via dallasisd.voly.org, VolunteersMatch.com, “Mitzvah Central”, neighborsgo.com, our own website, and other sites.
*Timing of Academy (July 11 through August 3)
We again coordinated with various competing summer day camps this year, and VMSRA attendance proved to be robust, averaging 143 students each of twelve days.
*Venue
Jack Lowe Elementary was again superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Facilities, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2015, then DISD District Executive , Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come, and we are deeply appreciative.
*Food
For the fourth summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
*Curriculum
Curriculum again received high praise from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. Level 1 curriculum was deemed to be too challenging, and we will work to improve its relevance. We will continue to improve early learning and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will continue to be embedded throughout all future curricula.
We held a First Week, and a Final Day Wrap-up Volunteer Luncheon for immediate briefing of needs for improvement, what worked well, what did not work so well.
*Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles and Gym
A must for parents’ early delivery of students to school, before school, games, puzzles and crafts were spread throughout the cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for before school Brain and Body Warm Up.
*Publicity
Because McShan Reading Homeroom/VMSRA received Dallas Morning News front page attention December 2016, we did not seek printed community publicity this summer, as we had also been prominently featured in a 2014 cover story by the Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson August 1, 2014, complete with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We will seek community publicity in 2018. We continued bright yellow VMSRA tote bags for Tutors, and added yellow work aprons for Youth Leaders.
VMSRA published a Newsletter of Tutors, complete with photos and bios of each volunteer, to enable familiarity in advance of Academy start, and to encourage others to join the team.
Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be encouraged for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, dallasisd.voly.org, neighborsgo.com, “Mitzvah Central” and other connection sites will continue to be maximized.
*Parents of Students
Parents were again encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted interaction with tutors, and afforded many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers. One was able to work in the classroom.
*Book Donation
For the fifth year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated, this year by VMYDF. Students loved “shopping” for take-home books, which were given as incentives for work well done. Thank you, VMYDF!
*Athletics, Music and Art
VMSRA Youth Leaders provided one-hour wholesome, challenging music, art and soccer sessions again this year for both boys and girls without the help of professional coaches each Thursday. Viewed as solid weekly enrichments, music, art and soccer will be continued in 2018.
*Budget
We concluded the 2017 Academy under budget. Our goal will be for our budget to be flat in 2018.
2018 Goals
We are deeply grateful to our 2017 Partners for their outstanding Year Eight support. We could not have provided such a loving, safe four week learning environment without the support of:
|
Valued Tutors/Young Collegiates/Youth Leaders (*) Indicate years with VMSRA, #16 are PHPC members
Apologies to those whose names do not appear above, but who selflessly served. |
Timing of Academy (July 11 through August 3)
We again coordinated with various competing summer day camps this year, and VMSRA attendance proved to be robust, averaging 143 students each of twelve days.
Venue
Jack Lowe Elementary was again superb. We deeply appreciate the adequate space, cleanliness of facilities, professionalism and support provided VMSRA by the entire staff, and most especially Facilities, and Summer Food Services. Student safety, comfort, adequate space, and play areas will continue to be high priorities. In December 2015, then DISD District Executive , Stephanie Elizalde, assured us that Jack Lowe will serve as our permanent Academy home for years to come, and we are deeply appreciative.
Food
For the fourth summer, VMSRA received food through DISD Food Services. Students enjoyed 2 hot meals daily.
Curriculum
Curriculum again received high praise from Tutors/Youth Leaders and students. Level 1 curriculum was deemed to be too challenging, and we will work to improve its relevance. We will continue to improve early learning and newcomer lesson plans, increasing word games, and increasing difficulty where we are seeing significant achievement levels. Cursive writing was again a hit, and will continue to be embedded throughout all future curricula.
We held a First Week, and a Final Day Wrap-up Volunteer Luncheon for immediate briefing of needs for improvement, what worked well, what did not work so well.
Brain and Body Warm Up-Puzzles and Gym
A must for parents’ early delivery of students to school, before school, games, puzzles and crafts were spread throughout the cafeteria, and were again a huge success as a pre-breakfast activity, as well as the gym for before school Brain and Body Warm Up.
Publicity
Because McShan Reading Homeroom/VMSRA received Dallas Morning News front page attention December 2016, we did not seek printed community publicity this summer, as we had also been prominently featured in a 2014 cover story by the Dallas Morning News neighborsgo.com/Lake Highlands/Richardson August 1, 2014, complete with a two page spread of 4 photos and a great story of our history and learning objectives. We will seek community publicity in 2018. We continued bright yellow VMSRA tote bags for Tutors, and added yellow work aprons for Youth Leaders.
VMSRA published a Newsletter of Tutors, complete with photos and bios of each volunteer, to enable familiarity in advance of Academy start, and to encourage others to join the team.
Website and other internet notifications– www.vickery-meadow-summer-academy.com will continue to be encouraged for even more valued use by Tutors and potential Partners. VolunteerMatch, dallasisd.voly.org, neighborsgo.com, “Mitzvah Central” and other connection sites will continue to be maximized.
Parents of Students
Parents were again encouraged to come into the Academy to pick up their students this year, which permitted interaction with tutors, and afforded many mothers with small children to feed them while at Academy, both breakfast and lunch. We encouraged mothers to work as volunteers. One was able to work in the classroom.
Book Donation
For the fifth year in a row, books of various interest levels were donated, this year by VMYDF. Students loved “shopping” for take-home books, which were given as incentives for work well done. Thank you, VMYDF!
Athletics, Music and Art
VMSRA Youth Leaders provided one-hour wholesome, challenging music, art and soccer sessions again this year for both boys and girls without the help of professional coaches each Thursday. Viewed as solid weekly enrichments, music, art and soccer will be continued in 2018.
Budget
We concluded the 2018 Academy under budget. Our goal will be for our budget to be flat in 2018.