Meet Our Volunteers of the Month!
February 2008
Diana Santana, nominated by Annette Diaz, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 107
Diana has been a Learning Leader at P.S. 107 for 2 years, working with Kindergarten through second grade students to improve their reading and math skills. She is a reliable, dependable, hardworking individual, who dedicates her time Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Diane gets along with every staff member, parent, and student; her cheerful personality and smile make her stand out. Diane has helped our school establish a welcoming environment and a wonderful PTA Board.
Averil Mason-Scantlebury, nominated by Philton M. Lewis, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 221
Averil comes to us with a warm heart and great mannerisms. Even though she has a small child, she comes every day from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and has been a Learning Leader for 1 year. Averil works with the entire school, not just a specific grade. She works closely with the office staff monitoring student attendance, ensuring that all students are accounted for. In addition, she makes sure that all students’ needs are met, and that’s why she deserves this award.
January 2008
Nestora Diaz, nominated Madeline Seide, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 10
“Nora ‘Grandma’ has been at P.S. 10 every school day for almost 20 years. The children, teachers, and staff love her,” writes Seide. Although Nora works specifically with the 1st grade students this year as an all-around classroom assistant, she is known and loved by all students in the school. “She is dedicated to every child at P.S. 10,” says Seide. In addition, Seide continues, “Nora is a brilliant knitter and crochetter, as well as a great cook. She feeds our stomachs and our hearts!”
December 2007
Carol Rein, nominated Martha Mayongo, teacher at P.S. 144Q
Carol always comes to our room with a smile and a kind word for the students. She is patient, loving, and very positive. Carol reaches out to her students in different and varied ways. Carol has been a Learning Leaders volunteer for 9 years. In the past two years, she has had the same students and they have shown increased confidence and a love of reading. It is such a treat to have her as part of our class twice a week.
Ms. Perez, nominated by Glenda Sierra, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 112
Ms. Perez arrives every morning on time and eager to work. I have seen many parents volunteer over the years, but Ms. Perez is very dedicated and always available when needed. She has been a Learning Leader volunteer with Kindergarten classes for 5 years.
November 2007
Diana Liccese, nominated by Grace Cerini, PTA 1st Vice President, P.S. 71
Diana has been a Learning Leaders volunteer at P.S. 71 for 7 years, and wonderful asset to the students there. She has made time to help as many children as her schedule allows. She has continued with students as they move up a grade. Diana is patient and enjoys working with the children. Her support and guidance means so much to other Learning Leaders who are just starting out.
Stacey Barrow, nominated by Philton M. Lewis, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 221
Stacey has been working with the first grade as a Learning Leader for 2 years. She is an asset her classroom. She arrives early every day at 8:30 a.m. and leaves at 3 p.m. Stacey assists the teachers with all classroom activities, and instills respect and discipline in the classroom. Everyone loves Stacey and respects her very much. She is well-deserving of this honor.
October 2007
Mariana Colella-Chung, nominated by Jane Clarino, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 81
Mariana has been volunteering at P.S. 81 for 4 years, and working with first and fourth graders as a Learning Leader for 3 years. She tutors in reading, writing, and phonics, but does several other valuable tasks. Mariana does a great deal of English to Spanish translation, and assists two teachers, helping their students master writing and language skills. In addition, she participates actively in the Drama Club, Nutrition Committee, and Technology Department. Mariana is very soft spoken and patient with the children—they look forward to seeing her. I honestly don’t know what we would do without her.
Terry Lambert, nominated by Mabel Gonzalez, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 75
Terry has been a Learning Leader for two years, working with kids in Kindergarten through sixth grade with extracurricular activities such as school plays and other events. He also acts as the Treasurer at PTA meetings and helps out during workshops. Terry is a Senior Citizen who inspires other parents to get involved. He’s always willing to help in school, whenever and wherever he’s needed.
September 2007
Jackie Layne, nominated by Philton M. Lewis, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 221
Ms. Layne has been a Learning Leader for four years, assisting students in Kindergarten and firstt grade with math, reading, and homework. She is divided between two grades, and she does an exceptional job ensuring that all the needs of both grades are met. Ms. Layne arrives early every day at 8:30 p.m., and stays until 5 p.m. During the day, she works diligently with the teachers, students, and all of the staff members. She is an asset to our school and to the students of P.S. 221.
Shawn Evans, nominated by Beth Chapin (LL Trustee, Chair of Marketing Comm)
Shawn has been volunteering twice a week at P.S. 92 for three years. She works primarily with second graders in reading, writing, and some math. Shawn is an exceptional volunteer because she has been able to motivate a group of students to improve, focus, and enjoy learning. Shawn tries to make learning fun. Her group plays word games, uses flash cards for hard words, and counts with Skittles. With four children to tutor, Shawn stresses that they need to work as a team, emphasizing “we can all help each other.” Shawn likes being a Learning Leader because she feels, “these children need my help.”
What the kids say ...
- "I never knew as much as I know now. Thank you for volunteering."
- Stephanie
- "It is a good thing that you volunteer because it comes from your heart."
- Sarah
- "My volunteer was very helpful. My English improved and I felt more comfortable in school."
- High School Student
- "I want to thank you for volunteering. You taught my class and me a lot of different art. I want to try to be a tour guide and explain art to parents."
- Nelson
- "Because I didn't understand math, I began to dislike it. The tutor helped me understand and I love math now."
- High School Student
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