July, 2017--Tutor/Student of the Month
Margaret Carlson and Patricia

Margaret completed tutor training in November 2016 and then was matched with her current student, Patricia. This match has proved to be successful and enjoyable for both. Margaret's background and experience in business and her interests in outdoor activities have kept her young, both physically and at heart. She shares her pleasure of reading and desire to help others by tutoring and, we're glad she does! She asks for materials for Patricia when needed and wants what is whatever in Patricia's best interest. She and Patricia meet at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette for tutoring sessions.
Patricia was born in the Philippines and came to the USA in 1990, first to TN, then moving to Menominee, MI, to reside with her spouse. Patricia has taken some college courses and hopes to improve her English enough that she can resume some classes.
Patricia referred herself to the literacy council in May 2016 after she saw some information about it in the library. In November 2016, she was matched with Margaret. She and Margaret are moving right along in the text books and Patricia states she enjoys her tutoring sessions with her tutor. Congratulations Margaret and Patricia on being July's tutor/student of the month!
Congratulations Margaret and Patricia for being our July tutor and student of the month!
Patricia was born in the Philippines and came to the USA in 1990, first to TN, then moving to Menominee, MI, to reside with her spouse. Patricia has taken some college courses and hopes to improve her English enough that she can resume some classes.
Patricia referred herself to the literacy council in May 2016 after she saw some information about it in the library. In November 2016, she was matched with Margaret. She and Margaret are moving right along in the text books and Patricia states she enjoys her tutoring sessions with her tutor. Congratulations Margaret and Patricia on being July's tutor/student of the month!
Congratulations Margaret and Patricia for being our July tutor and student of the month!
June, 2017-- Tutor/Student of the Month:
Sue Barggren and Brian

Sue has a background as a Speech Pathologist and in her retirement she enjoys outdoor sports, reading and tutoring with our literacy council. She has made a great tutor for Brian, having the attributes of patience and kindness. This has allowed Brian the opportunity to feel comfortable during their sessions together at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette. Sue has encouraged Brian to try his best even when larger words may intimidate him.
Brian began with our literacy program soon after he turned 18. He had been both home-schooled by his mother and received some public school instruction. Brian has a willingness to learn. He would like to get his driver’s license to help with employment. Brian not only began meeting with "Miss Sue" but he also signed up for the "Paws and Tales" program held at the library. So, when appointments were made with Brian and the service dog, Brian would take 15 minutes to read to the audience of the dog only. This was a calming environment for Brian and he enjoyed reading to this quiet dog. At home, Brian is the oldest child of 5. Although Brian loves being part of a large family, he feels that his work with "Miss Sue" provides him with one-on-one time for him to try his best to read. Sue always encourages Brian to try his best.
Sue and Brian have been working together since May 2016. Brian's family will now be moving out of state so their tutoring sessions will come to an end. Sue has been a positive force in Brian's life and she wishes him the best. She recommends he be in touch with the local school district in their new locale for some daily assistance with reading.
Congratulations Sue and Brian for being selected June's Tutor/Student of the month!
We'll miss seeing you in the library, Brian.
May, 2017 Tutor/Students of the Month:
Michael Cruse, Coraly, and Jennifer

Mike, a tutor since 2015, has a technology background, having worked for a computer company for 30 years. He is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and French serving as a translator and teacher of adults in Italy. When he moved home, he was initially matched with Jennifer but then was asked to have another student from the same country. Fortunately for the Council, he said yes so Coraly was added. Initially, Mike saw the students separately, but the women realized they had so much in common that they have combined their lesson into one class. In the meantime, Jennifer had a daughter and the baby has been coming along to the class ever since. Although only one year, the little one is already learning to respond to both English and Spanish. Mike has made recommendations of books for use with his students, and the Council has purchased those books for other students as well. For example, "Ingles para Latinos", a book written by a Hispanic author, with directions in Spanish and pronunciations in both languages.
Coraly moved to the US from Puerto Rico 2015. She lives with her husband, Luis, and their 6 year old son. Coraly had a goal of becoming employed. With Mike's assistance in learning greetings and commonly used phrases, Coraly was able to obtain a job as a hostess in a local restaurant, which she enjoys. In class, they have role played conversations that occur in a restaurant, which has helped Coraly in her work environment.
Jennifer, also from Puerto Rico, came to the US in 2015. She resides with her husband, Wesli, their 6 year old son, and one year old daughter. One of Jennifer's goals was to be able to feel confident enough to go out to medical appointments and parent/teacher conferences independently, which she now does thanks to her own perseverance and Mike's assistance in class.
Way to go, Mike, Coraly, and Jennifer for being May's Tutor/Students of the Month! The three have been willing to combine their English classes where they can all learn from each other, share a few laughs, and become friends. In fact, Coraly became godmother to Jennifer's baby! Best wishes to all.
Congratulations Michael, Coraly and Jennifer for being our May tutor and students of the month!
Coraly moved to the US from Puerto Rico 2015. She lives with her husband, Luis, and their 6 year old son. Coraly had a goal of becoming employed. With Mike's assistance in learning greetings and commonly used phrases, Coraly was able to obtain a job as a hostess in a local restaurant, which she enjoys. In class, they have role played conversations that occur in a restaurant, which has helped Coraly in her work environment.
Jennifer, also from Puerto Rico, came to the US in 2015. She resides with her husband, Wesli, their 6 year old son, and one year old daughter. One of Jennifer's goals was to be able to feel confident enough to go out to medical appointments and parent/teacher conferences independently, which she now does thanks to her own perseverance and Mike's assistance in class.
Way to go, Mike, Coraly, and Jennifer for being May's Tutor/Students of the Month! The three have been willing to combine their English classes where they can all learn from each other, share a few laughs, and become friends. In fact, Coraly became godmother to Jennifer's baby! Best wishes to all.
Congratulations Michael, Coraly and Jennifer for being our May tutor and students of the month!
April, 2017 Tutor/Student of the Month:
Cathy Claycomp & Ciria

Ciria and her husband, Abel, are both from Mexico and moved to the USA in 2012, initially to GA, then to Coleman for Abel's employment on a local dairy farm. Ciria and Abel have three sons, ranging in ages from nine months to eleven years. The older two boys attend Coleman Elementary School and are bilingual in Spanish and English. Ciria speaks to her baby in both Spanish and English, hoping he will pick uo both languages easily. Ciria's siblings and her grandmother live in Mexico yet, and Ciria keeps in regular phone contact with them. Ciria was happy to show a photo of her grandmother on her phone. Ciria is a stay at home mother, caring for her nine month old, and she sometimes babysits for others in the apartment building.
Kathy and her husband reside in the Beaver/Loomis area. Kathy has always loved tutoring and helping others, and this is evident in her work with Ciria and her family. Kathy is employed as a receptionist for NWTC, Crivitz site, but still manages to find time to tutor, and we're glad she does!
Kathy and Ciria have been meeting since they were first matched in May 2015. Since then Ciria has had her third son so there have been adjustments for all to make. Kathy spends her time with Ciria using conversational English and helping Ciria in her day to day functions of being a mother and wife. They have practiced dialog for speaking with the two older boys’ teachers; and Ciria was proud to say she attended her first Parent-Teacher conference by herself and was able to communicate with the teachers, with minimal assistance from her sons. Kathy brings children's library books that are written in both Spanish and English, and in this way, the whole family benefits from reading together.
Congratulations Cathy and Ciria for being our April tutor/student of the month!
March 2017, Tutor/Student of the Month:
Mary Hayes with Silvia

Mary lives in Marinette with her husband who is the State of WI Commissioner of Athletics for the two-year UW system. Mary is a retired kindergarten teacher who has also been active as a substitute teacher. She is the grandmother of 6 little ones, all living in Minnesota, so Mary and her spouse enjoy get-aways to MN to see the children. Mary's faith means a lot to her and she is active with the Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marinette. Mary is also involved in three book clubs; she loves to read.
Mary reports that Silvia is prompt, reliable and eager to learn. Their class time together may not just be from the textbooks as they occasionally use the time to discuss daily problems they encounter. This has helped Silvia to increase her independence and confidence. Silvia reports that Mary has been so kind and helpful to her.
Silvia first came to the USA from Mexico in 2010 with her daughter and spouse. Silvia and her husband, Luis, were initially in a group English class offered by this Council. Luis is employed at Marinette Marine. Then, in Sept of 2014, Silvia was matched with "Miss Mary" and the two have been happily meeting ever since. Two of Silvia's initial goals were to become employed and to be able to communicate on the telephone in English with others. Mary has helped Silvia to reach these goals. Silvia is employed in the area cleaning homes, and she comes highly recommended! Silvia is a very happy, loving person so she becomes close to those she gets to know. Silvia is now comfortable sending text messages, and she and Mary text each other regularly. Silvia is proud to say she no longer needs a translator at her doctor appointments. And, Siliva's daughter works at Schloegel's in Menominee; Silvia made it a goal that she would correctly learn to pronounce this restaurant's name and she now does! Silvia has a son and other family members still in Mexico and she communicates with them regularly.
Congratulations Mary and Silvia for being our March tutor/student of the month!
Mary reports that Silvia is prompt, reliable and eager to learn. Their class time together may not just be from the textbooks as they occasionally use the time to discuss daily problems they encounter. This has helped Silvia to increase her independence and confidence. Silvia reports that Mary has been so kind and helpful to her.
Silvia first came to the USA from Mexico in 2010 with her daughter and spouse. Silvia and her husband, Luis, were initially in a group English class offered by this Council. Luis is employed at Marinette Marine. Then, in Sept of 2014, Silvia was matched with "Miss Mary" and the two have been happily meeting ever since. Two of Silvia's initial goals were to become employed and to be able to communicate on the telephone in English with others. Mary has helped Silvia to reach these goals. Silvia is employed in the area cleaning homes, and she comes highly recommended! Silvia is a very happy, loving person so she becomes close to those she gets to know. Silvia is now comfortable sending text messages, and she and Mary text each other regularly. Silvia is proud to say she no longer needs a translator at her doctor appointments. And, Siliva's daughter works at Schloegel's in Menominee; Silvia made it a goal that she would correctly learn to pronounce this restaurant's name and she now does! Silvia has a son and other family members still in Mexico and she communicates with them regularly.
Congratulations Mary and Silvia for being our March tutor/student of the month!
February, 2017 Tutor/Student of the Month:
Steve and Liz Kotowske with Adela

Steve first began tutoring Adela in May 2016, with sessions held at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette. Adela was learning quickly. When Steve needed a break from tutoring due to some scheduled travels, his wife stepped up to the plate. Adela was happy to learn from both of them. Steve and Liza are very talented people, being active in outdoor sports, travelling, and reading. They have 2 children: one is an English teacher in SE Asia and the other is a clinical psychologist, and the couple enjoys spending time with their two grandchildren. Steve is a retired Amtrak employee and Liz is a retired teacher.
Adela moved to the USA from Mexico in 2014. She is employed and her tutors have been flexible in scheduling their tutoring sessions around her family and work schedule. Adela resides with her husband and 2 children. She also has an adult son living in Mexico. Adela's English has improved to the point that she occasionally is called upon to be an interpreter at her job, which she enjoys doing. Adela enjoys using the app Duolingo. Her tutors commented that Adela's English has not only improved but also her confidence in herself when speaking with others. In her little free time, Adela enjoys doing craft work, and she made a beautiful purse for Liz as a gift.
Although Steve and Liz will now be taking a break from tutoring, their accomplishments with Adela is definitely worth mentioning, in part, due to their good nature and effort and, in part, to Adela's drive and intelligence. (Another tutor will be taking over with Adela.)
So, congratulations Liz, Steve and Adela on being February's Tutor/Student of the Month!
Adela moved to the USA from Mexico in 2014. She is employed and her tutors have been flexible in scheduling their tutoring sessions around her family and work schedule. Adela resides with her husband and 2 children. She also has an adult son living in Mexico. Adela's English has improved to the point that she occasionally is called upon to be an interpreter at her job, which she enjoys doing. Adela enjoys using the app Duolingo. Her tutors commented that Adela's English has not only improved but also her confidence in herself when speaking with others. In her little free time, Adela enjoys doing craft work, and she made a beautiful purse for Liz as a gift.
Although Steve and Liz will now be taking a break from tutoring, their accomplishments with Adela is definitely worth mentioning, in part, due to their good nature and effort and, in part, to Adela's drive and intelligence. (Another tutor will be taking over with Adela.)
So, congratulations Liz, Steve and Adela on being February's Tutor/Student of the Month!
January, 2017 Tutor/Student of the Month:
Sue Giese with Eliseo

Sue and Eliseo began as a tutor/student pair in 2014, initially meeting in the Town of Pound Hall in Coleman. Eliseo began at a level speaking very little English; and Sue's patient ways of teaching and instruction really brought out the best in him, having him desire to learn more. After the pair could no longer meet in that hall in 2015, they took a break from classes, partly due to conflicts in their schedules. In November 2016, Sue accidentally saw Eliseo in the grocery store and Eliseo told Sue that he wanted to restart lessons but only if she would teach him. Well, that was it for Sue, who felt she was compelled to teach again. They now meet weekly at the Coleman library. Sue not only uses the given text as lessons but she also has fashioned flash cards that serve Eliseo well. Eliseo's English has improved to the point that he now feels comfortable going to the laundromat and grocery store alone, tasks he always needed someone to come along with prior, for translation.
Eliseo is employed on a local dairy farm. His work there, which began as milking cows, has increased to also administering injections to the cattle when needed. He is proud that his employer trusts him with this role. Eliseo was raised in Mexico in a family of 10 children. His desire to improve himself led him to the USA. He has 2 children and 2 grandchildren who live in Mexico. Eliseo is very comfortable using his phone and was happy to show recent photos of his family; they keep in close contact and Eliseo is proud of them. Outside of work and his lessons, Eliseo says he must "clean and cook". He describes himself as a "so-so" cook. Eliseo has a favorite food since being in the USA: blue moon ice cream. He is also very ready to say his favorite person here: "Teacher", his name for Sue.
Congratulations Sue and Eliseo for being our January tutor/student of the month!
Literacy