2020 Students/Tutors of the Month1--Ruth Riesch and Leticia Lastro
2--Pastor Jim Sonnemann and Alberto Pogliani 3--Susan Lewis and Lyudmita Kapasheva 4-- Viki Johnson and Elizabeth Alcantar 2019 Students/Tutors of the Month
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December 2019: Tutor of the Month: George Hayes
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George and his wife both worked in the education field, hoping to inspire many young minds to follow their dreams. Following retirement, both have volunteered their time and service in working with adult literacy students. George’s mild manner allows him to work well with other men. George had the idea of forming a book club for men in the Marinette County Jail; this was begun and has seen good results. The books they read are often classics, as “The Grapes of Wrath” or newer releases, as in books written by Wisconsin author, Michael Perry.
In fact, after reading one of Perry’s latest books, the inmates asked George if the author would be able to come and speak with them in the jail. Well, the author was contacted and he agreed to speak with the men. Perry spoke of his life growing up on a farm, his hard work while putting himself through college, becoming a writer and his current life on his hobby farm. Some of the inmates expressed dreams of writing someday and had questions for Mike about this process.
All of this came about because of George encouraging his book club within the jail to read and discuss books and to think of positive ways to solve issues that occur within the story.
In fact, after reading one of Perry’s latest books, the inmates asked George if the author would be able to come and speak with them in the jail. Well, the author was contacted and he agreed to speak with the men. Perry spoke of his life growing up on a farm, his hard work while putting himself through college, becoming a writer and his current life on his hobby farm. Some of the inmates expressed dreams of writing someday and had questions for Mike about this process.
All of this came about because of George encouraging his book club within the jail to read and discuss books and to think of positive ways to solve issues that occur within the story.
November, 2019 Tutor/Student of the Month
Marsha Mellen and Vivian
Tutor Name: Marsha Mellen
Marsha became a trained literacy tutor in May 2017 and since then has helped several students achieve their goals, helping them study to obtain a driver’s license or become employed. Marsha currently has two students, both English Language Learners. Marsha was a teacher and she uses her skills to help her students excel. Marsha wants to volunteer her time as a tutor in memory of her grandparents who believed in continuing education. Marsha is kind and pleasant yet she .gently pushes and encourages her students to accomplish their goals.
Student Name: Vivian Desjardin
Vivian was born and raised in the Philippines and came to Menominee, MI, in 2009. She was first matched with Marsha in March 2019. Vivian had a goal of obtaining her USA citizenship and, with Marsha’s dedicated assistance and encouragement, Vivian was able to achieve this. Vivien is always positive and tries to see the best in any situation. She is glad to have a friend and tutor like Marsha who has helped her so much, and, continues to do so
Marsha became a trained literacy tutor in May 2017 and since then has helped several students achieve their goals, helping them study to obtain a driver’s license or become employed. Marsha currently has two students, both English Language Learners. Marsha was a teacher and she uses her skills to help her students excel. Marsha wants to volunteer her time as a tutor in memory of her grandparents who believed in continuing education. Marsha is kind and pleasant yet she .gently pushes and encourages her students to accomplish their goals.
Student Name: Vivian Desjardin
Vivian was born and raised in the Philippines and came to Menominee, MI, in 2009. She was first matched with Marsha in March 2019. Vivian had a goal of obtaining her USA citizenship and, with Marsha’s dedicated assistance and encouragement, Vivian was able to achieve this. Vivien is always positive and tries to see the best in any situation. She is glad to have a friend and tutor like Marsha who has helped her so much, and, continues to do so
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October, 1919 Tutor/Student of the Month
Tutor: Linda Warren; Student: Kalpana
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Kalpana was born and raised in India. She first came to the USA in lower Michigan in 1990, along with her spouse. For a time, they returned to India but then came back to the USA to Peshtigo in 2018. Kalpana and her spouse have two children. Kalpana speaks English well but requests to improve her conversational English and comprehension of it, along with understanding idioms.
Linda completed the tutor training in 2017. She is originally from England and now resides in Porterfield with her spouse. Linda is also a master gardener who volunteers at the Harmony Arboretum. Linda and Kalpana meet in Peshtigo after having begun their first lesson together in January 2019. Their lessons consist of a textbook, along with listening to a CD and discussion of current events or topics. Their sessions are filled with fun and laughter. Kalpana’s English has greatly improved and she is considering getting out into the community more. |
Linda Warren
Tutor with new USA citizenship
Linda was trained as a volunteer tutor in October 2017. She is currently working with her second matched student. When speaking with Linda, her lovely British accent was noted and Linda revealed she had gone through the citizenship process and became a USA citizen last year. Linda was then asked to attend the April Literacy Council’s Board of Director’s meeting so she could be formally commended. Linda was given a Washington, D.C. ornament for 2018, the year of her new citizenship.
Congratulations, Linda, on becoming a USA citizen!
Tutor with new USA citizenship
Linda was trained as a volunteer tutor in October 2017. She is currently working with her second matched student. When speaking with Linda, her lovely British accent was noted and Linda revealed she had gone through the citizenship process and became a USA citizen last year. Linda was then asked to attend the April Literacy Council’s Board of Director’s meeting so she could be formally commended. Linda was given a Washington, D.C. ornament for 2018, the year of her new citizenship.
Congratulations, Linda, on becoming a USA citizen!
January 2019, Tutor/Student of the Month Mary Jo Lewandowski and Jose
Mary Jo has been a tutor since 2013 and has taught various students since then. In September 2018, she and Jose began meeting for lessons. Mary Jo is very patient and kind and this is evident during the lessons together. She also often searches for the ideal book for Jose so he can have books of interest. She encourages Jose to use the dictionary while reading to find out
the meaning and pronunciation of words.
Jose began coming to classes to improve his English in September when he was matched with Mary Jo and they have continued as a team ever since. Jose is bright and eager to learn. He tries to sound out words he does not know and wants to be challenged. Jose and Mary Jo are a good team who share their love of reading with one another. They also seem to bring out the best in each other.
Mary Jo has been a tutor since 2013 and has taught various students since then. In September 2018, she and Jose began meeting for lessons. Mary Jo is very patient and kind and this is evident during the lessons together. She also often searches for the ideal book for Jose so he can have books of interest. She encourages Jose to use the dictionary while reading to find out
the meaning and pronunciation of words.
Jose began coming to classes to improve his English in September when he was matched with Mary Jo and they have continued as a team ever since. Jose is bright and eager to learn. He tries to sound out words he does not know and wants to be challenged. Jose and Mary Jo are a good team who share their love of reading with one another. They also seem to bring out the best in each other.
March 2019, Tutor/Student of the Month
Sybylie (Billie) and Carol Futon
Billie was born and raised in Germany, then moved to the USA in 2012. She and her husband, Mark, reside in Marinette. Billie has interests in cooking, baking, fashion, and flowers. She had some initial goals that she has already accomplished such as learning to drive in Marinette, obtaining a library card, and getting out into the community. Billie is always upbeat and positive and this is part of the reason she & Carole have such fun together. Billie also enjoys reading. She is currently studying for her USA citizenship.
Carole took the tutor training in Nov 2016, and then was matched with Billie. Carole resides in Menominee but happily crosses the river to meet with Billie at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette. Carole’s background in healthcare gave her the idea of helping others and her easy-going nature has been part of the reason she & Billie have formed such a tight bond. Along with their regular sessions, they also enjoy looking at/reading current magazines for fun. Since Carole has been actively helping Billie study for the USA citizenship, she says she also has re-learned much information about our government.
Carole and Billie compliment each other; and, when asked, that why this tutor/student pair is so happy together.
Sybylie (Billie) and Carol Futon
Billie was born and raised in Germany, then moved to the USA in 2012. She and her husband, Mark, reside in Marinette. Billie has interests in cooking, baking, fashion, and flowers. She had some initial goals that she has already accomplished such as learning to drive in Marinette, obtaining a library card, and getting out into the community. Billie is always upbeat and positive and this is part of the reason she & Carole have such fun together. Billie also enjoys reading. She is currently studying for her USA citizenship.
Carole took the tutor training in Nov 2016, and then was matched with Billie. Carole resides in Menominee but happily crosses the river to meet with Billie at the Stephenson Public Library in Marinette. Carole’s background in healthcare gave her the idea of helping others and her easy-going nature has been part of the reason she & Billie have formed such a tight bond. Along with their regular sessions, they also enjoy looking at/reading current magazines for fun. Since Carole has been actively helping Billie study for the USA citizenship, she says she also has re-learned much information about our government.
Carole and Billie compliment each other; and, when asked, that why this tutor/student pair is so happy together.
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April 2019, Tutor/Student of the Month Adrian and Dan Vanidistine
Adrian came from Puerto Rico to the USA with his family in 2017. He is employed at Marinette Marine. His 3 children attend the local school. Adrian wants to improve his spoken and written English so that he can better communicate both at work and in the community. Adrian is glad to have an intelligent and kind teacher as Dan working with him. Dan is a teacher in Peshtigo who truly cares about his students. Dan has much experience in both teaching school students as well as tutoring in other areas. In November 2018 Dan and Adrian were matched together and have been making strides since. Dan copies worksheets for Adrian to work on and encourages him to do his best. Dan says Adrian has been a very polite man to work with. |
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September 2019 Tutor of the Month Diane Nichols Diane has been a volunteer tutor with Marinette & Oconto Counties Literacy Council since she completed tutor training in May 2017. Diane initially began tutoring within the Marinette County Jail; then, with completion of the Oconto County jail, Diane began tutoring there. At first Diane had been teaching GED preparation but has changed her focus to running a book club. Diane enjoys reading along in the chosen book with the inmates in the book club and brain-storming with the group about why the characters in the book are handing issues a certain way. Members of the book club are each given a paperback copy of the selected book so they can also read ahead on their own. This has proven to be well-received by those attending. Thanks to Diane for her volunteer time and work at the jail. Just knowing someone is taking the time to read and review a book with them is hopefully making a positive impact in the lives of those who are participating. |
2018 Student/Tutors of the Month
1--Ruth Reisch Moises & Gladys
2—Marsha Mellen Rosa
3--Kim Oninski Liliana
4--Leah Eisenbeis Geliya
6--Marion Campion
8--Judy Peterson Xue Rong (Sharon)
9--Kathy Drews Jacob
10—Sandy Henquient Carmen
11--Robert Daly Tony
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Sandy Henquient and Carmen Xue Rong (Sharon) and Judy Peterson Rosa and Marsha Mellen
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Moises, Ruth Riesch, & Gladys with grandchild. Leah Eisenbeis and Geliya. Kim Oninski tutors Liliana
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Tony and Robert Daly Kathy Drews and Jacob Mary Campion,
reads at the Lakewood Assissed Living
reads at the Lakewood Assissed Living
2017 Tutors/ Students of the Month
1—Mary Hayes Silvia
2—Steve & Liz Kotowske Adela
3— Sue Giese Eliseo
4—Cathy Claycomb Ciria
5—Michael Cruse Coraly and Jennifer
6—Sue Barggen Brian
7—Margaret Carlson Patricia
8—Kevin Dembinski Abe
August, 2017 Tutor/Student
of the Month
Kevin Dembinski & Abe
Abe was born and raised in Egypt and came to the USA in January 2017. He resides in Peshtigo with his wife. Abe went through some college in Egypt and has experience working with computers. He initially requested assistance to further his education in English and would like to eventually become employed and obtain a driver's license. He loves writing on-line and also hopes to continue his education with computers. Abe's first language is Arabic so he was given an English/Arabic dictionary which he said will help both his wife and him to learn each other's language.
Kevin, actually Pastor Kevin, took the tutor training in 2016. His first student had moved so Kevin was then matched with Abe. Pastor Kevin is the minister at the United Methodist Church in not one, not two, but three sites: Peshtigo, Harmony, and Marinette. With all this, he still finds time to tutor; Kevin and Abe have been meeting since February 2017 and are accomplishing much. Abe's understanding of the English language has grown to the point that Abe is now requesting GED study materials. He hopes to be able to pass this so he can apply to take some college courses. Abe already met his 1st goal and did obtain a library card. Both Kevin and Abe look forward to their sessions together and enjoy learning from each other.
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
Information on Illiteracy in America
CBS Report on Literacy in America
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*Over 13% of Wisconsin adults have not received a high school diploma or equivalent.
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