Student Letters
At Literacy of Northern NY, some of our students have written about what Literacy of Northern NY means to them. They granted us permission to publish their stories.
- "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." ~ Richard Steele
Why I want a Computer
Literacy of Northern New York refurbishes donated computers and these computers are distributed to students.
Here are some of their stories ...
12/22/2009
"I want a computer so I can learn to type, and I would learn math and other learning games. And I would [be] using it to keep my calendar about my appointments for the year.
I have never had a computer.
Sincerely, AFB"
Writings and Testimonials
“It’s been a great experience studying at Literacy of Northern New York. Also, I have learned important things in grammar, reading, and writing. I can say that my level of English is improving in the class.”
( A. L. - ELL student, August, 2009)
“I realized that I didn’t have anything to do in life so I needed to start working on my education in jail and keep on going at it. The jail nurse talked to me about having a Literacy
Volunteer tutor come in each week. I agreed with it. She set up an appointment and lessons began. For a few months, I studied in jail. Then after I was released I continued at the Literacy office each week with my tutor. I’ve gotten better at my reading. My tutor said that my reading improved to a level three. I can write letters better and read books for fun reading. I will continue to work towards my G.E.D. I am proud to accomplish my goals for reading so far.”
(A. T. Lewis County)
“In seventh grade I had a basketball coach and a math teacher all in one. Being left handed I had trouble making shots. My coach took time to show me the proper way to play the game. He took the time to each me math in the proper way also. If we did not know how to do the work he would come around and help us one on one until we got it. He was always helpful to me and to the rest of the class. He would write out the work for us so we could understand how to do it. The teacher made it look so easy that we liked to do it. He knew all of us by name and I don't know of one kid who did not like him. The guy was just as good teaching basketball as he was math. If we did not have paper or pencils , he would give us some to work with.
I had to stop playing basketball to help my dad on the farm at nights. One day the coach came to my home and asked my dad if I could come back and play basketball. My dad could not do all the work by himself so he would not let me go back to play the game.
Sometimes my dad would let me go and see the game and help the coach on the side line. The coach would buy the team food and drinks after the game. If some of the kids did not have a ride home he would take them home and that is what a good teacher is.”
(C.S. St. Lawrence County)
"Hello, My name is Jan I’m a student at Potsdam University. I started with the literacy program last fall. I spoke with Cecilia Brock about getting help with my reading and writing skills. She matched me with Mrs. Kyrie Russ who was doing her internship program at the time. Mrs. Russ is an awesome tutor. She showed and gave me guidance on different strategies to help strengthen my academic skills. Being in the Literacy program has benefited me greatly and I would recommend this program to any student. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude of thanks for all of your help and support, also for helping me believe in myself to pursuing my Bachelors degree. Thank you "
(Jan, Jefferson County)
Hi Deborah.
I sent a letter to Case School to say thank you for accepting D. Linda [tutor] helped me to correct my mistakes. I wrote about some differences between American and Brazilian schools that maybe, you would like to know.
Friendly, E.
Subject: Fwd: Thank you for accepting D.S.
Dear Mrs. V.,
Thank you for accepting D. at Case Middle School. We are sure that he learned much more than English. At Case, he learned how to be friendly,
helpful and take care of people, especially when they don't speak a native language.
D. told us that he could see important differences between the Brazilian and American Education System. Maybe, if Brazilian people could apply some of these principles, they could get great results.
The first difference was about classes. In Brazil teachers go from class to class, here, students go from class to class, giving for Daniel a great opportunity to make lots of friends.
Discipline is another point. Students keep silent all the time and during the breaks between classes they have to be fast to go to other class. At the lunch time it's necessary to keep silent in the cafeteria too. In Brazil, it's difficult to keep teens students quiet in class but, in the cafeteria, they are free to talk.
About reading, he got surprised to know how many books his friends had read. He bought the book Chains to read and take to Brazil. Reading really makes the difference in an Education Program.
By the way, everybody was ready to help D.: to look for the right class, to go to the Library and to open the locker (a real challenge for him !). He received a special support from teachers too.
If you need something from Brazil, just let me know.
Sincerely,
E. and R. M.
D. S.'s Aunt/Uncle