2015 Annual Report

MOUNT VERNON CLUB:
Preparing Members for ACADEMIC SUCCESS
28
by Area Director, Angela Freeberg
Academic Success has always been a priority
for the Boys & Girls Club, but this year the
Mount Vernon Club has made instilling a love
and desire to learn our number one goal. That
means incorporating education and the value of
academic success into all that we do, in all parts
of the Club. This school year the Mount Vernon
Club has brought on two excellent Washington
State Reading Corps members to provide literacy
support to Club kids who struggle with
A concerted effort
is being made to build
self esteem and encourage
our kids, as well as to
communicate with parents
and teachers in order to
make learning a positive
experience for our
reading, including organizing the
library to make it easy to use
by Club members. These
Reading Corps members
also work with these
Club kids and students
at Madison and Centennial
Elementary School
during the day. This has
made a valuable connection
between the school
day and after school hours.
kids.
Along with our Reading Corps
members the Club has brought
on an Education Coordinator,
to increase mentoring and
support for our kids. More than
60 Club members are paired
with Club staff members for
mentoring. All staff have become
engaged in this program.
Staff members check in with
their Club members on a regular
basis, to see how they are doing in
school, where they need support and
to cheer them on. Before Winter Break
staff gave their mentoring kids cookies
to thank them for their hard work in school.
A concerted effort is being made to build self
esteem and encourage our kids, as well as to communicate
with parents and teachers in order to make
learning a positive experience for our kids.
Learning should be fun! All kids who wish to participate can
join in our Dive Into Reading extended educational activities,
as well as our Power Hour Homework program. Each week
includes a variety of themed activities. Themes have included
Grinch Week and others based on local books, such as the
Pigeon Party and our upcoming Star Wars week. Activities
are spread throughout the Clubhouse to include games, art,
and a variety of engaging enrichment activities. On Tuesdays
of each week Club kids can participate in our Paws to Read
program where they can read with dogs. Another great opportunity
for Club members to have fun with a purpose and
increase their skills. Club member Tristen says, “When I do
my homework here I can do other stuff when I go home!”