Thank You, Members: AmeriCorps Week 2021
This AmeriCorps Week, we’re celebrating members who get things done for their communities! It’s been a challenging year and you’ve navigated a pandemic, three learning models and fluid community needs. Your commitment, flexibility and selflessness do not go unnoticed. Although we can’t be together to celebrate this week, our team wanted to share their thoughts as we celebrate you.
“Courageous, innovative, persevering, proactive, collaborative, supportive, and dedicated are just a handful of the words I would use to describe the Reading Corp members I have had the pleasure of working with for such a short time. You are all amazing!”
— Betsy Howland, Literacy Specialist
“You are amazing. Thank you so much for the important work that you are doing, especially in these unparalleled times when so much is up in the air. You keep showing up. You keep doing the work and making an incredible impact on the lives of the children you reach. In the lives of their families. In my life. I love my job as a Minneapolis recruiter because I have the chance to talk to people like you who are called to service and have a generous, giving spirit. You have this whole organization cheering you on, so the next time you are having a tough day imagine all of us giving you the standing ovation you deserve. Because we are. B R A V O and Thank You.” – Caroline Glawe, Recruiter
“Thank you for your service in a turbulent year. Thank you for your flexibility, perseverance, and commitment to student growth. Thank you for partnering with communities to make measurable change!”
— Anne Sinclair, Chief Learning Officer
“This year has been, to say the least, very trying for everyone. The flexibility and patience it takes to do your job to the best of your ability is amazing! One day your plugging along with lessons and the next you are distance learning. Each week, and days at times, are completely different. Whatever role you have played in your school is important and essential to the end result of success for our students. Thank you all so much! You are truly a blessing to so many students who need the extra help!” – Julie Harstad, Fertile Beltrami Elementary Internal Coach
“Thank you for your incredible service and passion to make a difference in your community!”
— Hannah Chan, Project Manager
“No matter how you think you are doing, you are making a difference in your students’ lives!!”
— Jamye Cobb, Senior Program Manager
“When I think about members this year, I am in awe. They saw an incredible need in our community from the impact of the school shutdowns last spring and have pitched in to help in all kinds of ways. Members may have signed up to participate in a structured, outlined tutoring program, and then found themselves creating brand new methods of delivering that tutoring virtually, saying “yes” to supporting school safety efforts, and becoming a more integral part of their school communities than ever. Our members’ willingness to say, “I can help” when they saw a need humbles me. Thank you for stepping up to serve!” – Laura Isdahl, Program Manager
“My PreK Reading Corps members are amazing! They are adored by the children they work with, they are dedicated to improving the skills of the students, and our benchmarks reflect it! Shout out to Tracey, Courtney, Carolyn and Samantha — you guys are awesome!”
— Jennifer Barnes, Atwater Cosmo Grove City School Internal Coach
“I want to thank all of our AmeriCorps members for truly going above and beyond this year. This has been a really challenging year in so many ways- and our members keep showing up (virtually and in-person) to support the kids they work with. It truly helps to make a difference for those kids and their school communities. Thank you to our members!!” – Maggie Jacoby, Program Manager
“Laura goes above and beyond every single day! She builds relationships with students while building their confidence in math. We are grateful that Laura is part of our school!”
— Julie Nelson, Lincoln Elementary Internal Coach
“Many thanks for getting things done! Your service is appreciated every day.”
— Nathan Anderson, Program Manager
“I am very impressed with our AmeriCorps Reading Tutors. I want to give a shout-out to Brandi, Charisse, and Michele. These tutors are making a huge difference in our students’ lives. Not only are they helping students become better readers, they are making connections with students and helping them grow.” – Shelli Lewis, Atwater Cosmo Grove City School Internal Coach
“THANK you for your commitment, determination and willingness to do all that was necessary during a pandemic to GET THINGS DONE for the students in southeastern Minnesota!”
— Tammy Fritz, Program Manager
“On behalf of the Georgia Math Corps Team, we truly appreciate each one of you for your dedicated service. Times have not been easy, but each of you have persevered and we are so proud that you chose to join our team. Together we will make a difference.” — SaJuana Williams, Math Programming Specialist
“I don’t know where our school would be without our tutors. They take on every challenge, and kids absolutely love working with them (and are thriving, too!). Thank you SO much for everything you do to help spread the importance of literacy, self-confidence, and fun in reading!” – Rachel Gulachek, Aspen Academy Internal Coach
“This year has been incredibly challenging and I am so grateful for all our members who have stuck with their service and persevered despite the numerous obstacles thrown their way. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your willingness to serve your community this year. I am honored to work with such an incredible group of people.”
— Sadie Botine, Program Manager
“I am very impressed with our AmeriCorps Reading Tutors. I want to give a shout-out to Brandi, Charisse, and Michele. These tutors are making a huge difference in our students lives. Not only are they helping students become better readers, they are making connections with students and helping them grow.” – Shelli Lewis, Atwater Cosmo Grove City School Internal Coach