November’s Tutor of the Month - Kimberly Sword

Andson has the best tutors. We really do. And no one epitomizes that more than Kim Sword. Kim comes from Cleveland, Ohio, although having a dad in the Air Force took her all over. “Growing up as a “military brat”, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel the world and experience so many things. As a result, I strive to bring a world of experiences to my young learners,” she says. Teaching is a second career for Kimberly, her first being in corporate management. Kimberly currently works part time for Mad Science and teaches at Roundy Elementary School. Having a passion for young learners, Kim says, “I want math and science to come alive. I want stories to leap off the pages. I want kids to be excited and challenged by every learning opportunity.” There is no doubt that Kimberly is accomplishing these goals. Just take a look at the photos included!

Kimberly lives with her husband, two children, three dogs, two bunnies, and her many fish in Las Vegas. Kim, the kids are so lucky to have you, as are we!

SPOTLIGHT SITE - St. Jude's Ranch for Children

November's Spotlight Site is St Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City, NV. We chose St. Jude'sdue to their strong commitment to our community and the dedication of their hard-working staff. St Jude’s Ranch is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe haven for children who are victims of abuse, abandonment and homelessness. Children arrive at St. Jude’s struggling to keep up with their peers in school and are sometimes as much as two years behind where they should be academically. Andson was grateful for the opportunity to partner with St Jude’s Ranch and this is what Christine Spadafor, St Jude’s Ranch CEO, had to say about Andson: “Our partnership with the Andson Organization has miraculously helped these children catch up and be competitive in school, and be able to stand toe to toe with their peers academically. With Andson, they have consistent tutors who work closely with the school system, and seeing the same people week after week in helping to reestablish that trust, only furthers help enhance their success in school. Prior to the Ranch’s partnership with Andson, we struggled to find a consistent, effective tutoring program for our children, and Andson is the perfect partner for us.”

To see more, please watch the short video below:

Andson's Back 2 Class Bash 2014

We would like to thank everyone who participated in our 3rd Annual Back 2 Class Bash! What a wonderful turnout, and we got so lucky with the weather! Thank you to our very generous partners for their donations. Without your help, Andson could never have given out over 500 backpacks, food and drinks. We are so grateful to be able to serve the youth of our community.

Andson Brings Martha Speaks to the YMCA

Andson has kicked off it’s Summer Reading Program at the YMCA! This wonderful program gets kids reading and eliminates learning loss during the summer. Often, low-performing readers are offered little opportunity to improve their reading skills outside the classroom once the school year has ended. Andson, in partnership with Vegas PBS, has brought Martha Speaks to the Y! Martha Speaks is an animated children’s television series that focuses on building vocabulary. Kids will watch and discuss each episode, then apply the words they learned, both orally, and in writing.

Sonia Anderson, Andson’s CEO, was featured yesterday on Fox 5 More Show, live from the Durango YMCA. “To see a first grader tell you what “amazing”, “incredible,” and “stupendous” means is really amazing, incredible, and stupendous, and this is something Andson is able to bring to them,” she said.

The program is offered to children ages 5-7 at the following YMCA locations: Centennial Hills Community Center Durango Hills Community Center Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA SkyView Multi-Generational Center

Andson's 2014 Faces of the Future Breakfast

The Faces of the Future Breakfast is about highlighting the efforts of Andson in our community.

On May 21st, we hosted our 3rd annual Faces of the Future Breakfast at the Southern Highlands Golf Club. Our speakers included Steve Schorr, Bart Patterson (President, Nevada State College), Kate Marshall (Nevada State Treasurer), Kim Wooden (CCSD Deputy Superintendent) and a word from Pat Skorkowsky, the CCSD Superintendent. 

Julie Tacker, an Andson tutor and CCSD teacher spoke about two young students who inspire her with every lesson.

"Being a tutor and being able to teach in the same area, I'm able to talk with their teachers - find out their strengths, find out their weaknesses, find out different ways to get to each child, which is an advantage that I have as a tutor for Andson." She also said, "I get to see the growth academically, and in their confidence".

Distributed on each place setting, was a hand written card by an Andson child, stating what they want to be when they grow up. "I want to be a doctor because I will help people if they are sick", read Steve Schorr. "Will this child have the opportunity to reach this goal?"

Partners, leaders, and individuals are the reason that we can continue our mission to empower through education - that’s what this morning was all about.

We are so fortunate to have such widespread support, from state policy makers, CCSD administrators, parents, and those who are in the trenches, the teachers who give so much of their time and commitment to this worthwhile cause.

It's events like this that allow us to reflect and see from a different perspective, all the hard work put in by so many, and all of the rewards reaped.

It is an honor when great speakers and attendees support Southern Nevada in such a big way.

Wrapping Up Our Last Week of the Semester

As the school year comes to a close, we are finishing up the last week of our Homework Help and Tutoring program until fall. As we wrap up, we are providing pizza and drinks to show our appreciation for all of our students’ terrific efforts at each site, as well as handing out certificates to students to acknowledge their successful completion of our program.

And, believe us, as the test results come pouring in, we see more and more how their hard work has paid off this year!

We are also doing a grand drawing of all the stars of the month at each site, and the winner will receive a summer pail of goodies, which includes passes to the Discovery Museum!

We just want our students to realize how important their efforts throughout the school year are to us, and we eagerly await seeing them again in the fall.

Money Matters

As you all know, we at Andson are all about financial literacy and are dedicated to our mission of ensuring that our youth are financially literate! We love it when we find others with the same mission.

The article, “Teaching Financial Literacy, Starting With Teens,” in The Wall Street Journal discusses how Charles Schwab’s daughter, Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, emphasizes the importance of educating youth about finances.

According to this article, “It’s no secret that financial literacy is rampant in the U.S., where less than one-third of the population can correctly answer questions on interest rates, inflation and diversification, according to a study by Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington University School of Business.”

It also points out that “only 17 states require high-school students to study personal finance.”

Ms. Schwab-Pomerantz, like us, promotes teaching our youth to be financially literate and says that it is vital for money management skills to be learned and developed at an early age.

She has focused her resources on educating teens specifically about the importance of being financially literate, and has joined forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to accomplish this endeavor.

In order to ensure that financial literacy programs do, indeed, make a noticeable impact on youth, she conducted a year-long study on her Money Matters program, in order to, “ensure we were making a good investment and we’re having an impact.”

The results of the study were promising:

“At the start of the program, just 47% of participants understood the importance of paying yourself first, or automatically saving 10% of what you earn. By the end, 71% understood.”

Damon Williams, senior vice president and chief educational and youth-development officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs, agrees with the importance of financial literacy programs. “The Money Matters curriculum provides them with the knowledge they want but have nowhere else to get,” he said.

It’s awesome to know that we have partners out there who deeply care about our youth and their futures as well.

To read more about this, go to http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702304640104579487533888321814-lMyQjAxMTA0MDEwMjExNDIyWj.

Going Above and Beyond

As the school year comes to a close, we want to give a shout out to one of many extremely exceptional tutors, Loretta Lee at the Agassi Boys & Girls Club. Our kids at Agassi typically receive a Three Square Meal at 5:30; however, many students are hungry prior to that time due to their long school days.

Loretta and her husband have an outreach program, and she offered to bring daily snacks in for the students. So, they have been graciously providing a nutritious snack for the students after Homework Help time.

Thank you Loretta for going out of your way to be thoughtful and ensuring that our kids never go without a snack.

You go above and beyond just being a tutor to them.

Testing Time

It’s that time again – time for our third and last Aimsweb test this school year! Although our kids might not be too thrilled about it, we certainly are because it’s from these tests that we are able to find out how far our kids have come - academically, that is. A year-end assessment is critical to meeting our goals, so it’s vital to our continued success.

Students complete the Aimsweb math portion first, as a group, and the one-on-one reading test second.   Depending upon group size, the testing process takes from 30 minutes to one hour.  In an effort to maintain testing consistency, we conduct the testing at our tutoring locations.

Our kids will be elated to know yesterday was the last day of testing, as it lasted from April 23^rd to May 7^th, but the actual tutoring and homework help will last until May 15^th.

Now it’s time for us to do our part and calculate those results, so that we can continue to successfully monitor our students’ improvement and use these results to improve our program to ensure they get the best tutoring come fall.

Faces of the Future

As you know, our goal at Andson is to improve academic achievement and financial literacy among at-risk youth in Southern Nevada. For the past four years, we have been delivering programs that help kids learn the skills they need to succeed in today’s world. Our  upcoming  Faces of the Future breakfast is a unique and inspiring opportunity to bring together community members who would like to learn more about us, and make a difference in our  students’  academic success!

On May 21^st, at this one hour breakfast we will share information, expertise, and insights, while addressing the importance and need for supplementary educational programs for our at-risk students in Clark County.  Amongst our elite speakers that morning will be Nevada State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky, and Steve Schorr, who currently serves on the Governor's Task Force on Early Childhood Education!

We are honored to have these enthusiastic speakers attend our breakfast and are eager to hear what they have to say!

April Tutor of the Month

Congratulations Pam Charles, April’s “Tutor of the Month!” Pam has been working with kindergarteners and 1^st graders at the Boyd Boys & Girls Club since the beginning of the school year, and she says she has really enjoyed working with them, especially because they are so cute, full of energy, and learn so quickly. Pam can see a huge difference in her students’ skill level between the beginning of the year and now!

One thing that really stands out about Pam is the quote that’s listed on the bottom of her email.

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t…you’re right. –Henry Ford

She explains she chose this quote because she is a stronge believer that our attitudes affect everything we do in life, from teaching goals to personal goals.

As Pam put it, “If we think we can make a difference we will, and conversely, if we think we won’t make a difference, we won’t.”

Well said, Pam! And keep believing that you make a difference, because you do!

GiVe

We at Andson believe in actively participating in our communities outside of work. Despite our busy fast-paced lives, it is vital that we take time to look outside of our own little bubbles and into the world beyond, making sure that we give to others.

Our Academic Program Director, Leslie DeVore is one such example of how we strive to incorporate giving into our lives.

Starting in 2007, Leslie and a group of women in Green Valley formed a group known as GiVe, merely a group of friends trying to make a difference in their community one gift at a time.

Their mission is to “inspire, educate and encourage women to take an active role in the community by pooling their charitable gifts to improve the lives of Henderson residents.” Once a month they give a gift to recognize someone, to help out someone, or to further a worthwhile project.

In April they chose to donate $600 to Andson to be used for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson! This money will go toward hiring CCSD teachers and tutors, as well as purchasing academic supplies.

Andson is among the many organizations and charities that they have generously gifted, including HopeLink, Basic High School Special Needs, and Candlelighters.

Groups like GiVe show how easy it is to just take a moment and give back to others. We should all take part in striving for a better tomorrow.

Do You Ever Get The Urge To Splurge?

If you’re a super saver, or attempt to save money, more often than not you might feel guilty when you spend it on something that’s not necessary. Saving money can be super stressful when you’re trying to live off an extremely tight budget. Has anyone ever told you that once in a while it’s important to allow yourself to splurge, even though the ultimate goal is still to save?

According to the finance blog Wise Bread, here are a few reasons why you should splurge once in a while:

In order to stay focused and on track with your savings goals, you need positive reinforcement. However, only give yourself this reinforcement when you have cut down on debt and are meeting your savings goals. Don’t be afraid to reward yourself for your financial accomplishments!

When you’re on a tight budget and are saving as much money as possible, lots of “fun” things get cut out of your daily routine, which can be monotonous. Rewarding yourself once in a while for meeting your goals breaks up the monotony. As the blog also says, spending a little money on something that you normally wouldn’t one day would most likely make your day more memorable, and “having those memories is definitely worth the money spent.”

Lastly, keep in mind that some splurges can and will have long term benefits! Think about it. Sometimes spending money on something better quality (like  a purse, shoes, or an appliance) will have long term benefits, as it will last much longer than something that not only costs less, but that is also more cheaply made!

Everyone needs a “fun fund” to spend and not feel guilty about.

Just set a limit for you “fun fund,” and only reward yourself after you meet a goal/goals.

Just remember….sometimes it’s ok to splurge when you get the urge!

To read more about this, go to http://www.wisebread.com/why-you-should-allow-yourself-splurges

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

So I’m sure that you already know, and that countless people have told you, that debt is “bad,” to avoid debt, and that it will “ruin your life,” and so on and so forth. However, sometimes debt can help you reach your goals.

According to the blog, “The Good, The Bad, And The Indebted,” on the website $alt, there is such a thing as "good” debt, as opposed to “bad” debt.

Skeptical?

Keep reading.

The blog says, “Your lenders consider 'bad' debt to be not getting paid back their money. ‘Good’ debt was when they received their money with interest. Of course, things aren’t nearly that simple.”

It goes on to say that rather, “good” debt is an investment that generates long-term value. You “grow” your money…and invest in your future! (Student loans are an example of this.)

Another example of good debt is a home mortgage, “and anything else that has the potential to grow.”

An example of acquiring “bad” debt would be buying items that “have little or no return, despite a hefty price tag,” like electronics, clothes, and eating out.

These items (or eating out) will never go up in value after you spend your money on them.

Just be careful and selective of what you choose to spend your money on, and put lots of thought into what you do decide acquire debt over (if you do decide to).

Here are things to keep in mind when you find something that you feel compelled to buy:

- Do you have cash to pay for this, or only credit? If only credit, can you wait until you have cash?

- If you decide to use credit to buy something, remember that if you pay it off over time, it will acquire interest.

- How long will it take you to pay it off, and what will its value be to you at that time (will it be a car that enables you to get to work, or another device that will have a newer version by then that you’ll want)?

- No matter how you pay for things, always track what you spend your money on!

Most importantly, when you make purchases with credit think about the difference between whether those purchases will benefit you in the long run, or just add to your stress because they are “bad” debt.

To read more, go to https://www.saltmoney.org/content/media/Article/the-good-the-bad-and-the-indebted/_/R-101-8049

National Financial Educators Day

Tomorrow, April 25^th, is National Financial Educators Day, and our own Co-Founder and Program Developer Anthony McTaggart is one of the two educators being recognized in Nevada on this day! How exciting!

According to the National Financial Educators Council website, this day celebrates, “…those individuals who are working to improve the financial capabilities of people in their communities.”

Therefore, this day not only recognizes “traditional educators,” but anyone who participates in educating others about finances!

We want to especially say thank you to everyone tutor, aide, volunteer, concerned parent, and donor out there who has helped our mission of educating youth in Southern Nevada about financial literacy.

To learn more about this as well as ways to get involved and make an impact in your community, go to http://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/

To Our Terrific Tutors And Aides

As Andson's Homework Help and Tutoring program comes to an end, we want to let everyone know how much we appreciate our 45 amazing tutors and aides!  

To our tutors and aides,

After putting in a full day at school or at your other job, you continually show up on time, four days a week, wearing big smiles, and carrying an abundant bag of teacher-tricks.

You pinpoint the children's deficiencies and bring effective and creative teaching strategies to their groups.

You work diligently with kids of many ages, big and small, happy and sad, rain or shine, on good days and bad, at a variety of locations, helping them achieve their goals and stay on track.

You send out progress reports, write daily tutor notes, acknowledge students of the month, and help our kids achieve those precious "a-ha" moments.

You wipe noses, hand out treats, listen to tall tales, hold little hands, kiss boo-boos, and sternly say, "sit up straight in your seat" at least 50 times an hour.

Mostly importantly, you establish positive relationships with your students in a healthy environment.  You work hard so that no child gets behind in school.  You impart KNOWLEDGE, which we all know creates empowered, confident and successful adults. What could be more important than that?

Thank you!!

Andson's Founder/CEO Being Honored at "Moms Rock"

As Mother’s Day approaches, we proudly  announce that Andson’s Founder/CEO, Sonia McTaggart-Anderson, will be honored at the 10^th "Moms Rock" Mother’s Day Tea & Brunch, hosted by St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. The fun filled event will be held on Saturday May 10^th, at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, benefitting Child Focus, a program of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.

Join us as we continue in our quest towards improving the lives of thousands of children across the valley.

For more information, please contact Veronica Huening at:    VHuening@STjudesranch.org

Project Connect on Friday

We’re having another Project Connect this Friday! What’s even more exciting is that it’s not only a Project Connect, but it’s also a tutor appreciation party!

As we’ll be springing into summer soon and the semester will be wrapping up, we want our tutors, and all of our supporters, to know how much we appreciate them.

So we hope that you will all make time to come down to McFaddens at Town Square, because starting at 4 o’clock we’re all going to eat, drink, connect, and celebrate!

We can’t wait to see you there and hope that you’ll have time to stop by.

So be there at the square!

Nevada's Big Give

Don’t forget about Nevada’s Big Give on Friday, April 25^th! It will be the third statewide online giving initiative, and a day where you can go online and donate to charities of your choice. You merely point, click, and give!

To be an active donor in this fundraiser for Nevada’s nonprofits, go to www.NVBigGive.org to give to the charity of your choice!

We Love This Letter

How many of you daydream of the day that your kids will tell you they are craving broccoli over ice cream, or yearn for the day when your youngsters will voluntarily choose schoolwork over their toys? How many of you fantasize about getting your kids to do things that are good for them that they just don’t want to do, without having to wrestle them to the ground or threaten their TV privileges?

Well, this dream came true for the tutors at the Gulbis Boys & Girls Club when one little girl wrote Andson a letter in which she said, “Tutoring was so fun. I’d rather be in tutoring all day than go to Wet and Wild.”

That’s what we love to hear here at Andson, that through our hard work, devotion and perseverance with these kids we are making a lasting impact in their lives! We love it when they love their tutoring sessions!

Oh yeah, the student also mentioned, “I loved the treats you gave us at tutoring that one day.”

…nothing wrong with a little incentive!