Letter from the Executive Director
I've had the privilege of being a member of the Mi Escuelita team for ten years now and during that time we have been through many exciting changes. But even though we've changed, we've held true to our mission of providing young children with the English language and early learning skills they need to succeed in school. We have not waivered on the important task that is assigned to us.
The 2007/2008 school year showed incredible dedication on the part of teachers, parents, volunteers, and board members to stand firm on our mission and values and improve the already high caliber of services we offer at Mi Escuelita.
More than 80% of our teachers completed college coursework to obtain a degree or further their education.
Board members dedicated more than 400 volunteer hours toward the development of a new strategic plan that will lead Mi Escuelita securely into the future
More than 90% of Mi Escuelita parents worked daily with their child on literacy activities in the home, reinforcing the valuable skills learned in the classroom.
But most importantly:
508 children received the gift of language and education.
201 children graduated from Mi Escuelita and 90% transitioned into English speaking classrooms and did not need remedial English language intervention as they began kindergarten.
96% of Mi Escuelita teachers returned to the classrooms in the fall of 2008 and continue to provide love, hugs and learning opportunities to our children.
New collaborations were formed with Good Shepherd Episcopal School, Greenhill School and others to provide educational opportunities to our children after graduating Mi Escuelita.
2007/2008 was a great year at Mi Escuelita. However as we enter the new school year, our community and country appear a little shaky. Times are uncertain and many people are nervous or concerned. At Mi Escuelita we see the results of an uneasy economy and the looks of parents' faces when their lives have gone from bad to worse. Yet they are totally committed to doing whatever they must do to keep their child in school. We are here to help them because we know that in twenty years this recession will be a forgotten memory, but the education children receive today at Mi Escuelita will have changed their lives forever. For we know one thing - a family may lose much, but a child can never lose his education.
Education is what we do. It is our mission. We will not waiver. And I'm thankful that you are here beside us.
Gayle Nave
Executive Director
