COOK LIBRARY SCHOLARS: A PATHWAY OF OPPORTUNITY...
2
Grandville Avenue Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities Grandville Avenue Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities 644 Grandville Avenue SW Grand Rapids MI 49503 Phone: (616) 742-0692 www.gaah.org Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 153 Grandville Avenue Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities COOK LIBRARY SCHOLARS: A PATHWAY OF OPPORTUNITY We would like to introduce you to two special girls: Rubi and Itza. Rubi is in the second grade at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School (formerly Hall School) where she is one of the best students in her class. “That girl’s like a sponge,” her teacher says. Reading is Rubi’s favorite thing to do because she likes to “learn new words and learn about new ideas,” but writing is a close second. Rubi says that in kindergarten she didn’t like to write, but her attitude changed when she discovered that she wrote faster than anyone in her class. Rubi has a sharp memory and a strong work ethic. She loves to tell long, elaborate stories. She is a walking encyclopedia about the panda, her favorite animal. Itza, a third grader at Chavez Elementary, is a voracious reader. Her reading group recently read a thirty-chapter book that Itza finished while most of the other students were still on chapter ten. “I read this book so fast it got stuck in my head,” she said. During a recent discussion about leadership and the different types of leaders who have made a difference in their lives, Itza had this perceptive comment: “There are even some people who stand up for animals and for plants; without our plants and animals we couldn’t live on the earth.” Rubi and Itza both come from impoverished, Spanish-speaking homes, and the statistics do not work in their favor. There is evidence that Latino students in Grand Rapids Public Schools tend to fall further and further behind their classmates with each school year. The ETS Center for Research points to a large body of research showing that children growing up in poverty “complete less schooling, work and earn less as adults, are more likely to receive public assistance, and have poorer health. Boys growing up in poverty are more likely to be arrested as adults, and their female peers are more likely to give birth outside of marriage.” But Rubi and Itza have something else in common. Both were identified by their teachers as being exceptionally bright, motivated students with the potential for success if given the opportunity. A new program at the Cook Library Center provides a pathway of opportunity for exceptional students like Rubi and Itza. Cook Library Scholars (CLS) is a comprehensive, long-term after-school and summer program that helps children achieve academic success in elementary and secondary school, prepares them for college, and empowers them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Rubi, Itza, and twenty-eight other children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood comprise the inaugural class of Cook Library Scholars. Every day begins with a warm welcome from CLS staff and a family style meal. This is a time to unwind after a long day at school, catch up with friends and staff, and participate in group discussions. Then it’s on to that day’s activities. Itza receives help with her homework from a Calvin College student, and Rubi reads books that challenge her reading level. Rubi spends extra time on creative writing, and Itza works on math comprehension. Rubi takes violin lessons at the Cook Arts Center, and Itza soon will join the girls’ choir at her school. December 2013 A REFLECTION OF US A REFLECTION OF US At Día del Sol this past June we unveiled a beautiful mural in the lobby At Día del Sol this past June we unveiled a beautiful mural in the lobby of the Cook Arts Center by artist Madeline Kaczmarczyk with the help of of the Cook Arts Center by artist Madeline Kaczmarczyk with the help of children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood. They created a colorful children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood. They created a colorful mosaic that is symbolic of the diversity of the neighborhood and the many mosaic that is symbolic of the diversity of the neighborhood and the many countries and cultures that are represented here. countries and cultures that are represented here. Thank you to our many Día del Sol guests and subsequent visitors Thank you to our many Día del Sol guests and subsequent visitors of all ages who suggested titles for the mural. The winning entry of all ages who suggested titles for the mural. The winning entry was submitted by Sister Sandra Delgado: was submitted by Sister Sandra Delgado: A Reflection of Us/Reflexion de Nosotros A Reflection of Us/Reflexion de Nosotros Itza loves diving into new books. Itza loves diving into new books. (continued on inside) Rubi is about to get started Rubi is about to get started on a new writing project. on a new writing project.
Transcript of COOK LIBRARY SCHOLARS: A PATHWAY OF OPPORTUNITY...
Grandville AvenueGrandville AvenueArts & Humanities
Grandville AvenueGrandville AvenueArts & Humanities
644 Grandville Avenue SW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Phone: (616) 742-0692
www.gaah.org
Non-Profi t
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
Permit No. 153
Grandville AvenueGrandville AvenueArts & Humanities
COOK LIBRARY SCHOLARS: A PATHWAY OF OPPORTUNITYWe would like to introduce you to two special girls: Rubi and Itza.
Rubi is in the second grade at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School (formerly Hall School) where she is one of the best students in her class. “That girl’s like a sponge,” her teacher says.
Reading is Rubi’s favorite thing to do because she likes to “learn new words and learn about new ideas,” but writing is a close second. Rubi says that in kindergarten she didn’t like to write, but her attitude changed when she discovered that she wrote faster than anyone in her class.
Rubi has a sharp memory and a strong work ethic. She loves to tell long, elaborate stories. She is a walking encyclopedia about the
panda, her favorite animal.
Itza, a third grader at Chavez Elementary, is a voracious reader. Her reading group recently read a thirty-chapter book that Itza finished while most of the other students were still on chapter ten. “I read this book so fast it got stuck in my head,” she said.
During a recent discussion about leadership and the different types of leaders who have made a difference in their lives, Itza had this perceptive comment: “There are even some people who stand up for animals and for plants; without our plants and animals we couldn’t live on the earth.”
Rubi and Itza both come from impoverished, Spanish-speaking homes, and the statistics do not work in their favor. There is evidence that Latino students in Grand Rapids Public Schools tend to fall further and further behind their classmates with each school year. The ETS Center for Research points to a large body of research showing that children growing up in poverty “complete less schooling, work and earn less as adults, are more likely to receive public assistance, and have poorer health. Boys growing up in poverty are more likely to be arrested as adults, and their female peers are more likely to give birth outside of marriage.”
But Rubi and Itza have something else in common. Both were identified by their teachers as being exceptionally bright, motivated students with the potential for success if given the opportunity.
A new program at the Cook Library Center provides a pathway of opportunity for exceptional students like Rubi and Itza. Cook Library Scholars (CLS) is a comprehensive, long-term after-school and summer program that helps children achieve academic success in elementary and secondary school, prepares them for college, and empowers them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Rubi, Itza, and twenty-eight other children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood comprise the inaugural class of Cook Library Scholars. Every day begins with a warm welcome from CLS staff and a family style meal. This is a time to unwind after a long day at school, catch up with friends and staff, and participate in group discussions.
Then it’s on to that day’s activities. Itza receives help with her homework from a Calvin College student, and Rubi reads books that challenge her reading level. Rubi spends extra time on creative writing, and Itza works on math comprehension. Rubi takes violin lessons at the Cook Arts Center, and Itza soon will join the girls’ choir at her school.
Dec
embe
r 20
13
A REFLECTION OF USA REFLECTION OF USAt Día del Sol this past June we unveiled a beautiful mural in the lobby At Día del Sol this past June we unveiled a beautiful mural in the lobby
of the Cook Arts Center by artist Madeline Kaczmarczyk with the help of of the Cook Arts Center by artist Madeline Kaczmarczyk with the help of children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood. They created a colorful children from the Grandville Avenue neighborhood. They created a colorful
mosaic that is symbolic of the diversity of the neighborhood and the many mosaic that is symbolic of the diversity of the neighborhood and the many countries and cultures that are represented here. countries and cultures that are represented here.
Thank you to our many Día del Sol guests and subsequent visitors Thank you to our many Día del Sol guests and subsequent visitors of all ages who suggested titles for the mural. The winning entry of all ages who suggested titles for the mural. The winning entry
was submitted by Sister Sandra Delgado:was submitted by Sister Sandra Delgado:
A Reflection of Us/Reflexion de NosotrosA Reflection of Us/Reflexion de Nosotros
Itza loves diving into new books. Itza loves diving into new books.
(continued on inside)
Rubi is about to get started
Rubi is about to get started
on a new writing project.on a new writing project.
Grandville AvenueGrandville AvenueArts & Humanities
Grandville AvenueGrandville AvenueArts & Humanities
MissionMissionEnriching the lives of neighborhood
youth through diverse and engaging
programs at the Cook Arts Center and
the Cook Library Center.
Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsTina Bain, 2nd Vice President
Marcia Borowka
Marie Brill, Secretary/Treasurer
Abe Carrillo
Jim Foerster
Marjorie Gell
Kathy Smith Kennedy
Laura Radle, President
José Rosario, Vice President
Gary Stark
StaffStaffMarjorie Kuipers, Executive Director
Steffanie Rosalez, Arts Center
Program Director
Sue Garza, Library Center Director
Madeline Kaczmarczyk,
Pottery Studio Manager
Bethany Sheffer, Administrative
Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah Bruxvoort, Arts Center
Program Assistant
Loanna Abreu, Library Assistant
Melissa Baker-Boosamra,
Cook Library Scholars Director
Taylor Whitefield, Cook Library
Scholars Program Manager
Monica Zavala, Cook Library Scholars
Family Outreach Coordinator
Irma Hernandez, Housekeeping
Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities
is a 501(c)3 organization. All
contributions are tax deductible to
the full extent of the law.
Grandville Avenue
Arts & Humanities
644 Grandville Avenue SW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Phone: (616) 742-0692
Fax: (616) 742-5499
www.gaah.org
KoezeMary KretschmanHarriet KuipersMarjorie KuipersDr. & Mrs. Randall KuntzmanLacks Enterprises, Inc.Scott & Linda LaFontseeTom & Anne LoganJerry Lykins & Elizabeth WelchMacatawa Bank Nancy ManettMarco New American BistroChet MaternowskiHenry Matthews & Tim ChesterThe MeadowsMeijer CorporationHank & Liesel MeijerMercantile Bank of Michigan Meyer MusicCarl & Ruth MeyeringMichigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Miller Johnson MLive Media GroupZulema MoretMOSS Telecom Patrick & Christine MuldoonBetsy MusolfKate Nagengast & Michael ZuidemaMary & Jim NelsonNonprofi t Technical Assistance FundNorthern Jet Management Juan & Mary OlivarezOpera Grand RapidsOsta’s Lebanese CuisinePaine Family Foundation Carol Paine-McGovern & Terry McGovernPapers PlusPepsi Beverages CompanyJulie Denko PetrieTonya & Larry PhelanPilgrim’s Run Golf CoursePit Stop CateringJon & Gwen PottJan PottorffPresto PrintLupe Ramos-MontignyLaura & David RadleRuss & Pat ReidRod & Barb RodriguezAnde RoeserRoMan Manufacturing, Inc. Jose Rosario
Thank You!GAAH received cash or in-kind donations from these individuals, agencies, foundations, and businesses from November 15, 2012, to November 15, 2013. We are grateful for the generous support of each and every one.
Andres AbreuPhyllis & Chris AfendoulisAmway Judith AndersonCharles & Carol AndressMary AngeloAnonymous Dan & Sharlene AumentTina & Mark BainLori BakerBob & Juanita BaltierrezMelissa Baker-BoosamraAlan & Suzanne BeeryJohn Schneider & Kathleen BegoMichael & Jan BennettJohn & Susan BerginElisa BergonzoniBert & Jan BlekeMarcia & Ken BorowkaJim & Judy BottsEric BouwensMarie & Ryan BrillMary BuikemaAnna Moore ButznerCalvin College/Boer-Bennink James & Mary Anne Cameron Foundation Abe & Ana CarrilloSusan CarrollMarti ChildsCircle TheatreToni ClayCarole R. ConnellConsumers Energy Peter C. & Emajean Cook Fdn.Cookies by Design John & Zelda CoulterBeth Loechler & Jeff CransonPete & Tuti DeMaagdDick & Betsy DeVos Family Fdn.Douglas & Maria DeVos FoundationRichard & Helen DeVos FoundationRon DeWaard & Jeanne ElderBetsy & Stanley DoleDominican Sisters-Grand RapidsKayem Dunn & Susan BromanJimmy Duty & Eileen Schwarz-DutyEast Hills Fitness CenterLouise & John EdisonDennis & Michele EidsonEl Vocero Essence Restaurant GroupDarin & Cami EstepExperience Grand Rapids
Todd & Erin FettigFirst Community BankTommy FitzgeraldJim FoersterForest Hills FoodsLinda & Tony FosterJeff & Sheila FrankTwink Frey & Jim McKayJeanie FriedlandFruit Basket FlowerlandCharles & Mary FrydrychGallery 154The Gardening AngelGazelle SportsDr. & Mrs. James GellMarjorie GellGerald R. Ford MuseumGene & Tubie GilmoreGilmore GroupGiveCampGlobal InfusionBeth GoebelGrand Rapids Ballet CompanyGrand Rapids Children’s MuseumGrand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids Griffi nsGrand Rapids Public LibraryGrand Rapids Public MuseumGrand Rapids Symphony Grand River Bank Grand Valley State University Great Lakes Shipping CompanyTerri & Michael HandlinJohn & Mary HarbertsMary Lou HelderopTami HenryIrma HernandezTeresa Hernandez & Bill RoseDonald HeydensKaren & Merle HoekstraHerman MillerDirk & Vickie Hoffi usMeegan HollandWin & Kyle IrwinJTM PartnersSue Ann Jabin Michelle Jeffries & Anthony Kroes Richard Jelier & Jaye BeelerBruce & Merri-Beth JelsemaErma JohnsonDebra & Kevin KalmbachW.K. Kellogg Foundation Cathy & Pat KennedyKatherine Smith Kennedy
Helen RossanoMary Ann SaboSan Chez A Tapas BistroMiriam SanchezVernis SchadJane & Scott SiegelKathy SiegenthalerEdward & Patricia SmithAnn Sullivan & David SoetSouthland Auto WashThe SparrowsSpartan Stores, Inc.Ed SpicerGary Stark & Kathleen UnderwoodState Farm Michael & Mary StearnsSteelcase Foundation Steelcase, Inc. Kurt & Sharon StiansenJulie & John StiversChuck & Jan StoddardSusan StoddardTarget Corporation Steele & Mary TaylorCat & Roger TimermanisMarilyn TitcheTonic SalonDr. James TubbsVanAndel ArenaDavid & Carol VanAndel FoundationChris & Jill VanAntwerpVandenBerg Jewelers, Inc.VanderWeide Family Foundation Ken & ChiChi VanDykeVarnum LLP Victoria VuletichWOOD-TV Gary & Jan WalkerWarner Norcross & Judd LLP Wege FoundationWhitecaps Community FoundationVirginia WieringaSusan WoldKate & Richard Wolters FoundationBecky & Ben WrigleyRichard & Barbara YoungKaren Zivi & Michael Moody
(continued from front page)
Both girls take part in yoga, zumba, and other fitness classes provided by the YMCA.
Next spring Rubi and Itza will explore the history of their families and the Grandville Avenue neighborhood through a youth-led oral history project in collaboration with Grand Valley State University’s Kutsche Office of Local History. The girls will participate in a Young Leaders group that will identify needs in the community and design service projects to address them.
As teenagers, Rubi and Itza will develop youth-led programming for younger CLS students. They will work together with CLS staff to identify needs and interests of younger students, and they will design and implement programs to meet those needs.
Rubi, Itza, and their families will receive assistance with their college appli-cations. When they get to college, Itza and Rubi will continue to be supported by CLS staff. As young women they will return to the CLS program to inspire the next generation of students, first as college students and then as successful career women and community leaders.
The Cook Library Scholars program gives Rubi, Itza, and their CLS classmates an opportunity to rise above their circumstances and pursue successful, ful-filling careers. It makes it possible for them to transform the cycle of poverty into a cycle of opportunity for their children and their children’s children.
Special thanks to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Steelcase Foundation, and the Wege Foundation for making this program possible.
In Memory of Andy Angelo
Mary AngeloMary BuikemaAnna Moore ButznerDarin & Cami EstepMeegan HollandBetsy MusolfKate Nagengast & Michael Zuidema Juan & Mary OlivarezGwen Pott Ann Sullivan & David Soet
Honor and Memorial GiftsCharles Andress in honor of Mary and in memory of Andy Angelo
Judy Botts in honor of Cat TimermanisCarole R. Connell in memory of Tim Johnson
Mary Lou Helderop in memory of John Helderop IIIRod & Barb Rodriguez in memory of Angelina M. Rodriguez
Vernis Schad in memory of Karen HenryKurt & Sharon Stiansen in memory of Jose Narezo
Chuck Stoddard in honor of Marcia Borowka
DID YOU KNOW . . .DID YOU KNOW . . .
.. . . . . that GAAH has an endowment fund? You can help build this fund and sustain vital programming for generations to come by remembering GAAH in your will. Call Marjorie Kuipers at 742-0692 for more information.
. . . . . . that you can designate GAAH as your benefi ciary through United Way’s Workplace Giving campaign? Just check the “other recipients” box and write Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities in the space provided.
