Science Day!

Our middle & high school students spent Wednesday doing science experiments.

Here Miray is listening for the sound waves to travel through the string attached to the coat hanger he's hitting against objects.

Ms. Kenithia is helping the girls test liquids (soda, lemon juice, club soda) to see what is an acid and what is a base.

All of our students participate in four science experiments each school year.

What was your favorite science project to do as a kid? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Spring Break Art Fun!

This week was spring break! As we have for many years, we partnered with the Frist Center for the Visual Arts to provide our students an art experience while they were out of school. The Frist Center has an Art Trunk program that sends us three fun art projects that correlate to their current art exhibit at the museum. So this week we learned about Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.

Students used oil pastels to create their own Impressionist art on Monday.

Tuesday they made a collage to resemble a Picasso Cubist work.

And Wednesday, students used watercolor and collage to create a surrealist picture.

Thursday, all of those that participated went to the Frist Center to see the actual paintings they studied!

Adult Computer Classes Coming Soon!

Beginning March 28th, the Learning Center will be hosting computer classes for adults each Friday at 1:00pm for 10-12 weeks. Taught by two of our favorite volunteers, Jim & Rebecca, students will start at the beginning learning parts of the computer and move into word processing and, maybe even Excel. Our hope is to provide our students with the skills they need to get the job that will move them into the life they've wanted to lead.

Space is still available for 3 or 4 more students, so if you know someone who is interested, please have them contact us at the center before the 28th!

Spring Break Volunteers

This week we had visitors from the University of Mary Washington's BCM! They came on the perfect week since our Vanderbilt students were on spring break and we were very short on tutors! They helped us with homework, in the computer lab, and with our enrichment activities!

Here are some pictures of their week!

Our New Look

What do you think about the new look of our blog? It was just time for a change! Let us know what you think. And let us know what you'd like to see on our blog in the future!

Article on Social Networking and Fundraising

Our local nonprofit clearinghouse sent this article about the Case Foundation's challenges to the public to donate online. What are your thoughts? Have you donated online? Do you prefer a personal contact or do you prefer the ease of using your credit card online?

The Facebook Philanthropos

To leave a comment and let us know what you think, click on the "comments" immediately under this post.

Why Should You Want to Read?

We asked a few of our students this week the following question...

"What suggestions would you make to other students that do not like to read in order to encourage them to be active readers?"




Here are some of their suggestions...


"Start with adventure books and then read mystery books." Annan, age 10

"Ask them questions about what they are interested in and then find books about it." Ilham, age 17

"I would say that its more fun to read than to do homework. If you are mad, read a book at night and you will feel better. Sometimes it makes you happy." Raho, age 10

"I would tell them that reading is the greatest thing to do if they try. Reading helps me get away from everyday life and see other people's life. The greatest advantage I have is reading. As soon as I open a book I see the image play in my mind. And there is nothing better than that." Hani, age 16

Where Are They Now? JANNELLE

Miss Jannelle was our Education Coordinator/High School Coordinator/Middle & High School Coordinator from May 2005 to January 2007. Here's a note from her as to what she's up to now!

"I'm currently the Administrative Assistant for the Academics Department at Argosy University in Nashville. I am also a student at Argosy University, studying to get my Master's Degree in Professional Counseling. I still lead worship at my church, Gateway of Hope Christian Center in Lebanon, TN. I still come to visit and will probably be back real soon!"

Super Tuesday!

This week our elementary students participated in their own Super Tuesday election!

This year's candidates were Arthur and Junie B. Jones, two of our favorite children's book characters. Students read Arthur and Junie books to find out what characteristics they had that would make them the better president. They then cast their ballot in the voting booth.

When asked what characteristics make a great president, students said bravery, honesty, and someone who is responsible.

FYI... Arthur won by a landslide!

Welcome Mr. Adam!

This week we welcome Adam Siegel as our new Middle & High School Coordinator!
Below is some information to help you get to know Adam!

Hometown:
Grand Rapids, Michigan

College Attended:
University of Michigan

In my free time I enjoy...
playing basketball, mountain biking, skiing, traveling, going to see live music, learning to play the drums, and spending time with my family, my friends and my dog.

My favorite movie is...
Bottle Rocket

If I were irresponsible and maxed out a credit card at my favorite store, it would be at...
Best Buy

What I look forward to most about working at the Learning Center is...
getting to know all of the students while having fun and contributing to their educational progress.