 Dear Friends,
My first few weeks with YES Reading have been quite a whirlwind! I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know our brilliant and dedicated staff, of learning my way around our six wonderful Reading Centers, and of seeing the limitless enthusiasm of our volunteers and donors.
Most importantly, I’ve also found the same inspiration that all of us share in seeing the worlds of opportunity that YES Reading opens for children.
For me, the ‘ah-ha moment’ came at one of several Reading Recitals I attended in December. We hold these events to honor the accomplishments of our students and to bring together all the people whose care and commitment make YES Reading possible: tutors, donors, parents, and staff.
It was standing room only at our evening recital at Selby Lane Elementary in the Redwood City School District. The families of our students had turned out in droves, as had our community supporters—-many of whom had brought food as well!—-and there was a palpable excitement in the room.
I looked around and marveled at the diversity of the crowd. There were people from so many different age groups, cultures, and walks of life. I saw that YES Reading had brought all of us together to form a true community, uniting us around the common ideal that every child deserves the opportunities that literacy provides.
After that, it was truly an inspiration to see the results as student after student stood before us to display their reading skills. Seeing first hand the impact we can have on children’s lives when we come together as a community was really a powerful moment for me.
I can’t express how thrilled I am to be a part of this community, and how excited I am about what the future holds not just for YES Reading, but for the hundreds of students that we will serve as we continue to expand and grow.
Thanks for making me feel welcome, and I very much look forward to working with all of you.
Best regards,
Michael
|
