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6700 Sheryl Ann Drive
Orlando, Florida 32809 (407) 858-3130 FAX (407) 858-2202 |
Lancaster Elementary School "We Believe All Children Can Learn" |
Joan M. Mahoney
Principal |
To whom this may concern,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and consideration. It is with great enthusiasm that I share my experience this year with the awesome Learning for Life Program. I am a Read 180 coach on Lancaster Elementary School's Campus. I work with students that have been identified as at-risk both academically and emotionally. It is my objective to encourage and motivate children to set individual goals and meet them. I have found that the Learning for Life Program is an essential link in the chain of positive experiences my students have enjoyed this year! Please allow me to provide you with a brief background for the transformation I have seen in the self-esteem and self-respect my students have gained.
I myself attended Lancaster Elementary as a child. Of course life was much different then. I did not have to face many of the difficult circumstances my students endure. Many of my students come from economically challenged homes. They are often home alone until late in the evening, therefore left to make independent choices and decisions that I did not face at such an early age. To be honest there just is not a lot whole lot to be enthusiastic about in these children's liyes. The luxury of a warm dinner, clean clothing, or homework support is simply not daily routine. For many, it seems to be sink or swim.
The Learning for Life Program has enabled me to identify the particular needs of my students and to provide them with wholesome life long skills. My students have learned to taking responsibility for making good, solid choices in life. They have also learned that choice bring about consequences either good or bad. Importantly, they have learned to stop and think before saying or doing... consider your choice and the consequence that will follow. My students have learned the value of self worth and the value of diversity and empathy. These skills alone have enriched team work and independent activity success.
I am truly grateful for the support of Jamie Benze. She has been consistent and thorough in providing necessary materials and resources to make our learning experiences interesting and exciting. Her professional demure and personal commitment to providing quality character education is indeed a great asset to our community.
Respectfully Submitted,
Orange County Public Schools