The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

Letters from YES Prep parents

September 27, 2010 by Jeremy Jones

Being highlighted on Oprah last week opened up people’s eyes to what we have been doing as an organization for students for up to 12 years now. However, being on that national stage not only reawakened people in our community as to what we are accomplishing in Houston (see the Op Ed in Thursday’s Chronicle - http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/7213614.html but also reignited our parents in recognizing what we do every day for our students. Below are some emails and a voicemail transcript from our Maverick parents all received this week showcasing examples that what all of you do on a daily basis though sometimes unheralded does not in the end go unseen or unfelt:

An email to SW:

I thank you deeply for your commitment to the students and the school and your willingness to conference with me at any given time. When I viewed the show yesterday I was brought to tears because I could not forgot how I stumbled across the YES SW campus. I reside very close to the school and passed it daily as I took Sydnei to elementary school. I wondered why there was a school located here and why where those kids out there so late in the evening. It wasn't until Sydnei came home from school during her 5th grade year after being told by her teacher that her bonus money was in jeopardy because Sydnei, a student, in her class was to attend tutorials for TAKS preparation. She placed doubt, stress, and anxiety on her regarding TAKS exams. When I heard that news from my child I knew then I had to find her an environment where she could see the potential I saw in her. I visited your school in late January in fact it was the last day in which application were being accepted for the following year. The feeling I felt after speaking with the front office lady and from my research regarding the school I knew that only God lead me in that direction. Later that summer, I had the pleasure of meeting you (Ms. Singleton) during the home visit and I knew then this was the place for Sydnei to thrive in academics and to receive a great foundation for academic success as she moves toward college. I am thankful that she attends YES SW Prep and that I am able to assist where needed. I am thankful to the teachers and their continued dedication to excellence and high standards. I am very proud to be a part of the YES Family.

An email to SW:

I just wanted to take out the time to advise you of how wonderful your staff has been to my son, Derek. He definitely seemed to be having some problems adjusting to middle school but your staff is helping him work through them. When I requested to do an observation at your school last year, I chose it because of the proximity to my residence. Never did I imagine that I would be in such awe of the staff and learning structure. I had become frightened at the thought of becoming a teacher but the staff there shows me that patience, understanding and an acceptance of individuality can lead to success. I fully understand why YES Prep received the money from the Oprah Foundation. Congratulations! And thank you again! The Learning Lab staff is excellent and also Mr. Newcomer.

A voicemail to SW:

This is Mrs. Castor … I wanted to pay a compliment to Ms. McGrath, Ms. Davda and Ms. Eng the bus scheduler. I just want to say that you need some people like this on your campus at all times. They have gone above and beyond the line of duty to help me out and so have yourself. And I really appreciate everything y’all have done for me and my children. I just want to say thank you, thank you. And they have just been so kind. The words have been kind. I just mean they are awesome. I am sorry I am just now calling you back, not calling you back but calling you to make a compliment about them. I ‘ve just been so busy, I just had my baby and so that’s why I have not called sooner. I just wanted to give props out to them as well as to yourself and again thank you so much for your kindness and your generosity and just the love that you share with me and my children. Thank you.

Oprah’s generosity will hopefully open up more pathways for students in our community to attain the excellent education they deserve. Even though it is not obvious on a daily basis, the work we do every day in the trenches is winning hearts and minds and is serving notice now to a larger audience than ever before.

For more information about working at YES Prep please visit http://yesprep.org/WorkAtYes/topic/main/

--
0 Comments
Be the first to leave a comment