Our 42nd annual Dyslexia Summer Tutoring Program concluded on July 14 after five weeks of intensive instruction in reading, math, and writing alongside special sessions in art, music, and literature from local artists, musicians, and writers for more than fifty students who were enrolled on campus and virtually.
We are pleased to share that students enrolled on campus experienced tremendous gains over the course of their participation this summer. Students achieved a total of 6 months of gains in reading ability and 1 year and 4 months of gains in math. Each student challenged and pushed themselves every day and our entire team is proud of the progress made, but our team selects one student each year who exhibits significant proficiency and skill in a reading achievement, comprehension, and other factors for the Michael Mullins Outstanding Student Award, which is named in honor of our former executive director who facilitated the creation of this vital program.
Dahlton, Recipient of Michael Mullins Outstanding Student Award
Every day Dahlton came in with a huge smile on his face! Our interventionists reported he would walk into class and do his best, always 110%. No matter how hard the task became he never complained when he needed to re-do a task or lesson. He was always inquiring and asking, “What does that mean?”
More than just one of our students, Dahlton became a role model to his peers–a “big brother”–and was seen by our team as a breath of fresh air after an exhausting day.
By all measures, Dahlton is an outstanding and hardworking student who is not only capable of achieving success for himself but also doing what he can to help others as they learn and overcome their own challenges. When presented with a problem, he immediately brainstorms for a solution and thinks critically.
Beyond reading instruction, his writing instructors noted his great sense of self and remarkable personality was reflected in his storytelling and allowed his work to become distinctive from others. Regardless of the assignment, he is consistently willing to put his best foot forward to complete the task at hand!
Dahlton’s Gains
Overall Reading Gains = 2 years
Word Identification = 2 year and 3-month gain
Word Attack = 2 year and 3-month gain
Passage Comprehension = 1 year and 4-month gain
Overall Math Gains = 6 years and 6 months
Congratulations Dahlton! We are all so proud of you and your success this summer and beyond.
Zander, Recipient of James Still Excellence Award
The James Still Excellence Award is presented to a student who has shown consistent achievement in all areas, including showing self-confidence and a “can do” attitude. For 2023, this student is Zander.
Zander began the summer as a quiet, timid student who was taking in all the “new” around him. During reading class, he consistently demonstrated just how smart, positive, and attentive he can be. In math class, his tutor was impressed with his problem-solving abilities with both tactile and word puzzles.
As the summer progressed, his true personality began to shine, and comfortability revealed an enthusiastic, confident young man. His great knowledge of history and geography added to the richness of his writings and allowed his work to stand out among his peers.
Zander’s Gains
Overall Reading Gains = 2 years and 9 months
Word Identification = 5 year and 8-month gain
Word Attack = Greater than 12.9 gain
Passage Comprehension = 2 year and 9-month gain
Overall Math Gains = 3 years and 4 months
Congratulations Zander on a job well done!
