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Testimonials

“The influence of my experience last summer in the teacher apprenticeship program provided a big catalyst for many of the initiatives we are undertaking this year. We began a DIALOGO-CONEXION after school program. Through LARC's collaborative relationship with the Sierra Club the program has a field trip component. On one occasion we took the students to a Christmas tree farm and then on a nature scavenger hunt. Back at school, the nature scavenger hunt was repeated at a park adjacent to West Millbrook. The students that participated in the field trip became the group leaders. These students were learning and practicing leadership, character, science and English all at the same time!”

Elwood Peters, Teacher

“With the help of the Latin American Resource Center and its DIALOGO-CONEXION outreach to build bridges with the families of our students from other countries this year for the first time in the history of the school (West Millbrook Middle School) ESL students and families are fully participating in the life of the school.”

Kaye Evans, Principal

“During many of the presentations [at the three-week teacher planning period as well as the four-week summer camp], you could watch cultural and economic barriers disappear as all were involved in different activities no matter the origin. These were truly rewarding experiences for each one of us. These activities have not only helped my children to learn different ways to relate to others as well as themselves, but they have allowed me to better know my students on a personal level. Finding out about their culture, beliefs and support systems has given me a small eye into their life.”

Lindsay Soebbing, Teacher

“I have students for whom Spanish i s their primary language. I feel that my involvement with this program (DIALOGO-CONEXION) has helped me to understand more about their culture, and that has provided me with reference points when I want to make connections between the American culture and theirs. Overall, through exposure to different beliefs, cultures, food, and ways of life, I changed as a person. I became a better person, a better mom, and a better teacher.”

Connie Batten, Teacher

“Native English speakers are often awed by the new insight that non-English speakers bring. I believe that this speeds the acquisition of English in foreign students because they have a compelling reason to share with a receptive audience. DIALOGO-CONEXION is a win win strategy. Before participating in DIALOGO-CONEXION I thought I was an inclusive teacher, now with my expanded awareness I can truly feel that I am addressing each student."

Lenoa Great-Smith, Teacher