Can anyone help me help this kid? Sorry L O N G post!

[rio2003]

Originally Posted by J D Sauser

... .. they think excuses and colorful explanations are as good as fixing the problem... . J-D.

Hi JD,

That is one of the best observations I have seen - so true..

I get the feeling that you have that you have won the battle, but the war goes on.....

You seem to be a battler though

Rio

[SKing]

Originally Posted by Lambada

I second what BushBaby said. What a great role model of a substitute father you are being, JD. It could have ramifications years into the future - quite apart from Melanie's education she is also learning what responsible adult males do - could affect her choices in later life.

Way to go, JD!

I second that notion...We all underestimate the importance of a little girl having a male role model in their life. And the importance of education for ALL children...

I have a good feeling that Melanie is going to succeed beautifully and you will reap the benefits of a happy heart for MANY years to come!!!

[J D Sauser]

Well, this week is almost over and it has been a success! Melanie is progressing exceptionally well at the tutoring. From being virtually unable to draw straight lines and thus incapable to draw readable letters she has gone on to surprise me with half a workbook full of readable PA-PE-PI-PU, MA-ME-MI-MO and similar exercises and knowing what she is actually knowing what she is doing: "... mira lo ahi, ma me mi mou moooooo!"

... J-D.

[bob saunders]

Children never cease to amaze. When given the opportunity to grow, many sprout beyond your wildest dreams. Keep up the good work.

[M.A.R.]

JD may you receive many blessings in your life and I wish many more wonderful people on this little girl's path.

[J D Sauser]

Today Melanie gave her first test at what will be her school.
The idea was that she was to give a series of two to three tests to evaluate her and give us some guidance as where she had to get better in order to be able to enroll into the school first 1st grade.
Well, I dropped her off at 11AM and was to pick her up an hour later. When I came back, they were still working with her and later I was called in to discuss her progress. It was then that I was informed that she needed no further tests and would be accepted to enroll!

Melanie has come a long way in only three weeks with her tutor... from being virtually unable to "draw" a letter to writing her name, recognizing and writing simple syllables and basic words and managing numbers up to 9 with simple maths.
She will keep on seeing her tutor for the rest of the summer and I plan to have her see her every day for home work.

... J-D.

[drloca]

Originally Posted by J D Sauser

Today Melanie gave her first test at what will be her school.
The idea was that she was to give a series of two to three tests to evaluate her and give us some guidance as where she had to get better in order to be able to enroll into the school first 1st grade.
Well, I dropped her off at 11AM and was to pick her up an hour later. When I came back, they were still working with her and later I was called in to discuss her progress. It was then that I was informed that she needed no further tests and would be accepted to enroll!

Melanie has come a long way in only three weeks with her tutor... from being virtually unable to "draw" a letter to writing her name, recognizing and writing simple syllables and basic words and managing numbers up to 9 with simple maths.
She will keep on seeing her tutor for the rest of the summer and I plan to have her see her every day for home work.

... J-D.

Congrats to all concerned and so wonderful to hear the news. Isnt potential such a great thing?? And to think that you orchestrated this entire event in her life...truly impressive to say the least.

Please continue to keep us posted...this is a truly heart-warming story.

[Lambada]

Please pass to Melanie my congratulations at having worked so hard. Perhaps each time she reaches an educational milestone we could send her a message? So FELICIDADES Melanie

[Campesina]

J D, Congratulations to Melanie! Woohoo! FELICIDADES!

You are to be congratulated, too! Many would have given up long ago. Good on you!

[J D Sauser]

Thanks for the kind words. Well yes, we're both mighty proud and so was her tutor, and rightfully so!
Both girls also got the grand prize and will join us (my kids are her on vacation) on a 4 day stay at an AI-resort in Playa Dorada... pool splash fun, soda pop and ice cream a go-go! Llevando vida a lo grande!


... J-D.