Dubuque Community Y
My placement was at the Dubuque Community Y. At the Y, I worked with the Teen and Family Coordinator to help create, run and maintain teen and family programs. My experience was a wild roller coaster of adventure but it was of great significance in my life. I feel my time served was of great service and that I did make a difference to many kids and families. My experience at the Y was amazing and its ups and downs; but, it was filled with hours of fun, laughter, and growth. All of which will never be forgotten.
It is hard to put into words what I have learned and experienced through AmeriCorps; but, these words are the best I could find to describe AmeriCorps and my experience.
“Use your talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
- Henry Van Dyke
I only hope that someone else will be able to enjoy this great experience as much as I have.
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Isaac Boyd
Lincoln Elementary School, Fulton Elementary School, Audubon Playground
When I started working for AmeriCorps, I had many doubts about my own abilities to teach. I had never had any training in the matter, save for the quick training that I attended when I joined.
These students needed help with their reading fluency. We started reading short phrases of cards, only passing on to the next card when they could read the entire set of fifty phrases in under 30 seconds, and progressed to the point where we read the entire novel Hatchet.
What is probably my most personally powerful accomplishment during my first term of AmeriCorps was my experience teaching a kindergarten student to read. It was amazing to see a student struggle so hard with something, and then suddenly have it click. I do not believe I will ever forget this student, for what he gave to me, and for what I taught him.
In the summer, I was placed at Audubon Playground. One of the most popular activities for the summer at the playground was using chalk to draw pictures on the ground. Some of these pictures were incredibly elaborate, and took up large portions of the ground.
Joining AmeriCorps has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The memories that I have made here and the skills that I have learned will stay with me forever. I am very grateful for my time in the program, and can only hope that future members have an experience as good as mine.
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Ben Burke
Hempstead High School
The idea of joining AmeriCorps came upon me in a very gradual process. It occurs to me now that even when I made my decision to join the organization, sitting in the initial interview, my emotions were still mixed. However, my thoughts, opinions, and life plans were about to be drastically challenged. This journey began with my assignment at Hempstead High School.
I had rarely worked with children or students before my experience at Hempstead, and certainly never in such an intimate surrounding. I was given a conference room in the main offices of the school and a list of potential students to find and meet. I would soon find that the majority of my students were those having minor learning and behavior disabilities, with a few very special exceptions. By the end of the semester, my entire outlook on intelligence, talent, and education methods were to be turned upside down.
This student I struggled with, but we became really close. The words that come to mind when I think of them are: brilliant, difficult, stubborn, driven, manipulative, caring, sensitive, selfish, loyal, kind, cruel, and perhaps one of the most complex and gifted individuals I have had the good fortune to know. My hopes for such a rare person, combined with those for the few others I have spent a great deal of time with, helped me to decide to pursue something that I never before considered. I wish to give whatever gifts I may have to give to other such people; perhaps giving them a small gift of strength in their challenges in education and life, by becoming an educator.
I was fortunate to be able to work with many of these students during the school year, and through two, two-week programs of summer school. I think that perhaps I really came to know and learn many lessons from these students when the summer program allowed them to shine in their many talents.
This picture is from a field trip to four mounds.
Much can be said of my experiences. Perhaps it is sufficient to say that these individuals gave me the gift of purpose. Maybe it is true that there are gifts I gave to these students, but it is impossible I think, to repay all the gifts, those of definite life goals, of a wide open mind, and of seeing promise in young people and what they can become in the world. For this experience, I am forever grateful and humbled.
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Emma Campbell
Fulton Elementary
My AmeriCorps experience has been a very beneficial experience for me. The opportunity for me to be actively involved in an elementary school has taught me valuable things about myself such as the kind of person I want to be and what is most important to me.
I spent a lot of time in this 3rd grade classroom. I often collaborated with the classroom teacher in order to help the students effectively. I helped teach during whole group class time as well as small groups. I also worked with many individual students on specific skills. Reading, Math, spelling, and science were the main subject areas that I helped with.
I also participated in the summer AmeriCorps program. Most of my time was spent on the sign language class that I designed and taught. I also helped with a summer reading program at Comiskey and Audubon playground. The program was titled Claws, Paws, and Scales. It targeted books and activities about animals. The children loved the program, especially when we had special guests or food!
AmeriCorps helped me to realize the things that are important in my life. By committing myself to students and staff at Fulton, I experienced the responsibility and joy that is involved in humbly helping other people. Also, by teaching a Sign Language class during the summer, I learned how to be creative and engaging! By offering my services to the community through AmeriCorps, I feel that I helped make a difference in the lives of young people. In addition, many people made a difference in my life too!
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Carnegie Stout Public Library
My AmeriCorps placement at the Carnegie Stout Public Library proved to be the most rewarding and memorable experience of my life. As a volunteer at the library I was quickly accepted into the staff as a member of the family. In my position, I was required to be fully responsible for scheduling and following through with all my obligations. The thing I like most about my placement was the idea that I was able to meet so many Dubuque children. I was glad that my hours allowed me to continue at the library through the summer. The summer hours helped me to know some of the children on a first name basis.
List of Programs I was involved in
- Story times
- City Expo
- Fishing Derby
- Library Tours
- Library Promotion
- Winter “Books are Cool” reading program
- Martin Luther King Day
- National Mississippi River Museum
- National Library week
- Neighborhood Fair
- “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales” Summer Reading Program
- Kindergarten Registration
- Kindergarten Jump start Program
The outcome of my hard work: Children’s Summer Reading Finale
Over 300 Children present
August 5th, 2006
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Sarah Cosley
Marshall School, Audubon Playground, Epworth
An AmeriCorps member, I have gotten to do a variety of projects with a large range of different age groups and people. I have worked with children at the academic level as well as programs designed to be more fun. I think all of the programs I have been a part of had value. Sometimes I did not feel as needed as others, but I kept in mind that just being there for the children was extremely important.
During the spring, I worked at Marshall school. I worked with first and fourth grade classes. I assisted in math classes, and helped with one on one reading. I developed a better understanding of children through my experience at Marshall.
The summer as an AmeriCorps member was extremely fun for me. It is hard to call It work. I started my summer at Epworth doing the Shutterbug program. It was my favorite thing I participated in through AmeriCorps. I have always loved photography and got very excited when sharing my love for photography with the children. I spent mornings and evenings at Audubon playground where I made arts and crafts and played games with the kids. I participated in Jumpstart, Fizz Bubble Goo, Wonderful Worm, and Rockets. I never thought playing with goo, and learning about worms could be so much fun.
My experience with AmeriCorps has given me experiences that will help me in my future endeavors. I hope I have contributed to the children I worked with in a positive way. I think the most important thing I did as a member was being a positive role model for the children, someone they could trust. I supported and encouraged every student I worked with. Over the time I have spent as an AmeriCorps member, there were times that I felt stressed or wanted to give up. What kept me going and staying positive was the thought that I could make a difference in a child’s life, and I know I did.
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Lisa Coulter
Dubuque Senior High School
AmeriCorps has been a blessing in disguise. I was excited to begin this program but was unprepared for what I would learn. I thought I would be able to contribute to the community, earn money for college, and maybe even meet new people. I miscalculated somewhere though, because I now realize how many amazing people there are if you search for them. I realize that those people can be six, sixteen, or even sixty.
“The hardest arithmetic to master is
that which enables us to count our blessings.”
- Eric Hoffer
Senior High School was amazing. I worked with mainly freshman students on English, math, Spanish, biology and other homework. I found that I liked this age group the best because they are able to understand complex topics. It was very satisfying to make a difference in a child’s life and I am glad that I was able to make a difference in the nine students that I tutored.
At times during the year, the local River Museum would host events such as Log Jam, Earth Day, and Catfish Weekend. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to help at some of these events. Most of the things that we helped with were craft projects such as sun printing and stenciling.
Audubon School is home to hundreds of kids for the summer. It is home to at-risk who need the help academically and emotionally. Throughout the summer, I would spend my summer evenings playing four square, capture the flag, basketball, baseball, and tag with kids for the Dubuque community. This experience has opened my eyes to the fact that there are kids in my own backyard who need help. I am thankful for such a great opportunity.
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Mary Dobson
Irving Elementary School
When I interviewed for the AmeriCorps position, I thought I would always be working with “at-risk” students. But really, I have been working with a variety of elementary students. Some of the students do need that extra support they do not get anywhere else, but for most of them, the extra attention is the opportunity to be themselves, to stay kids just a little longer. I worked in many different places with many different students.
I helped at the National Mississippi River museum in Dubuque during “Ice Fest.” It was a great experience; a chance to get to know the Dubuque community and see what it has to offer. It was a fun day even if there wasn’t much ice.
I helped in many classrooms at Irving elementary school. This is one of the classes I worked with.
My experience was very rewarding. I helped a student learn addition, and subtraction. I helped him enjoy math and improve his abilities. I helped another student improve her reading and spelling abilities, while improving her attitude towards school. I helped many people during my term and it gave me a renewed faith in our youth.
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Marshall Elementary School
AmeriCorps and Marshall School have had a big influence on my educational future. This program has helped me realize that I want to work with kids for the rest of my life. I have learned so much at Marshall School. I have learned that every child has some sort of a talent. I have tried to use these different talents to help them understand different concept they are teaching in the classroom. I have learned a lot about myself from this experience. I have learned to be flexible because the needs of students change everyday. I have learned that I have a real love for kids and I looked forward to coming to work every day.
“Being around students this year has helped me realize that I want to teach and make a difference in the lives children for many years to come.”
Lastly, I learned that not everything you do at a job is going to be fun. However, I have learned through this experience that you need to make the best of everything that is thrown at you. I feel I have done this, and by doing so I have left a positive imprint on Marshall School.
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Katie Flynn
Central Alternative High School, Epworth Community Youth Center
I started my AmeriCorps experience in late March. I heard about AmeriCorps through my mom and decided it sounded like a great opportunity. I set up an interview, and got started immediately. My placement throughout the remainder of the school year was at central Alternative High School.
From there, I had a somewhat scattered summer placement. Throughout June, I was at the Epworth Community Youth Center nearly every day, as well as, a playground twice a week and a few random workshops here and there. I was also asked to lead a week long theater Workshop. For the rest of the summer, I would do theater two more times, go to the playground many times, play baseball with preschoolers and their parents on Saturdays, do art and reading programs, build a John Deere tractor, and weave a basket. To end this incredible summer experience, I got to work with my two greatest interests: kindergarteners and special education.
Epworth Community Youth Center
The kids enjoyed playing in donated boxes throughout the last week of the program
“If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you have made me smile. The entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.”
Theater production, “Hairum – Scarum” final performance at Farley
For those of you considering AmeriCorps, I highly recommend it and can sincerely tell you that you will never have an experience quite like this.
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Donia Giannakouros
Washington Middle School
I have always admired the PeaceCorps volunteers. In high school, my definite plan after college was the PeaceCorps. In college, my art became increasingly more important and when I signed the Declaration of Major form with “ART” printed neatly on the top line, it was a jump off the deep end and I really had to start swimming. I learned that AmeriCorps was looking for volunteers. I heard that people all over the country were sandbagging flooded areas and cooking in soup kitchens between part-time jobs. I went to talk to Penny Ehlinger, and she explained to me that the Dubuque community needs were in the form of mentoring in the schools. Slowly I let the visions of building houses for the homeless be replaced by teaching struggling children to read and draw. I was hooked as soon as I met the students, staff and art room at Washington Middle School.
“ Dear Miss Donia,
Thanks for being supportive of our drawings in art, and for being a great artist.”
I received a list of eight boys, whom it was my task to keep organized. I quickly realized it was a full time job. After sitting with one of the boys for forty-five minutes, recycling papers, and discovering books the library forgot they had, I thought we had conquered the beast. As I left school that day, I was confident that the pristine locker was going to carry my small changes through the end of the school year greatly improving his grades. Upon walking to school three days later, I was met with a locker just as messy as it was before we cleaned it. I kept working with him; and, by the end of the school year, he had mastered the art of organization.
Most of the stories I tell from my time at AmeriCorps have nothing to do with education. This is not to say that learning was not everywhere. We worked through Pre-Algebra, writing a research paper, and detailed pages of notes on the Crusades and ancient African trade patterns. AmeriCorps was about so much more than textbook learning. For me, it was about spending time with the students, showing by example how people with ambition and interests can have a positive impact on the community and the world. The students have fabulous teachers to arrange an advantageous curriculum, and I am lucky to have had an opportunity to spend time with these fabulous students.
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Prescott School
AmeriCorps is a volunteer program that many more people should take part in. It helps those of us, who know we want to help, but aren’t sure where to go. This opportunity has opened my eyes to a brand new world. Prescott school is very unique and different from all of the rest. Working in this second grade classroom has made me more and more thankful for what I have and for the people in my life. These children taught me more in nine months than anyone could ever learn in a lifetime. I was taught patient, love, kindness, empathy, sadness, happiness, and many other qualities. These second graders have seen more in their lives than I ever have, but if I helped one of them to believe in themselves, then I am proud of this opportunity.
This is Ms. Lou Ann Bauck 2nd grade classroom. These children are the wonderful group that I got to work with. Each child is unique and a special person in their own way. This group of students was so lucky to have such a warm friendly classroom. These 18 students have touched my life in so many unexpected ways.
Part of the children’s service project in February was to make 120 valentines to send to the residents at The Dubuque Nursing and Rehab Center. The children worked very hard to complete these on time. During our project, we had a little fun hiding 100 heart’s all around the room to help celebrate the 100th day of Second grade. This picture shows the students hard at work searching for the hearts.
If I could do anything different in this experience, I think that I would go into it more opened minded. I never thought that I would have a lasting and unforgettable experience; however, I met people who cared about me as much as I cared about them. Everyone should know how it feels to be a part of a young child’s life. These children looked up to me and I hope they can say they learned as much from me as I did from them. AmeriCorps is an experience that I would never give back and never change.
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Hempstead High School
When I first signed up for AmeriCorps, I did not realize how much of a commitment it would be. 300 hours is more than I realized. However, after I got to know the kids, I didn’t look at the hours at all. In fact, I was disappointed that I could only work with them for a semester. I really got to know the students and felt responsible for their success.
I did not choose to work with Tyler, and Tyler did not choose to work with me. He was the kind of person that liked to challenge everything an authority figure said to him. However, by the end of my term, I found that I really liked working with him, and that he taught me a lot about not giving up
I also worked with a young Vietnamese girl. She had some trouble learning the concepts from the book The Lovely Bones. She could read English and understand most of it, but had trouble with slang. I also had to help explain the feelings of many characters throughout the book.
The atmosphere at Hempstead was welcoming and inviting. Right when I walked in the door, I was treated with respect. The students may have forgotten to come to see me, but they always apologized to me. The Students listened to me and with almost all of my students I felt that we shared a strong relationship.
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Sageville Elementary School
Little did I know when I took the AmeriCorps pledge, I could make a big difference in so many young children’s lives. Having a lot of questions and concerns about what I could do, I was very fortunate for me to be placed at Sageville elementary school. I worked with the students on everything from reading, writing, math, to art and science. It was rewarding to see a student finish reading a book, spell words on a list accurately, improve penmanship, write complete sentences, display art productions, and perform scientific experiments. In addition to the experiences at Sageville, I helped with children’s activities involving other areas of the community. Activities such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium arts and crafts, and environmental events.
Students, smiles, and hugs – Sageville Elementary School. .. Joy with Student.
I invented a board game using math facts and suggestions from the students involved in Math. The students made their own racing vehicles reflecting their individual interests.
Through all my experiences with AmeriCorps, I have learned many new things, enjoyed meeting new people, marveled at students and their abilities to learn, confirmed many of my own ideas and beliefs, and challenged myself to do my best. I received a thank you card that reminded me what AmeriCorps is all about. Printed on the inside of the card was “Thanks…you help to make things happen.”
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Hoover School
My experience with AmeriCorps has been one of the most rewarding times in my life. I will soon be a teacher and love every experience that I get to be around children, teach them, and help them with their everyday lives. Through the AmeriCorps program, I was able to be in a classroom everyday and get wonderful experiences to help me when I become a teacher. I was placed at Hoover elementary school, where I helped in various classrooms with literacy, math, spelling, and seatwork. I loved working with the students and helping them to learn more and to like school.
Most of my time was spent in Mrs. Pfohl’s third grade classroom. It was great for them to have a person in the classroom to ask questions or to get help with their work. I spent a lot of time with several students in this classroom, tutoring them with math and reading. I also worked with Mrs. Smith’s class in the literacy center. I think I helped a lot during my time in this classroom. The students were able to have fun while they were learning. It was amazing to see the improvements that they made throughout the school year. The students were so much fun. I loved getting to play games with them and helping them to start the process of learning to read.
There are so many opportunities for people to help students become better people and have more confidence in themselves. I am glad I took advantage of this opportunity. I know I have made a difference in these students’ lives. This experience has helped me realize what kind of teacher I want to be someday.
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Ellen Kaune
Presentation Lantern Outreach Center
At 53 years of age, and having worked at a publishing company for ten years, I was ready to make a career change from office work to the social service field. Learning that I was looking for employment in a new field, AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, Penny Ehlinger, suggested that an AmeriCorps assignment would be a great way to make this transition. After speaking with Penny and learning of the AmeriCorps philosophy, I enthusiastically signed on for a position. I was placed at the Presentation Lantern Outreach Center. In this placement, I had the opportunity to work with courageous, educated, and caring people from around the world who were willing to make sacrifices and worked determinedly to learn to communicate in the English language. I came into the Center believing that this would be a great opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives. But I didn’t realize what a wonderful growth experience lay in store for me.
Sr. Corine Murray, Director of the Presentation Lantern Center, strongly encouraged all volunteers to read Mary Piper’s, The Middle of Everywhere. This thought-provoking book raised my awareness of the need for and importance of Cultural Brokers.
“The purpose of human life is to grow and become all we can be in order to use the gifts for the betterment of other people.”
-Mary Pipher
“Dear Ellen,
From the time, we start on my reading things started to come together, and I can see a big improvement after a couple of months.
I read some words that made me feel good and it meant that I just have to take time and things will come to be.
It going to be hard when you leave in August. You did so much for me and I like the way you teach me. I catch on, and you just know when to help me when I’m reading. You kind of got something special because we get things done.
Thinking of you,
Roy”
I believe my service with AmeriCorps has made me a better person!
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Prescott
Following a group of students from one year to the next is an amazing opportunity; an opportunity I am very glad I was able to have. When I began working with the kindergarteners at Prescott last year, I did not believe that I would be able to do another term of AmeriCorps the following year, but by the time I finished my first term I could not wait to find a way to squeeze in the time for a second term. This year, I worked with Mrs. Roling’s first grade class. Literature circles became my semi-independent project that Mrs. Roling and I decided to start this in the second semester for the students who needed additional challenges when it came to reading. The students learned to use a dictionary, summarize what they read, and make connections. They seemed to enjoy this extra opportunity. Reader’s Theatre was another project that I was able to lead. We worked on reading plays thatI had found online. The students were able to choose their parts. We worked on reading with expression and adding actions. These students were all very enthusiastic about their plays and became stronger, more entertaining readers while being able to express themselves in a limited area both physically and orally.
Cards such as this were commonplace in Mrs. Roling’s classroom. Students helped think of the typed phrase for each card, drew their own pictures, and wrote their own sentences. In the beginning of the year, this was quite a daunting task for many of the students; however, by the end of the year, they rarely asked for any help aside for the occasional difficult word they wanted to be able to spell just right. My favorite part about this was how, by the last few months of school, students made clear attempts at each word before asking for assistance.
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Lincoln Elementary, Presentation Lateran Center
The year of 2006 has been intertwined with the theme of exchanging ideas. There were so many fun activities; it is difficult to choose which ones to share. In May, I graduated with a B.A. degree in Intercultural Studies. I asked one of my professors how I could get involved. He got me in touch with Sister Corrine at the Presentation Lateran Center who in turn put me in contact with AmeriCorps Partners in Learning. I wanted to be involved with helping people while getting experience, and using the education I had. I was placed at Lincoln Elementary school. At Lincoln, I was involved with the Books for Breakfast programs. I helped in the classroom, and with special Ed students. During the summer, I helped at the Lantern Center.
Throughout the year, I worked in many classrooms. I provided teachers with ideas and helpful suggestions to make their lives and jobs easier. I helped Kindergarteners learn the sequence of numbers by making flashcards and a using a hundreds chart.
I also worked with one first grader the entire year with occupational therapy exercises. These helped to release excessive energy so the student would be able to participate in class and learn better. I taught him to spell while doing the exercises. He learned words like, “Jump, pull, off.”
I helped every day with the Books for Breakfast program. The children who arrived early for school could come inside and read until time for class. We averaged about 35 children every morning. I enjoyed helping the children foster their imagination with great books.
I had the opportunity to work with a variety of interesting people even if it was just in a serving role of just getting to know them and having fun. I know that I am good at having fun by myself, but it is always good to have fun with smiling people. I want to say thank you to all those wonderful people who made it possible for me to have a successful year. As you are reading this, if you encountered me in some way in 2006 know that I appreciate you. Thank you for making my life beautiful.
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Melissa Mennig
Washington Middle School, Audubon Playground
Reflecting on the past year, AmeriCorps has been one of the most enlightening experiences I have ever had, and I am glad I had the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful organization. AmeriCorps has taught me so much about myself and about my community in which I serve. It has given me the chance to lead others and learn from those around me.
I was placed at Washington Middle School where I worked with sixth grade students on many different subjects such as math, reading, English, science, and social studies. After the school year was complete, I helped at Epworth Youth Center. I helped plan and run activities there for eighty kids ranging in ages from four to twelve. This experience, although stressful, taught me a lot about responsibility and leadership. The last half of my summer included leading a soccer camp at Comiskey Park. Although the kids were not necessarily soccer players, the camp gave the kids an opportunity to learn about nutrition and participate in athletic activity.
Lastly, I returned to Audubon this summer for Jumpstart as well as the playground program. Of everything I have gotten to do through AmeriCorps these past two years, this has been the highlight of my service. I feel that this is the single most important program that we take part in. On the playground we were given the opportunity each day to teach the kids life lessons, teamwork and self-esteem. It is amazing to come back after a year and see the kids that I worked with last summer and see how they have grown.
AmeriCorps provides many of the children with opportunities that they would never receive without us. This experience has taught me to trust, lead, learn, grow, laugh, and live for the moment. By being a part of this program, I feel like I have been taught so much by these kids, and that is something I will always treasure.
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Fulton Elementary School, St. Mark Community Center, Audubon,
When thinking about AmeriCorps before beginning my term, I thought how it would be different from other volunteering jobs. I knew I would be reaching out to other students and trying to make an impact on their lives by doing something special. The experience would put me in the position to decide if education was something I wanted to do in my life. The thoughts I had were exciting. I understood from what I had heard that it might be challenging at times. However, the benefits that I would receive in the end would be memories I would have for the rest of my life. I pledged to get things done and went to work.