Dear Metro South Volunteers,

In a world full of choices about where you could spend your valuable time, you chose us. You've come with a wealth of skills, experiences, and talents and we are so much richer for it.

Metro South Adult Basic Education’s theme for this year has been: “Choices, Chances, Changes.” Along with teachers and staff, you are our partners in making these dreams a reality for so many students. The extra help you give, the patience you show, and the passion for literacy that you share with us is priceless.

From all of us, a very heartfelt “Thank You!”
Gina, Mary Jo, Judy, & Terri

Congratulations to our award winning volunteers who were recognized at Metro South's all staff meeting on May 5th!

Pat Claycomb (center) was named "Metro South VIP Volunteer" for his generous work in our STAR reading program with teacher Jeanne Plack who says, " I can't thank Pat enough for his tremendous dedication to the students and to our goals here at Metro South. He approaches volunteering as a mission to which he is deeply committed. For many students, "Mr Pat" has made a difference, has been a catalyst in their educational journeys."

Andy Otness (above left) was awarded a 2,000 Hour Service Award for her work coordinating Metro South Volunteer's adult ESL classes at the Edina Community Center, in the Reading Lab at Metro South, and in Devin Tomczik's classroom also at Metro South's main campus. Andy received an Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Minnesota Literacy Council in 2012 and is a real leader in our volunteer community!

Jim Miller ( above right) was also awarded a 2,000 Hour Service Award for his work at Metro South's Eden Prairie location at Hennepin Technical College. Jim has been with Metro South since 2002 and has taught citizenship, computer skills, and assisted with a wide variety of adult ESL activities in our Eden Prairie adult ESL classrooms. He currently works with teacher Dale Lanning who calls him "our rock."

If you are interested in viewing more of our group photos please visit our website below. Group photos still to come: Saturday morning students, Bloomington Monday/Wednesday evening students, and Bloomington Tuesday/Thursday evening students. We thought you might be interested to know that Metro South serves an average of 2500 students per year!

http://www.metrosouth.org/Metro_South_Adult_Basic_Education/Metro_South_Adult_Basic_Education.html

As volunteers in an adult literacy program, we know that you get a lot of questions from students about testing. Most students understand that regular testing is important to track student progress and a required part of state funding to run our program. Sometimes, the test results are frustrating and confusing for students. Teachers are well versed in answering these questions so students should always be directed to their individual teacher when these concerns arise. At our sites where volunteers are the teachers, please feel free to contact Gina or Terri here at Metro South Volunteers ( 952-681-6109) and we will do our very best to answer those questions promptly and accurately!

YOU'RE INVITED!

You and your guests are                    cordially invited to the

Metro South                              Adult Basic Education

2015 Commencement Ceremony

Hubert Olson Middle School

Thursday, June 11th, 2015         at 7:30 p.m.

Reception to follow in cafeteria

Hubert Olson Middle School
4551 West 102nd Street
Bloomington, MN 55431

You may have noticed that the Bloomington School District has moved to new email addresses that end in  @isd271.org   ( our old addresses ended in ..@bloomington.k12.mn.us )                                 Please make a note of it!

https://www.facebook.com/Metro.South.ABE

Questions or comments about this newsletter or Metro South Volunteers? Please contact Mary Jo Bayliss at mbayliss@isd271.org   Thanks for your support!