OpenWorld Learning Newsletter

Burak - April 2008

22 Apr 2008 22:24:03 -0500

Spring is here and with it brings so many reasons to celebrate our students. In the April 2007 newsletter [2], we introduced Burak to you and he has accomplished so much in one year. Due to his accomplishments he was accepted at four advanced middle school programs. After weighing all of the opportunities, he and his parents decided on the Highly Gifted Program at Morey Middle School. Burak's mother said, "The OpenWorld Learning program has had a great influence on the many opportunities for middle school that Burak was given. It has helped to develop his language and problem solving skills as well as his creativity. I can hardly wait to enroll his 8 year-old twin brothers in the OpenWorld Learning program."

Cassidy - April 2008

22 Apr 2008 22:23:59 -0500

Cassidy has excelled in the OpenWorld Learning program and was the first student to become a student leader at Kaiser Elementary this year. Cassidy was recently accepted in the Gifted and Talented Program at Henry Middle School and her mother feels OpenWorld Learning has given her the confidence she needs to succeed. Cassidy's mother said, "Based on my observations as a teacher in the OpenWorld Learning Program and as a Paraprofessional at Kaiser Elementary, I see a direct correlation between our student leaders and their behavior in school. There is an obvious difference in their attitude. They display increased respect towards their teachers and discipline in their school work." Cassidy has been a wonderful ambassador for OpenWorld Learning and has introduced several other students to the program.

Imani - April 2008

22 Apr 2008 22:23:54 -0500

Imani has natural abilities in leadership and the OpenWorld Learning program presents an environment for her to grow and thrive. She especially looks forward to participating in Student Leader Meetings every Friday. She enjoys working with her Site Leader and said, "Miss Kate is a good role model and I appreciate her help and support."

Site Leader Kate Knudson said, "Imani is such a joy to teach because her enthusiasm is contagious. She never hesitates to step up to the plate as a student leader and her latest project, a game which combines her love of fashion, utilizes advanced programming skills." Even outside of school, Imani's favorite pastime is working on her project and making sure it's perfect.

Brenda - April 2008

22 Apr 2008 22:23:40 -0500

This is Brenda's first year in the OpenWorld Learning program. Brenda's mother Peggy said, "I'm thrilled with the progress Brenda has made in the 3rd grade with the assistance of OpenWorld Learning. Her reading skills and confidence have improved so much." Miss Emmoms, Brenda's teacher, believes Brenda will make an ideal Student Leader in the summer program. Miss Emmons said, "Brenda has been an absolute joy to work with. She is very focused, considerate and helpful." Brenda was recently nominated by her teachers for the Mayor's Recognition Awards Program "Mile High Scholars" and was recognized for her academic achievements, citizenship and positive attitude. Brenda was the only third grader from Archuleta Elementary selected for the award and was presented a key to the city by Mayor Hickenlooper.

Site Sponsor Spotlight - March 2008

25 Mar 2008 13:27:56 -0500

We were thrilled to open our first site in Boulder at Creekside Elementary in September 2007. This would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Impact on Education, Gordon Gamm, Jared Polis Foundation, Catherine Merigold , Amy Batchelor and Brad Feld. We were grateful for the opportunity to honor these sponsors during a Site Sponsor Spotlight event in February. Creekside Elementary is a unique and dynamic school that combines families from South Boulder and an international population, with very close ties to the University of Colorado. Their mission emphasizes strong academic programs tailored to every student's level. Karen Daly, Creekside Elementary Principal said, "There are so many things I like about OpenWorld Learning, but what I absolutely love the most is that it doesn't matter if the child is from our gifted and talented program or whether they're reading below grade level -- in the OpenWorld Learning program, students are experiencing success, and for some it's for the first time ever."

National Corporate Philanthropy Day - March 2008

25 Mar 2008 13:27:51 -0500

IHS is leading the way in corporate giving with a recent donation of $40,000. A formal check presentation was made by Jerre Stead, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, on National Corporate Philanthropy Day -- February 25, 2008. These funds will be applied toward sponsorship renewal of the College View Elementary program, with additional support for curriculum development and evaluation. Headquartered in Greenwood Village, IHS is a leading global source of critical information and insight for customers in a broad range of industries, with four major areas of energy, product lifecycle management, environmental and security.

Jerre Stead said, "IHS aligns with the mission of OpenWorld Learning because it provides opportunities. Students in the OpenWorld Learning program are learning teamwork, leadership and the importance of innovation. We've seen several education programs all around the world and this is the best by far." For more information, please visit the press release[3] on our website.

Family Ties at Archuleta Elementary - March 2008

25 Mar 2008 13:27:44 -0500

George Hernandez, Site Leader of Archuleta Elementary, is well-respected by both staff and students. George was employed as an aerospace engineer with Raytheon/Hughes Aircraft Company from 1966-2000 and received a B.S. from the University of California. Since his retirement in 2000, he has pursued an education in the visual arts. He has taken instruction from various local artists and attended art classes at the University of Colorado at Denver. He currently serves as a board member for the Denver Arts and Technology Academy. Additionally, he is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has provided valuable professional mentoring to site staff. We are fortunate that George has been sharing his expertise with OpenWorld Learning since August 2005.

George's son, Hayden, was so impressed by his father's commitment to his students that took time off as a Materials Engineer at Ball Aerospace to share the teachings of yoga. In 2006, he earned his yoga teacher's certification and currently teaches Hatha yoga to fellow employees at lunchtime. George and Hayden hope that our students can apply what they learn toward concentration and focus on their upcoming CSAP tests.

Site Event at Ellis Elementary - March 2008

25 Mar 2008 13:27:38 -0500

Tom Clark, Executive Vice President Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our upcoming OpenWorld Learning Site Event at Ellis Elementary on April 9 from 4:00-5:00 pm. For further information, please contact Christi at ckirchner@openworldlearning.org or 303-633-4190.