Success Stories

From A.S., age 11

I love Legacy of Learning. It has been a BIG help. I have more confidence in myself and I can write messages to my mom on my cell phone when I need to. It is so cool. I can spell good now. I was so bad at spelling I would go to class and sit in the back of the class and stay quiet and if the teacher asked me to read out to the class I would say "no way." The teacher would say, "If you say no again, you need to leave the class," and I would leave. Kids would think I was bad. I'm not, I was just not a good reader and I'm not a bad kid I think. Well thank you so much for helping me. And thank you Nikki, for your time and help and confidence in me. And t hank you Laura and Iris for your kind hearts.

Thank you!

A.S.


From Sharon Sandoval, Probation Supervisor

Dear Legacy,

For the past six months, we have developed a strong working relationship to provide educational assistance to some of our most challenging youth. The youth we have on probation often present a variety of issues: substance use/addiction, anger problems, mental health issues, trauma, etc. It seems that regardless of their problems, most of our youth have demonstrated a pattern of failure in education and lack of desire to engage in school.

But in Fall 2011, we selected teens to be taught one-to-one with Legacy teachers to improve their basic academic skills. Initial tests determined their levels and an educational plan was created to meet their needs. Direct Instruction has had a tremendous positive impact on our probation kids.

I have seen absolutely amazing outcomes in this short period of time! We referred one youth that had been a homeless methamphetamine addict and had not been in school for more than 4 years. The staff at Legacy did their magic, working with him individually on a daily basis. He recently received his GED (in the top 15%) and has applied to local colleges. As a result of the DI program, he now has a sense of success and exudes confidence in his abilities. This has been the case with the kids we refer to Legacy: the quality of education and passion and commitment of the staff have changed many lives.

Our department has been very impressed at the outcomes we see in the youth that are fortunate enough to participate. Our intention is to continue to utilize this amazing program in 2013 as we know that it works!

Sincerely,

Sharon


Klaus

Dear Legacy of Learning,

Because of serious medical conditions experienced during prime learning years, our son missed many basic foundations of learning such as reading and math. Time was slipping by each school year and, along with it, our son's personal confidence in learning. In just seven months with Legacy of Learning, our son has gone from being behind in every subject because he could barely read, to being on par with his peers. What a great feeling for our son! He is so proud of himself and the fact that he's just like everyone else in his classroom.

We are so thankful we found our way to the Legacy program and the support it offers our son. The Direct Instruction Method is not tutoring-it's better. Direct Instruction filled in the blanks of what was missing from our son's learning by rebuilding his foundation of reading and so much more.

Our son may continue to have a life long medical condition, but when it comes to learning, he's just like everyone else! Learning is now fun and he can read with confidence. Thank you for giving us one less battle in life to fight.

The Legacy of Learning and Dreamcatcher Centers are such vital programs servicing the needs of children and young citizens in our community, and they have changed the course of learning in our son's life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping our son find happiness in his learning and himself.

With sincere thanks,

Tracy and Timothy Heiman

Mishka

Dear Legacy of Learners,

I am at a loss for words to the staff of the professional teaching program administered by Legacy of Learning. My nephew was 12 when he started receiving instruction at Legacy. He was reading at 2nd to 3rd grade level. His self esteem was low and he had very low expectations for himself academically. He disliked school and would avoid homework.

As his aunt, I was very concerned about his progress and moving him to the 7th grade. Iris and the Legacy's staff took the time to answer all of my questions and to find the instructors that would address my nephew's academic needs.

After receiving instruction at Legacy for four months, my nephew is now reading at a 7th grade level. He went from not being able to read a street sign to reading the newspaper. He now enjoys reading and takes time to read books; he says he now feels powerful. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am with my nephew's success and growth under the leadership of the staff at dream catchers has transformed a low self esteem child who hated school and reading into empowered young man who enjoys reading to himself and others.

I thank Legacy for assisting this unique and special young boy to be successful.

Sincerely,

Monique T. (Mishka's aunt)

Mahsa

To whom it may concern,

I'm the mother of Mahsa. I would like to say thank you for all your support and for running this program. This program has helped my daughter a lot with reading, writing, spelling and math.

The first thing that Mahsa said was, "I don't want to go to this program." She thought the program was for poor and lazy students. However, after she met her kind, supportive, encouraging teacher, she changed her mind. Not only did she get help with reading, writing and spelling, but Mahsa asked for help in Math. Now her grades have gone up. The Legacy of Learning program made a great difference in her life.

Thank you very much.

God bless you,

Bahiyeh S.

Adrian

To Whom it May Concern,

Our grandson Adrian is having a great time at Dreamcatchers thanks to the support of a grant from Legacy of Learning Foundation.

Adrian has always loved books. We would read to him every day, but that was not making him happy; he wanted to read by himself.

When we realized we had to find someone to help Adrian with his reading, we called Iris Lee. She informed us that she might be able to get a grant to help pay the cost of attending Dreamcatchers. When Iris called with the good new that Adrian would be able to attend Dreamcatchers we were all so happy.

Adrian is now reading to us; the look in Adrian's eyes says it all. He is so proud of himself. He is reading all the time. Adrian still has a long road ahead of him, but he now has the self-esteem that he needs to help him continue to learn.

Thank you for helping Adrian to become more confident. Without your help we don't what we would have done. Legacy of Learning was a life saver for our family. We will always be grateful for what you have given to Adrian.

With gratitude,

Manuel and Virginia G.

Emily

Dear Ms. Iris Lee,

This letter is to thank and commend the center for the outstanding instruction received by my 12-year-old daughter, Emily E. while she attended Legacy. Emily attended throughout this past summer; she was very enthusiastic and in fact joyful while attending. This in itself was a huge accomplishment in my way of thinking because she suffered from low self-esteem due to her reading defects and developed many avoidance behaviors as a result. This was not the case at the center; she became confident and looked forward to working with the instructors. They showed great interest in her and made her realize that with a little effort she could excel in her studies.

Her LA teacher has tested her in reading and says that she is reading at grade level. This has been the first time since the 2nd grade that she has had that good a report and ability. I am convinced that the work that was done with her over the summer in your program has made a difference.

You really blessed us. We will remain ever thankful to everyone who contributed to her success.

Joshua

To Whom it May Concern:

My son, Joshua, had a wonderful experience with Dreamcatcher Direct Instruction through the support of the Legacy of Learning foundation.

Joshua attended a small private school (K-3) at the end of 3rd grade. Joshua's reading levels was extremely poor (K-1st grade level). In Fall 2001, we applied to another private school where the special education teacher rejected him. I was told he was not accepted because of his low reading level. I requested a full assessment from the university of Colorado's speech, language and hearing center. I enrolled Joshua in another private school with small classes and a focus on remedial reading. When Joshua completed the evaluation process with Anne Whitney and her team, they recommended that Joshua do an intensive "Corrective Reading" program at Dreamcatcher.

Iris Lee evaluated Joshua's situation they recommended that he have five sessions a week as a single parent with a moderate income, I was unable to afford this due to the generous grant from Legacy of learning however my son was able to begin the program in January 2002.

Joshua advanced well with the guidance of Dreamcatchers professional and caring staff; he attended five sessions per week January through May, and then continued through the summer with two sessions per week; he tested at a K-1 level at the beginning of the school. By August 2002 Joshua had progressed to the 5th grade level. His improvement was unbelievable!

In September, Joshua entered the 5th grade peak-to-peak charter school, which is based on core knowledge, in Boulder Valley School District. Throughout he had continuing success on his third quarter report card. Joshua earned A's in reading, spelling, and math, and B's in history/geography, and science I feel immense appreciation for not only Joshua's tremendous improvement in reading but also the positive changes in self-esteem, self-confidence and his growing love for learning.

For years I read to Joshua; every night now he reads to me and then he continues to read on his own. This miracle would not have been possible without the generous support to our family provided by the Legacy of Learning foundation. Joshua's graduating from peak-to-peak with all A's and B's and is excited about entering middle school in the fall. What a difference in his attitude and abilities.

I pray that Legacy of Learning will continue to offer assistance to families who would otherwise be unable to afford the outstanding services offered at Dreamcatchers.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

LynnSt. Pierre

Alex

What Legacy of Learning has done for my daughter Alex is exceptional. Legacy of Learning has provided a teacher at Dreamcatchers Instruction Center. We had to share this news with others that may need Direct Instruction in order to bring their child closer to their goal of learning to read.

As a teenager, it is difficult to do any schoolwork with low reading skills. Such has been the case for Alex, even with years of special education. When first tested at Dreamcatchers Alex's reading level was merely at a second grade. This was making her miserable for her first year of high school.

Because of Legacy of Learning's support, Alex has progressed to a fifth grade level and continues to accelerate. Her level of confidence and overall happiness shine through. Her pride in her ablates shine through, as she writes me notes or takes messages from the phone.

Alex's reading teacher in school also noticed a difference in Alex's reading ability and asked her about it. Alex told her how she has been taught one-on-one and how patient, understanding, and comfortable it is to work with the skilled teachers she sees weekly and now considers to be good friends.

How wonderful to have found such a place where the child is put first and the focus on their success! My daughter has accomplished a lot. Because of this we hold Legacy dear to our hearts. She still has a long road ahead of her, but now she is not afraid of the challenge. She actually looks forward to her reading time. Now that she reads more, she wants to write more, and tries to spell correctly as well.

Reading my be taken for granted for people have never had to struggle with learning disabilities. Seeing the pain and embarrassment in your child when they tear up and retreat from activities due to her disability is a horrific experience. This no longer pains my heart. She can read, she can learn, and she is doing just that because of the direct instruction curriculum.

Being a single parent is difficult, to say the least. What every parent wants for their child is to see them progress and become capable and self sufficient adults. Legacy of Learning is making that dream a reality.

Reading is fundamental. Alex is proof that great hurtles can be mastered, and continued to be raised, as she successfully masters more workbooks.

Thank you for existing and helping my daughter to become more confident and skillful. Without you, she would still be lost and sinking. Now she has truly noticed her progress and would love to continue as far as she possibly can. Goal is to catch up with her fellow classmates. She feels that she can make it now. She wants to read and graduate with her peers. Legacy of Learning has given her the key to a locked door, and she has peeked inside, and seen that she can succeed.

No amount of thanks can encompass our gratitude. Thank you!

Alex S. and Becky Q., her proud mom

Alexandrea

To Whom it May Concern,

My daughter Alexandrea has had noticeable processing problems since the second grade I was a teachers aid for six years and continually pointed her problems out to her teaches and specialists for years I was told she would not be held back as long as she showed any improvement at all I asked directly if my daughter was dyslexic and was told only, "WE DO NOT LABEL CHILDERN."

My daughter is now 14 years old and has extremely low reading skills witch would have my daughter to impair all other aspects of her education.

Since her sessions of direct instruction began I continue to be amazed at her confidence and renewed interest in reading. Before coming to Legacy of Learning, reading or writing only a sentence or two was a horrendous task just this morning I received an entire letter from her; not just one sentence not just one paragraph but a letter in its entirety Legacy has opened her mind to see that "SHE CAN LEARN."

THANK YOU INFINITELY for existing and helping my daughter Alexandrea. My deepest gratitude for her teacher Nicole's patience and skills.

Jake

Dear Iris,

I want to thank you for supporting me and helping me do better in school. I used to hate school. It was boring, and I felt stupid at the end of the day. Coming to Legacy of Learning makes me feel smart. I feel like I know what I am doing. I have learned to read and write and do math at the center, I am getting A's and B's now instead of D's and F's. When I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, I was put in special education. Now I am in 11th grade, and I am no longer in Special Ed. I also get my homework done and hand it in early.

Michael, my teacher at Legacy, has helped me so much that I am one of the best students in my class. I used to hate reading and writing, but now I read for pleasure. Last year, I received an award for top Language Arts sophomore, which was given to 3 out of 300 students. I was so excited.

Thanks to Legacy of Learning I am more confident, and I want to go to college and I know I will have a better future. Please share this letter with anyone who has doubts about coming here. Thank you all.

Jake

From Boulder Valley Family Literacy

To Whom It May Concern:

I am Susan Taylor of the Boulder Valley Family Literacy Program. We serve low income families with high educational needs. Our program consists of adult education (ESL, GED and computer classes), parenting, child education (early childhood and K-5) and parent and child together time. Our mission is to help children succeed in school.

While we provide much support, some of our children need intensive tutoring in order to experience success in school. To date Legacy of Learning has helped 9 children from our program with one-on-one tutoring that has changed their lives. Most recently Eileen and Manuel have been going to Dreamcatcher twice a week. Over the last couple of months I have personally seen Manuel reading book after book to the other children in his class or to his mother. This is a child who would NEVER pick up a book in the past. Both children have improved in their school performance.

We are so grateful to Legacy of Learning for the scholarships that have made such a difference to the children participating in our program. At this time we have another child, Jose, who is in desperate need of help. We sincerely hope Legacy of Learning will be able to continue to fund scholarships so that Jose and children like him will have this invaluable opportunity. These funds help children for a lifetime!

Sincerely,

Susan Taylor

BVSD Family Literacy

Site Coordinator

University Hill Elementary School