Posts Tagged ‘Bristol Street’

Written by: Isaiah Cunningham, NHR Tutor and intern.

Albertus Magnus College and New Haven Reads have combined forces for the betterment of younger students who seek improvement in their reading skills as well as to benefit Albertus students in their pursuit of and preparation for the workforce. 

Albertus Magnus College and New Haven Reads have created a partnership that allows college students to intern in order to fulfill graduation requirements, as well as to gain experiences that will be very useful in the future. Tutor interns at New Haven Reads offer one-on-one reading instruction for students ages 6-18 to improve their reading skills. Student Interns find it rewarding to watch and support younger students to enhance their reading skills before your eyes. The internship also benefits the intern because it improves their social skills, leadership skills, and other skills to prepare them for the workforce after college. 

“New Haven Reads has been an incredible experience,” says Isaiah Cunningham, a New Haven Reads tutor and intern who was recently hired. “I’m incredibly appreciative of this chance to assist younger learners who wish to improve their reading abilities,” he adds.

Isaiah sorting books at our Book Bank

Maryann Reid, the Financial Aid Operations Assistant at Albertus Magnus College, assists students who are looking for work study/internship opportunities. “When I present the opportunity the students are excited to tutor and work with younger students in the community,” explains Reid. 

The Outreach Director at New Haven Reads, Fernanda Franco, who manages the interns from Albertus Magnus College values the goal of this partnership. “I love the idea of providing a safe place for students to grow into their best professional selves,” says Fernanda Franco. “New Haven Reads and Albertus Magnus partner in the hopes that we will provide just that,” explains Franco.

Please speak with your advisor if you are an Albertus Magnus student interested in becoming a tutor for the New Haven Reads organization and are enthusiastic about the concept of spreading the joy and power of reading every day as well as empowering aspiring readers to master the literacy skills needed to thrive in school and life.

Find out more about becoming a tutor by visiting the link below:

BECOME A NHR TUTOR OR VOLUNTEER

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Posted in Home Page

Shirley Cavanagh has been tutoring at the Bristol site for almost five years. As a librarian at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), she enjoyed helping students utilize resources for their undergraduate papers and graduate theses. She described herself as being almost a “college tutor.” She is currently a co-president of the Hamden Woman’s Club, a non-profit organization that provides a number of different volunteer services. 

After retiring in 2016, Shirley discovered New Haven Reads. She wanted to be involved in tutoring younger students who may be struggling or not particularly fond of reading. When asked what keeps her coming back to New Haven Reads, she responded, “Many things… I think the staff is exceptional. Especially in the past year and a half I’ve seen their dedication and commitment to continuing the program and continuing to work with students and their parents.”

One of Shirley’s all time favorite books is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and as a child it was the Anne of Green Gables series by Maud Montgomery. She also mentioned that when she used to babysit, she read Where the Wild Things Are multiple times and enjoyed doing so. 

Shirley described a memorable and rewarding experience she recently had during a Zoom session. Her and the student were reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, typically taking turns every other page. Until one day the student who was once somewhat reluctant to read said, “I want to read.” 

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Posted in Volunteer Spotlight

Lynda Paul has been volunteering at Bristol Street for over four months. In December of 2020 she was adamant about finding volunteer work to make a difference in others’ lives. She has had a lifelong passion for reading and language. “For me, reading has been a personal love since my earliest memories.” She would read at any moment during the day. Reading is a social passion for her because it offers so much. “I believe that literacy is a skill that gives its learner literally endless possibilities in the world.” What keeps her coming back is her student and seeing the growth. She enjoys learning from the staff as well. Not only is her student learning, but she is learning as well.

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The New Haven Reads Creative Writing Club has been busy! The students from all four sites, including Saturday at Bristol St., in grades 3 and up have put together an amazing newsletter. They worked for three sessions to create the “New Haven Reads Chronicle.” The talented writers included stories about current events, breaking news, and even super heroes!

Check out the full New Haven Chronicle here.

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Posted in Blog, Home Page

Andrew Nguyen has been volunteering with New Haven Reads for two years at the Bristol Street location. He started volunteering back in 2019. He has always enjoyed working with the younger generation. Andrew states volunteering here has been a privilege because he is able to connect with the amazing children and help play a role in their education. He remembers having someone there for support when he was learning to read as a child and wanted to be there for someone else, because that experience was pivotal to his growth. “Being a volunteer tutor with NHR was a chance for me to give back, even if in the smallest way possible, and that’s important to me because it’s the small interactions that shape us into who we are and who we will become,” Andrew explains.

Something that keeps Andrew coming back is witnessing the growth in the children. “Seeing the moment they learn something new is an awesome feeling,” he says.  Each of his students have helped him become a better teacher and a better human being. He doesn’t hesitate to come back because the site directors make it positive and stand for a mission he fully support.

Thank you to Andrew and all our volunteers for their dedication to our mission!

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Posted in Blog, Home Page, Volunteer Spotlight