“We couldn’t do it without you.” That sentiment has never been uttered more sincerely or appropriately than on April 16 at the VU volunteer appreciation dinner. All VU volunteers–from the president of the board to the newest homework helper–donate their time. And although everyone appreciated the lovely dinner and…
Quick! What’s 72 ÷ by 9? 42 ÷ by 6? 3 × 7? We have some students at VU who are getting lightning fast with their number facts–including one super speedy young man who gives us all a run with division–building their mathematics muscles and preparing for a great future. When we started adding 10…
VU is proud to have a certified Reading Rock Star in its midst! One of our second grade students, who has been coming to VU regularly all year, received a Reading Rock Start medal from his teacher for improvement in reading. He is so proud. His dad believes–and the volunteers do too–that…
When children age out of our program after 6th grade, we don’t often see or hear from them again–except for the few but fortunate circumstances where a younger sibling attends and we are able to stay in touch. Those of us who have been with the program a decade or more have…
Pyramids, pillars, and the pantheon were on the mind of third-grade students at VU over the past few weeks as they worked on their ancient civilizations projects. As the students dove headfirst into making their posters, volunteers also introduced the topics of planning and preparation. “First, let’s talk about what information do…
A big thank you to the Westfield High School Spanish Honor Society for making Vecinos Unidos the recipient of their December fundraising! Carolina Sosa, president of the WHS Spanish Honor Society, presented VU with $330 in gift cards that the members collected during December. The cards will be used for healthy snacks…
After a long break, kids and volunteers returned to VU on Monday 1/5/15 ready to start a new year of learning. And then it snowed! VU is not open today 1/6/15 because FCPS closed in the face of inclement weather. Let’s try to get some traction on Wednesday and get…
Second grading period is underway, and the students have shown up with lots of homework this past week. They have a long break for the winter holiday this year, so I guess they are going to earn it with some intensive learning. Good thing the VU volunteers are up to the…
At least a couple times a week for three or four years, his little head would peek around the doorway to the homework room, eyes wide, looking for his big brothers. All the regular volunteers knew that adorable face and often told him that one day he would come to…
Although once in a while a student likes to play a funny trick on a volunteer, it’s mostly just treats at VU homework assistance. It’s a treat when a student: Says, “I can do it” or “Oh, I get that” Wants to read “just one more page” Says “thank you” Helps another…
