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ANNUAL REPORT

July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 “Through a good intention and a pure motive everything becomes Divine service.”

--Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, Foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Dear Friends,

This has been another year of growth and deepening at the East Side Learning Center (ESLC) as

we’ve remained faithful to our mission of “unlocking each child’s potential through the

foundation of reading.” Over 330 children received the tutoring support they needed in reading in order to proudly say and believe, “I am a reader!”

Thank you to each of our loyal volunteers who gave of themselves for the sake of all our children in St. Paul. Their hours of service equals 760 8-hour

days of work!

Other highlights from the year include:

We expanded to additional schools on St. Paul’s East Side, Community of Peace Academy and HOPE Community Academy.

We successfully piloted a kindergarten tutoring program. The purpose of this pilot was to provide children with a strong literacy foundation early

in their schooling and to prevent them from falling behind in the first place.

We met the Charities Review Council’s Standards.

The Board and Staff determined Strategic Direction for the next three years knowing we are building on a very strong foundational vision,

mission, and core values. Results of interviews and investigation affirm that the positive perception of ESLC continues.

Dr. Karen Rusthoven, retired Executive Director at Community of Peace Academy where ESLC conducted the kindergarten pilot, had this to say about

ESLC: “I have never seen a more quality program; competency of tutors is extraordinary…ESLC provides a tight, solid early learning….I applaud the

wisdom and courage of those who started ESLC.”

These things could not happen without the investment of your time, support, and dollars. We know that all of that is sustained and amplified by the

grace of God, who transforms our efforts into wondrous acts. For all that, we say—thank YOU.

Gratefully,

Bob Thavis Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND

Board Chairperson Executive Director

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Organizational Information

Mission Unlocking each child’s potential

through the foundation of

reading

Core Values

LOVING, affirming and respectful

atmosphere

EDUCATION that transforms,

encouraging each child to

reach the fullness of his/her

potential

ACCOUNTABLITY and careful

stewardship of community

resources

RESULTS, driven by high quality,

systematic approach and

academic rigor

NEEDS of children drive where

resources are allocated

History

In 1998, as part of a long-range effort to revitalize the East Side of St. Paul, the East Side Neighborhood Development Company approached the School Sisters of Notre Dame about addressing the unmet educational needs of the area. Recognizing that most parents could not afford tutoring for their children, the Sisters established the East Side Learning Center (ESLC) in 2001 as a community partnership for addressing gaps in school success.

Program

The East Side Learning Center strives to be a major force in “unlocking each child’s potential through the foundation of reading.” The ESLC works towards this mission by providing free one-on-one reading tutoring for St. Paul students in grades K-4 who read below grade level and are unable to get help elsewhere. These children receive personalized lesson plans and tutoring three to four times per week for 30 to 50 minutes with volunteers and educators.

Key Ingredients One-on-one time with caring adults

Personalized lesson plans written by licensed educators

Consistent tracking and analysis of achievement data to measure impact

Certified tutors and trained volunteers

Programming embedded in schools and aligned with classroom instruction

Effective use of resources

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Program Results—Grades 1-4

Program Results-Kindergarten Pilot

The ESLC measures impact with the Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA), a tool used by schools to evaluate reading mastery and comprehension. An average first to second grade student needs to make a 10-11 point DRA gain each year and an 8-point DRA gain in third grade simply to maintain average reading growth with peers. The ESLC’s self-defined goal is that each student reaches at least 8 DRA gains if they attend 30 or more hours of tutoring. Seventy-five percent (75%) of students tutored 30 or more hours increased their DRA by 8 points or more.

2011-2012 at a glance

334 Children served

235 Volunteer Tutors

35 Part-time Educators

6,074 Volunteer Hours

8,460 Part-time Educator / Staff Hours

14,534 Hours of Tutoring

PACT* All families were offered

home reading activities to aid student progress

*Parents And Children Together

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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

100%

Oct. Feb. May Oct. Feb. May Feb. May Feb. May May

Upper Case Letters

Lower Case Letters

Letter Sounds

64 Sight Words

Proficient

27%

85% 94%

12%

73%

88%

22%

71%

29%

85%

62%

East Side Learning Center Kindergarten Tutoring Pilot (34 Students)

2011-12

% Students - Knew all % Students - Knew at least half Proficient - Ready for 1st Grade

Program Results—Kindergarten Pilot

At a minimum, the expected outcome for kindergartners is to automatically recognize upper/lower case letter names and sounds, thirty kindergarten sight words; have an ability to rhyme, print his/her name, and use oral language to discuss a story being read to him/her.

We’re encouraged by the results of the Kindergarten pilot displayed above. The purpose of this pilot was to provide children with a strong literacy foundation early in their schooling in order to prevent them from falling behind in the first place. The goal was to have them be first-grade ready; 62% reached this proficiency goal. The majority of the kindergartners knew limited English; therefore, a great deal of oral language and background knowledge development was required before phonics.

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“Children unlock our energies. We build their self-confidence so that they “see” themselves as readers.” S. Thomasin Sergot, SSND, ESLC Site Assistant “You are the best thing that has happened to HOPE since I have been here. Your success with our students is an inspiration. It gives me HOPE that we can meet our students’ educational needs. “Brenda Schmit, Teacher, HOPE Community Academy “The social impact of one-on-one is HUGE for our children. To know someone really cares; we all know that relationships are critical for learning.” Melissa Lehman, Principal, John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary “Angelica had no interest in reading at the beginning of the year. Now she points out words everywhere!” Melissa Amador, Parent First grader, Azaria, asked her tutor, “Am I here so I can learn to read better?” Rebecca, her tutor responded, “Oh, yes.” Azaria proclaimed, “I think it’s working!” Rebecca Nordstrom, Tutor

Thank you for helping us so the ESLC will keep on going because a lot of boys and girls want to learn to read. Sarah, Student

“ESLC is awesome! Every night we practice reading. Nay shows me what she can do. She plays with the other kids using the activities she brings home during Christmas break.” Jennifer Yang, Parent We are so blessed and thankful for the tutoring program. We wouldn’t be able to afford private tutoring…please, please, continue what you are doing. Sally Olin, Parent When Neo began tutoring he would hardly speak and his teacher explained that Neo was unable to speak up in the classroom. Now, because of the daily one-to-one tutoring and interaction, Neo can’t stop talking. His confidence has taken off! S. Sharon White, OSF, ESLC Program Director “I would like to thank all the tutors for teaching my son reading. Ever since he attended the ESLC program it has helped his learning big time.” Blia Xiong, Parent

2012-2015 Strategic Direction

Prevent children from falling behind in reading by growing the kindergarten pilot

Seek opportunities to reach more children

Maximize tutoring impact

Ensure funding adequate to maintain and expand programming

Maintain organizational strength and sustainability

Celebrating Successes and Moving Forward

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In-Kind

Afton Girl Scouts Troop #51796 Book pillows, gently used books, Barnes & Noble gift card

EMC Publishing Books, videos

Individual donations Books, student/volunteer treats, office supplies

Bruce Larkin, Author Signed books

Magnolias Restaurant, Inc. Catering

Pax Christi Catholic Community Books & snacks, spring baskets

St. Odilia Catholic School Books

Securian Financial Group New and gently used books

Spirit of Asia Catering

Target Corp-Tech Service Dept Books, bookmarks & give away bags

Volunteers Gift of time & caring presence

lia Catholic

Funding Partners

3M GIVES Volunteer Match

Best Buy Company, Inc.

Deluxe Corporation

Ecolab Foundation

Greater Twin Cities United Way

Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

Kinney Family Foundation

McNeely Foundation

Richard A. Newman Foundation

Richard M. Schulze Foundation

SPPS Foundation Travelers Academic Intervention Grant

School Sisters of Notre Dame

The Stablish Foundation

Travelers Foundation

Many individual donors and memorials

Contributions We are deeply indebted to our Funders, Donors, and Supporters for their continued generosity. We would not be able to accomplish our goals and

provide the children of St. Paul an opportunity to succeed without you.

Thank You!

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ASSETS 06/30/2012 Current Assets Cash $ 530,445.51 Prepaid Designated Fund $ 1,056.31 Total Current Assets $ 531,501.82 Total Property and Equipment $ 2,076.01 Total Other Assets $ 700,770.59

Total Assets $1,234,348.42 LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Total Current Liabilities $ 33.74 Capital $1,234,314.68

Total Liabilities & Capital $1,234,348.42

Financial Statements

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Board of Directors

Chair: Bob Thavis Attorney, Leonard, Street and Deinard Vice Chair: Jill Leonard Senior Development Specialist, Second Harvest Heartland Secretary: Ottavio Savina Retired Secondary Teacher Treasurer: Todd Bannie Vice President, Special Assets Manager, Sunrise Community Banks Dean Andrew Retired Training Consultant Midge Breiter, SSND Coordinator Retirement for Religious, Archdiocese of St. Paul/Mpls Suzanne Eichler, SSND Coordinator of Relicensure & Personnel Placement, Archdiocese of St. Paul/Mpls Randy Klinger eResource Manager, Mackin Educational Resources

Adaire Lassonde, SSND Program Specialist, Catholic Charities Elizabeth Lambrecht SBA Lender, Park Midway Bank Debbie Lee Committee Member for the Wilder Foundation Dynese Martin (resigned due to relocation) Teacher’s Aide/Assistant, SPPS District Tom McCarthy Teacher, Park High School Kendra Rasmusson Consumer Marketing Specialist, GN ReSound Dave Suman Retired Principal/Assistant Superintendent Marion Welter, SSND Retired School Administer & Development Director

740 York Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55106

651-793-7331 Fax: 651-793-7310

www.eastsidelearningcenter.org

ESLC Staff

Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND Executive Director

Sharon White, OSF Program Director

Rachel Boarden, AmeriCorps VISTA

Coordinator of Volunteers

Jodi Fiege Site Coordinator

Mary Fritz Site Coordinator

Dianne Gerlach Site Assistant

Sharon Johnson Site Assistant

Marge Kangas Accountant

Jill Laszewski, SSND Administrative Assistant

Thomasin Sergot, SSND Site Assistant

Donna Walerius, SSND Site Coordinator