HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PILGRIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3315 Barrington Road
Houston, Texas 77056
TEL (713) 625 1425 FAX (713) 625-1125

Alma Sermiento-Salmon, Principal
Kristin Davis-Troutman assistant Principal
August 22, 2002

Dear Mr. Edward King:

 
This letter is in reference to the Walgreens One-On-One Tutoring Program at Pilgrim elementary School. The program began in December of the 2001-2002 school year. Initially, 42 third, fourth and fifth grade students received permission from their parents to participate. I acted as the teacher-facilitator on site to assist this program. I monitored each session by helping Ms. Maritza Roman, the mentors and walking through during the actual mentoring of our students The boys and girls were always on task and enjoying the company and attention their mentors provided. During the week, the participating students talked to me about the program and their mentors. I personally saw the students more self-assured. They told me that they felt special with receiving this extra attention. When we had to cancel the program due to a staff development day or holiday set by the school district, the students expressed their disappointment in not being able to work with their mentors that day. Even after the program ended for the school year, several mentors came to visit the students. Without a doubt, I am convinced all of our students greatly benefited from being involved in this program. Due to student privacy, we are unable provide copies of the students report cards to you. However, results from benchmark tests that were administered throughout the year to these students show notable progress in Math, Reading and Writing. I attribute the One-On-One Tutoring Program in assisting with this student growth. I enjoy working with Ms. Roman. She is professional, efficient, organized and very loving and kind with our students. I truly believe she has all of our students’ best interests in mind implementing this program.

 
Therefore, our principal, Alma Sarmiento-Salman, Is requesting that the Youth Achievement Foundation’s Walgreens One-On-One Tutoring Program continue this 2002-2003 school year. This program supports the goals and objectives of Pilgrim Elementary School as well as the Houston Independent School District. The fourth and fifth graders are looking forward to studying with their mentors again and have already asked when it will begin again. Please accept this appeal from our boys and girls. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Ms. Sarmiento-Salman, the principal.

 

Thank you,
 

Kristina Davis-Troutman