FOREVER GRATEFUL!

Halloween celebrations at the tutoring program turned into a creative learning experience for our kids.

It all started with an idea. One of our volunteers from Adams State University, Cristina Mace stepped it up and asked if she could plan something fun for Halloween. 

Since the beginning of the year Cristina volunteers her time to the program one time a week. The kids have learned to love her and respect her. Some the girls refer to her as " My new best friend Cristina".  Cristina is been long enough in the program that she has learned to identify the needs of our kids. For her it was easy to realize that many of them were not going to be able to afford a custome or even celebrate the scary and fun day, Halloween.

 Fredi:  With a huge smile " Zoila look what I got for tomorrow, can you please take a picture of me on it?" 

Me: With a huge smile " I would love to! Give me a hug, you deserved a costume and more"

Araceli, at the Alamosa Elementary School annual Halloween parade :)

With her idea in mind  Cristina managed to get  donations from her classmates and friends from the University. She collected customs for kids and was able to buy material to help the girls make  their own designed  costumes. Students from her social class volunteered to come and help. That Wednesdey before holloween the center took a different shape. 

New visitors showed up with materials, cookies and juice. A small party. Girls enjoyed the crafting activity and most importantly the unexpected guest, the time, ideas, and great intentions. At the end, they were set to celebrate with everyone else the following day.

At the Harvest Party!

Cristina went the extra mile, on Halloween day Cristina along with her classmates and friends came by the apartments to take the kids  to a harvest party in town. Next day, kids came up to me and told me all about how much fun the had. Its been so fun to have Adams State University students come aboard and make an impact on the lives of our kids.

Forever grateful!

ITA TUTORING AT HIGH ALTITUDE CHALLENGE

Another year in which our kids from the Tutoring program take part of the local 3 race Cross Country  series at the Alamosa Parks and Recreational  Center.  The entries are free and this event gives  parents and children the opportunity  to go outside and be active. Nine of our kids represented ITA Tutoring program well. In recognition for running the three races all of them received a free T-shirt from the parks and recreational center.

 Nothing is more rewarding than heading  back to the center to do homework after a race and  hear only positive feed backs from the kids. This is an event that all of them look forward to participate.  The highlight of this year is the parents involvement.  Each parent took action and helped organize this years transportation.

Araceli is a talented girl both athletically and academically. Araceli is the oldest of 4 children. She loves collecting items. She is in charge of the ITA library. She takes leadership from time to time and helps little ones with homework.  On the last race she finish 6th with a huge personal best of 7:23.
At the end of the race her comment was " I don't know why, but my head really started hurting after I crossed the finish, that is kind of weird" 

The New ITA Generation. Once their older brothers and sisters move on theses are the kids that will be taking over at the Tutoring Center. For now, they enjoy coming to the races to cheer or walk with the other youngsters. Lupita, standing is the one leading the way as she already competed in this years races. Her best time 11:49.

Alan 8 is a handful, he has been making huge strides academically. Loves math and spelling.              

High Altitude Challenge     

September 25th, 2012            

 Distance: 1 Mile

 Results 

Boys                                          

5. Fredi Tomas 7:22 

22. Alan Flores 9:22

29. GiGi DeLuna 10:25

                                                                                     30. Carlos Gonzales 10:26

                                                                                     38. Miguel Gonzales 14:16

                                                                              39. Angel Valverde 14:16

                                                                                 40. Andres Valverde 14:16

Girls 

26. Araceli Tomas 9:41

27. Lizeth Zacarias 9:53

28. Diana Gonzales 10:20

39. Guadalupe Gonzales 11:49

Race 2
October 2nd, 2012

Boys

12. Fredi  Tomas 7:50
23. GiGi DeLuna 9:10
24. Carlos Gonzales 9:25
28. Alan Flores 9:37
37. Angel Valverde 13:50
38. Miguel Gonzales 14:12
                                                                       43. Andres Valverde 14:12

Girls

11. Aracei Tomas 7:53

36. Diana Gonzales 10:34

      45. Guadalupe Gonzales 13:56

October 9th, 2012
Race 3

Boys

13. Fredi Tomas 7:57
22. Alan Flores 8:55
36. Carlos Gonzales 10:56
44. Angel Valverde 14:25
45. Miguel Gonzales 14:29
46. Andres Valverde 14:40

Girls

6th Araceli Tomas 7:23

30. Diana Gonzales 10:30

38. Guadalupe Gonzales 11:58

   

Fredi is not only a fast miler but a fast reader too :)

So proud of Andres. He participated in every race and finished them all. Andres suffers from asthma. My Champ!

Alan in action being paced by his older brother and ITA member,  Brayan. Flores. Alan  Broke the 9 minute barrier by running 8:55 in the last mile event.

They love it when they get new material. 

Miguel loves to read. 

Back to office to do some homework.