May 1, 2007
Dear Mr. Steven Angel,
This letter is to commend your program not only for improving children's reading scores but for also improving their life style.
I currently work with at-risk youths at one of Los Angeles County's Housing Development sites. The children are first apprehensive about the program and its goals but in the end they looked forward to their afternoon sessions with their Drum and Read facilitator.
One of the best success stories is that of minor MC. MC's reading percentage scores increased by 26%. It may not be a lot by statistical measures but it was significant by his measure. Especially the change in attitude that I myself witnessed from the first session to the last session and the positive change that has influenced this young person's life.
MC was at first very quiet and distant. Only participating because he had to and not because he wanted to. His father would have to walk him to the community center every night of the session to make sure he would attend and make it on time. He was non-participating and just sat there at first.
By the third week MC was the first one at the center without having to be reminded of the session and without his father to monitor his steps. MC was there to help the facilitator get the drums out of the car and was now interacting with other kids in the program that he never really talked to at his middle school.
MC has changed so much for the better thanks to Drum and Read and the Life Skills program. The program has really uplifted MC's self esteem and also improved his relationship with his family at home. The best part of the program is that MC made friends, the same students that he was a stranger to in school are now his friends at home and accept him as just being MC.
The program makes an impact on young lives and changes them for the better. I first met MC as being withdrawn and distant. After the program MC looks forward to my visits and our talks about school and life.
Thank you Drum and Read for enhancing the lives of our at-risks youths at our housing development. The reading scores improve with all the kids, the best result is when you see their life change for the better before your eyes.
Sincerely,
Crisanto A. Singson
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