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WRITTEN TESTIMONIALS

As of January 2012 we've had over 300 students come through one of our Reading NOW programs.  We've received many testimonials from parents (and students!), and we are sharing just a few here.  CALL US if you want any more information, or other unsolicited feedback!   

STUDENT – Olivia (2nd Grade)

I am the mother of a seven-year-old student that Miss Kolash has been tutoring in reading for five months. My daughter Olivia came to Reading Now in January of 2009 at risk for failing the first grade secondary to her complete inability to read and decode words and sound combinations. Through one-on-one tutoring twice a week, Miss Kolash has taken Olivia from an at-risk reader (pre-K level) all the way up to being on par with the rest of her class.

However, what is most impressive is Miss Kolash’s ability to connect with Olivia on a level that works for her. Miss Haley (as we affectionately call her) has taken on my nervous, self-conscious, somewhat behaviorally challenged little girl and single-handedly given her the skills and confidence to flourish. Miss Haley uses positive reinforcement, games, and skill building exercises to accomplish a goal in which my husband and I, my daughter’s primary first-grade teacher and an Act 89 teacher could not even come close reaching. In my opinion she is the most caring and skilled teacher I have met. Any child would be lucky to have her as a teacher, and any parent would be blessed to have someone so gifted on their side.

For her love and patience with my daughter, I will be forever grateful. For her innate and keen ability to find just what Olivia needs and use that to their mutual advantage, I have come to respect her greatly. As I told the owner of Reading Now, if I had the money, I would build a statue to her honor in the bay for all to see.

In summary, I write this because Miss Kolash would be not just a positive addition to any educational program, but a shining star. She is truly gifted with the ability to teach. But more, she is truly gifted in the ability to reach children and make them want to learn. My family, and especially my little Olivia, will always hold her in our hearts as a truly special person we are blessed to have in our lives!
- HB

STUDENT – Bobby (7th Grade)

Dear Reading NOW -
Thanks for everything! We received progress reports from school and Bobby has improved a lot (he has an A in Language Arts!) Thank You -
- DY

STUDENT – Elizabeth (4th Grade)

This report is not a deficiency report, but truly a PROGRESS report! Elizabeth is soaring with her reading. She's so excited about the fact that things are making sense to her! I am so glad you started her with Reading NOW and the "Colors" technique. The work in her group with Mrs. T. has helped greatly.
- Teacher, Clymer, NY

STUDENT – Angela (7th Grade)

Dear Reading NOW: Thanks so much for introducing Angela to the Mysterious Benedict Society. She read it in one weekend and loved it! She is sharing it with her friends and we are planning a book club at the end of the month.

She continued to maintain her A in Reading and Spelling for the rest of the school year.
Thanks Again! -
DM

STUDENT – Matthew (3rd Grade)

Dear Mrs. D –
It’s sad to see the school year end. I had an amazing group of students who I will miss dearly. I was not aware that Matthew was enrolled in the Reading NOW program, but that would surely explain his improvement in reading….
I am glad to see that his reading levels have increased so dramatically. Way to go!
- Matthew’s Teacher

 

STUDENT – Aurora (2nd Grade)

Dear Dr. Bentley:  I hope everything is going well!  I just wanted to update you about my daughter Aurora.  She attended 2 sessions of Reading NOW over the summer.  My husband and I just had parent/teacher conferences at our school and had a chance to talk to Aurora’s 2^nd grade teacher.  Her teacher told us that Aurora is reading on grade level and seems to have no struggles reading.  She is coming along with spelling too.  The teacher told us that she was the best “sounder outter” in the class!  I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all of the encouragement that you gave our daughter this past summer!  She is much more confident in reading and doing great in school.  Thanks and take care.

KR-mom

STUDENT – Maya (1st Grade)

Dear Shelly: Attached is Maya’s report card- it’s all B’s!!!  I had to send it to you with my extreme gratitude for all the hard work that everyone at Reading NOW did for Maya.  At this time last year, Maya couldn’t identify all the letters in the alphabet, much less know each letter sound, but when I see how far she’s come, I am overwhelmed by it all.  I was in such despair when I sent my email to Reading NOW last January.  I thought she would be in remedial classes and maybe even held back.  Yesterday I was so happy I cried.  I cannot thank you all enough for your compassion, your support, and most importantly, the encouragement you give the children at Reading NOW.  The help she is receiving today is building a strong foundation for the rest of her life.  You and your staff make learning fun and never negative.  I seriously cannot thank you enough.  I just freaking overwhelmed.  I’m not an overly religious person, but I do thank God I found you.  Many, many thanks. - B