Tips for Preparing. Stories from Exodus.

You've been asked to lead a team to NYC for this summer! And you wonder where to start. You want details, answers, prayer, and... people! You have to stay on track with paperwork, support raising, meetings... the list goes on!

Here are a few tips on getting things started:

1.) Advertise the project: This could be through flyers, emails, phone calls, meetings, Facebook, etc.

2.) Get a core group of interested believers together. Share the details and pray about it.

3.) Once you get commitments, spend time getting to know your team! Have regular team meetings where you talk about details, and make a team Covenant. (You might also want to do some team building time outside your meetings where you get to know each other a little better and can share some great memories).

4.) Send out support letters. If you need ideas for what to write in your letters, we will be glad to give you some samples!

5.) Do some culture study. Check out these links:

http://www.worldmag.com/articles/15070
http://www.miamiherald.com/multimedia/news/afrolatin/part2/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/in-the-heights-chasing-broadway-dreams/preview-of-in-the-heights-chasing-broadway-dreams/761/

6.) Contact us if you have ANY questions. We are glad to help!


In Other News!

Heights

After School started at the heights on November 12th and everything got into place immediately. Most students re-enrolled immediately, a testimony to great communication between thearent coordinator and the parents. One change is the number of classes – the After School is running 10 classes, not 11. The 11th classroom is being used for HS students, as well as special events like the “readers’ café” and “awesome effort” prizes.

Ashley’s focus this year has been tutor quality, and she has put great training, systems, and evaluation into place. Two tutors have had to leave the Heights this year, but Ashley filled their places quickly, and the new tutors have stepped in prepared and able to deliver.

Inwood

A big praise for OE at Inwood is that one 5th grader has begun thriving after a long time of struggling in school with his teacher. He was struggling to learn his times tables and other areas. He wasn't doing his homework, or writing down assignments, but with the help of Chris and Jacelyn at OE, he is getting back on track! He is now completing homework and turning assignments in on time! His teacher is very impressed (although she never really gave him much of a chance before) and has sent his parent a letter praising him for his turnaround! Please pray for the heart of the teacher- that she would be kind and thoughtful and see that this child and his education are just as important as the other students.