Reading Buddies

This fine young man signed on to be a STAIR tutor at the Independent Presbyterian Church site last fall. Little did he know that he would be blessed with this boy, who didn't smile and struggled with reading. Yesterday I went by for photographs and witnessed the transformation. All smiles and these two are enjoying the adventure in reading. Birmingham is blessed to have STAIR tutors in 13 sites giving one on one reading instruction with Birmingham City School struggling second graders. I LOVE MY JOB!

WE LOVE READING!

The time has come for STAIR second graders to graduate from this wonderful reading program that spans this city. They have all made tremendous progress in reading due to the devoted one on one learning with committed tutors twice a week, all year long. Yesterday I made one last photo sweep at Independent Presbyterian's STAIR site for photos. This guy.....

Lenten Photo a Day Practice - Day 24 LOVE

Every summer, graduates of the IPC STAIR program are invited to attend the Summer Learning Program at the Children's Fresh Air Farm for academics, enrichment, fun with a whole lot of love.

Happiness Is...

...getting a brand new winter coat PLUS a hat and mittens!!!  This week, the STAIR students at
Independent Presbyterian are all receiving new winter coats thanks to the generosity of IPC and community friends and tutors who made it all possible. The happy smiles said it all!

  STAIR Birmingham Executive Director, Liz Edwards helps this student try her coat on for size.

Wondrous Words

I love the garden at the Children's Fresh Air Farm.  Last week I spotted these wondrous words. This summer marks yet another year that our Summer Learning Program has reached even more children, providing reading, math, enrichment and so much love.  I am thankful for Independent Presbyterian's ongoing programming for the children in our inner city!

The Greatest Gift...A Book

This week the STAIR ( Start The Adventure In Reading) students who come to Independent Presbyterian Church for tutoring twice a week, enjoyed a wonderful Christmas party with their two tutors, and of course Santa and his Elf.  Each tutor gives a book and the STAIR program provides a  stocking STUFFED with wonderful things!  

Helping Hands

Yesterday I had the good luck to photograph our STAIR students participating in the Advent Workshop at Independent Presbyterian Church.  Normally these hard working second graders are reading and working with their STAIR tutors, but this week, after snack, they were treated to Advent Workshop where they made Christmas necklaces and a sweet manger scene.  STAIR tutors and IPC youth lent helping hands all along the way. It was a great day!