1998: Bold New Endeavors, Same Old Goals
During more than a decade of tutoring in Louisa, Reading Window School Director Piper Martin’s aim has remained remarkably steady: Teach children to read; Be consistent and positive; Make it fun; Involve the family.

Until recently, only a few children each year received the gift of reading from Piper and other tutors she has trained. In 1998, the School’s second year as a 501(c)(3) organization, a fantastic set of “firsts” was attained, putting the school in a position to reach more children than ever.

Early in the year, intensive lobbying efforts paid off when Louisa Public Schools donated a classroom in the High School Annex building for RWS’s work. In June, the Charlottesville-Albermarle Community Foundation funded the school’s first successful grant proposal for $3500. In September, RWS hired its first employee, Debra Johnson, and began a family literacy-oriented preschool program. Children as young as three are learning to read and entering school “immunized” against illiteracy.

Meanwhile, the school’s excellent after-school tutoring and summer playground programs continued. And this year, as in many before and many to come, children who came to RWS labeled, discounted, and discouraged, left as eager, self-confident readers.

After School, After Work Program Planned
Reading Window School’s major new initiative in 1999 will feature groups of two tutors working together with an adult-child pair. Many adults who never learned to read well find new motivation when faced with teaching their children or grandchildren to read. By offering a program in which children and parents can both participate, we can enroll adult learners who might otherwise be reluctant to seek help.

Lee Ann Kinkade is New Acting Director
After many years of hard, loving work as a builder of the dream of Reading Window School and (most importantly) as a teacher of children, Piper Martin is stepping down as Director of the school. Her work as a tutor will, of course, continue, and her vision and advice is sure to be a cornerstone of RWS’s future plans.

Dedicated tutor and Assistant Director Lee Ann Kinkade will take Piper’s place in the Directorship. Lee Ann, who holds a B.S. in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, first contacted RWS while working with emotionally disturbed foster children. After one of her clients made amazing progress with Piper she decided to become a tutor. “As soon as I was trained in the method, I found it immensely rewarding to be teaching with such tangible results” she writes.

Lee Ann’s goals for 1999 include starting a new After Work Family Literacy Program (see article), offering school bus service for students who face transportation problems, diversifying and enlarging the board of directors, and continuing the same excellent programs offered in 1998.