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No tape, no glue
This time of year brings fresh faces into every classroom and program at King Street Center. Our family is expanding with new kids, volunteers, parents, and staff.
I am deeply grateful for the years Dave Besserer, former Teen Program Director, and Mollie Hart, former Education Director gave to the kids and families here. As they deepen their investment in children, locally & internationally, we now welcome Paul Guidone and Deena Murphy in their places. They both approach their work with intention and purpose, but know that relationship building comes first.
And, that’s what we’re up to today.
Much like the index-card towers kids experimented with in Afterschool Excellence last week, it takes patience and a careful hand as we sure up the strength of our work. Thank you for being a part of our support network as we make sure our foundation is strong.
P.S. Take a look at some of our mentoring anniversaries down below! The power of these long-time friendships is truly remarkable.
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Welcome, Mr. G!
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Paul Guidone stepped in to serve as Teen Program Director earlier this month. Already off to a running start, Mr. G and his team are working with the community to provide his teens with a multitude of experiences. Youth have welcomed his energy and constant smile.
Mr. G. brings a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults, both in center-based and residential programs. “The future is bright and the sky is the limit here!”
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Volunteer of the Month
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| Tyler and Kadar present King Street (the Rabbit) |
We are celebrating Tyler Vendituoli as our volunteer of the month, recognizing over four years of devoted mentorship to our now 5th-grader, Kadar. When he’s not sculpting, Tyler is urging Kadar to play outside – but occasionally relents to enjoy a good movie or even a trip to Pizza Putt. “Kadar is a sharp kid and it took me the first year of being with him to understand why he needed or benefited by having a mentor. He has 10 siblings but isn’t used to having someone pay attention to him alone.”
“I love asking him questions. ‘Where do chickens come from?’ ‘What makes Thor’s hammer unique?’ I once wrote down his answers to a series of questions and what he responded went everywhere from nonsensical to philosophically existentialist. While he didn’t understand why I was asking him all those questions or why I was writing down his answers – that piece of paper is one of favorite exchanges between he and I.”
Read Tyler’s entire reflection here… Thanks for your unrelenting commitment, Tyler!
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Buddy Block
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Apple Picking
Sunday, October 2
1 – 3 p.m.
Shelburne Orchards
Annual Mentor and Mentee Halloween party
Tuesday, October 25
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Howard Center Gymnasium
Pizza, Music and FUN activities
Looking for fun kid outings? Don’t forget to check out KidsVT or findandgoseek.net for apple crisp recipes, directions to corn mazes & more!
Happy Anniversary
Mike Fife and Brandon, 10 years (Wow! Congrats.)
Sarah Soule and Makayla, 7 years
Bonnie Ferro and Kada, 4 years
Emily McCarthy and Nikkiah, 3 years
Tony Blake and Caiden, 1 year
Welcome New Match:
Elizabeth Morris and Maryann
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Tutors & Mentors Needed
“The best part of volunteering is definitely the people, and how welcomed and loved I feel while I am there. It’s such a great feeling to walk in and get 1,000 hugs and waves.” – Lexi
We’d love to welcome you for once-a-week tutoring or jump in for a more in-depth mentoring relationship.
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Announcements
& Dates to Note
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October 1 & 2
October 1
October 2
Mentor Apple Picking Event
October 8
October 12
No Afterschool or Teen Programs
October 18
Family Night Dinner
October 25
Mentor Halloween Party
October 29
No Afterschool or Teen Programs
November 18
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Welcome Ms. Murphy!
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Please help us to welcome back
Deena Murphy, our new Education Director (previously a member of our Afterschool Team)!
Some of you may recognize Deena from Champlain Elementary School’s Morning Champion Program. She also brings experience from her position at the Vermont Family Network and as member of the Burlington School District teaching team. With close relationships throughout the schools and with families, Deena will be a great academic liaison between teachers, tutors & parents.
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The way to our hearts is through our hungry bellies…
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Food is very important to us! We are so appreciative to have Chris Cadieux fresh from Champlain College’s Sodexo team to oversee King Street Center’s kitchen. He lovingly prepares and serves up lunch & dinner to all of our kids. He is already building a lovely rapport and, as a dad of one of our fave King Street kids, knows just how to encourage reluctant eaters to try a new food.
Chris is excited to shake up our menu rotation with creative dishes. So glad to have you on board!
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