[NYC-L] Need Suggestions and Assistance for an Albanian student (fwd)

[Mentor Cana]

Dear friends,

Please read carefully the attached e-mail from Ms. Heather Martin. She is a
teacher in a middle school 'near' NYC. As you see, she is trying to help
the newly arrived 8th grade Albanian students who doesn't speak English.
She has tried many things without success. [read below]

Does anyone live in or around Montgomery, NY and can help? Do you know
anyone living around there? This kid can definitely use some help to get
started......

Please contact Heather at MARTINGRITS at aol.com with any suggestion, advice,
offer to help, etc...

sincerely,
Mentor

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2001 22:01:58 EST
From: MARTINGRITS at aol.com
Subject: Need Suggestions and Assistance for an Albanian student

Hello,
     I teach 8th grade Social Studies in Montgomery, New York (Orange
County), located about l-2 hours northwest of New York City.  Our Middle
School has a newly enrolled Albanian student.  He is 13 years old and unable
to write the English alphabet accurately.  He is a likeable, respectful young
man, who watches very closely as I teach the lessons, but is unable to
understand what I am saying.  He is unable to read any of the 8th grade
textbooks he has been given.  His days are filled with discouragement and no
successes.  He lives with his father, who speaks no English, and with his
uncle, who speaks limited English and works 6 nights weekly.  Therefore,
there is no family member who can teach this student how to read and write
English.  I have asked my school's administrative district office if they
will hire someone (perhaps a retired elementary school teacher) to teach this
student the basics of our language and help him learn to read and write. The
boy is very motivated to learn.   Our district says there is not funding
available for this need.  Thus the young man sits, frustrated and frequently
embarrassed, often discouraged that he doesn't really understand what is
going on.  Some of the teacher have given him a failing grade.  I have kept
him in an ungraded status as I know his barrier is solely  the English
language.  When quiz or test papers are given out,  he writes answers in
Albanian, which, of course, I cannot read.   Occasionally, I sit with him and
show him simple objects, i.e. cup, pen, paper, dime.  I say the word then
write it on paper and ask him to write the word 3 times.  He has been very
proud to have someone spend a little time and has responded enthusiastically.
 He is eager for someone to take time/make time/ find someone somewhere?????
to meet with him and teach him English.  My Middle School Principal has given
permission for this student to be taken out of his classes in school if I can
find someone who will
sit and help the student.  I asked the Uncle if there is anyone they know who
would help?  There is not.  I called the Newburgh, New York Literacy Council.
 They replied that they only assist  individuals age 18 and over.  I called
St. Mary's College, in our area, but have been unsuccessful in my attempts to
find someone who will help this
boy learn to read and write.  Do you have any suggestions, names, or contacts
to assist me?  The boy knows I am looking for someone to come into the school
and teach him English.  He is well liked by other students, as he is a very
pleasant young man.  But I have seen him so frustrated that he has cried in
class.  My heart goes out for his needs.  Can you help??

                                   Hopeful of Someone Somewhere!
                                   Ms. Heather Martin
                                   E-Mail: MARTINGRITS at AOL.com