The Savant, Newsletter of Omosaze, Inc.

Our Newsletter, The Savant

Summer 2008

Working Together We Change Lives

by Leon Scott, Executive Director

It is not difficult to envision the consequences that are averted when a struggling student becomes a good reader. The Washington Literacy Council reports that more than three out of four of those on welfare, 85% of unwed mothers and 68% of those arrested are illiterate.

Each person represented in these statistics was once a young, struggling elementary student facing an uncertain future. Their life could have been different if they had received additional support and instruction during the critical early elementary years.

Many Omosaze students are in danger of being included in tomorrow’s negative statistics, but they are also escaping the illiteracy trap due to the tireless work of schools, parents, and unsung heroes like those featured in this newsletter.

Due to the contributions of these and many other persons and organizations, we can report continued progress. In 2008-2009, we will:

	Add two new schools to the Reading Saturday roster, bringing the total number of Cobb County elementary schools served to 7.
	Expand on the successful implementation of the 4th/5th grade curriculum.
	Pilot a weekday after-school reading program.

Contents

	For Parents: Helping Children Read at Home
	Supporter Spotlight: Weber Family Foundation
	Volunteer Perspective: Indushree Purushothama
	Teacher Perspective: Stacy Johnson

Savant - a learned person, eminent scholar

"I can't tell you how happy I am to hear about Mia's progress. Mia is doing well at A.L. Burruss as well. I spoke with her teacher and she informed me that Mia no longer goes to special reading lab. Mia is doing so well because of your hard work and attention."

- Parent of a Reading Saturday Student