Mr. Mark Brundage, ESL Lead Teacher
"Besides providing a friendly learning environment and a full curriculum with a variety of sheltered English courses and intensive ESL classes, I feel our school also provides:

* An opportunity for an education for those who work during the day that otherwise wouldn't be available
* Provides possible role models in the community (teacher and staff)
* An alternative to hanging out on street comers and gangs
* Provides relevant knowledge and information that can be directly applied to their lives and jobs

* Students are able to work during the day, go to school that night, and earn credits towards a high school diploma or prepare for the GED.

Ramon Chavez-Delyado, Chelan High School Student; Night Program
"I'll talk about my feelings to this program. For me this is a very good program because no other city has a program like this. I really appreciate this program because it offers us a very big opportunity and now I know how big is it, because I have been learning a lot that I have never learned before. This program is helping me a lot. It is teaching me how to think and how I can get a better life in this country. If there wasn't any program like this probably what I would do was just work in the orchards without education like any other vagabond in the streets. This program means a lot for me. I have a very big opportunity and I will not misspend it What I am planning to do after I get my diploma is to find a better job and take some night classes in the college."

Alberto Ramos, Chelan High School Student; Night Program
"Night school is great. It has helped me so much. Sometimes it was hard to work and come to the school, but I wanted to learn and I think it was worth it. I remember the first day I came to this school. I couldn't understand the first questions that the teacher asked me. I thought it'll be impossible to understand and speak English, but I tried hard and now I understand, I read, and write a little. I have learned many other things; for example, American History, U.S. Government, World Geography, and Biology. I also learned a little math and keyboarding."

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Olga Garcia, Paraprofessional in the Night School for three years
"Many of these students have very little education from Mexico and so the night school has given them an exciting school experience that they've never had before. Also, English is so important to them just to try to survive in this community that is all English speaking so all they get is helpful to them.

I have seen these students, as well as myself, grow in confidence. When I first came, I was so scared to talk in front of the class, I was almost mute. Now, I love to do this! I am learning together with the students.

The curriculum works very well with them. After they get used to the T.P.R. they love it. There is a good balance between seat work and activity. I don't have words to say how much the new techniques I have learned have changed my life. Now I really want to be a teacher."

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Gilberto Romero, Paraprofessional in the Night School for three years'"The Chelan School District's support of the Night School has made a big difference to students. I have seen several who started knowing almost no English, and, three years later were able to graduate! That must mean we've been we've been doing a good job.

Also, I see students this year in Level 2 with Mr. Brundage and last year they were here with me scared to even talk. I even saw some of them playing ball with Americans over the summer and practicing their English! They were feeling confidence because of our program.

The training I have had has really been helpful. I never heard of T.P.R. before I came here and now I see what a great way it is for students to learn. I loved the summer conference and was glad to see how easy it was to understand the teachers.

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Isidro Mendoza, Paraprofessional in the Night School for three years"This program has helped me a lot. When I first came I didn't know very much; I got a lot of experience learning from the teacher how to teach. I t really improved my grammar. I really like working with the night school students cause I was there once, not being able to speak English. I really like helping these students and helping out the community. Mrs. Kneisley also helped me out a lot I learned a lot from her. I also wouldn't have been able to graduate from the day school without volunteering as a T A for Mr. Brundage for credit for one year. If I didn't come to this program, I wouldn't have learned how to help other people. This job gave me experience. I feel I'm doing something good working here and I'm recognized in the community for this and this makes me feel good! The training has made me able to explain may English better and help students learn. I really want to learn more about teaching English."