Volunteer Testimonials
"It has been my pleasure to work this Spring with Lynn Ross and her inspired Teacher Support Network at Sonoma Valley High School. The program provides needed assistance in the classroom on a weekly basis. The students frequently have the opportunity to work on a one-on-one basis with the volunteer.
Occasionally the volunteer can provide input to the subject matter and help the student to see it through 'other eyes', which can be beneficial to the students as well as to the teacher.
As a retired educator I find great satisfaction at being back in the classroom and am delighted by the warm reception given me by the students and staff. Sonoma Valley High School seems to be an ideal campus for this type of project. Congratulations to Lynn and to those community members who had the foresight to put together this undertaking. It is just what our schools need today because it brings the community and the educational world together, united in a common goal. When the school, the business community and interested community members work together toward improving student achievement and skill acquisition, great things will happen. It is the students who at the end of the day will be the real winners in this effort. Hopefully this program develops into a successful model which can easily be adopted by many other schools in Sonoma County. There is a need for volunteers from many backgrounds to join in this effort. It takes so little time but gives so much satisfaction."
--TSN Volunteer 2007
"I thoroughly enjoyed the AVID class today. I actually felt as if I made a difference. The same could be said for my experience in the history class on Monday. I've always enjoyed, as a teacher, when you could watch a child's facial expression change as the "lightbulb of learning turned on".
--TSN Volunteer 2007
It has been my pleasure to work this Spring with the inspired Teacher Support Network at Sonoma Valley High School. As a retired educator I find great satisfaction at being back in the classroom.
I am delighted by the warm reception given me by the students and staff. It is just what our schools need today because it brings the community and the educational world together, united in a common goal.
--TSN Volunteer 2008
I am impressed by the dedication and competence of the teachers and the
evidence of intense interest on the part of the students. It takes so little time but gives so much satisfaction. When the school, the business community and interested community members work together toward improving student achievement and skill acquisition, great things will happen.
--TSN Volunteer 2007
I like the teacher very much and respect greatly his teaching skills. We have lots of invigorating talks during and after class. I am enjoying the challenge. I like going in, I like the kids and am impressed with their drive.
--TSN Volunteer 2008
Things are great, I really appreciate them and they are doing a wonderful job. I hope they feel as good about their placement and I do. I’m very pleased to be learning about current education from the inside and hope to be of some support to the teachers.
--TSN Volunteer 2007
I am not experienced in this kind of work but I feel certain that my being there at all is helping them achieve more. And it will get better as I learn the material and techniques. Thank you for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to get “out of the box” and help needy high school students. Now I can be proud to say I love algebra!
--TSN Volunteer 2007
The idea is superb! Much needed! I will be returning after the first of the year--wouldn’t miss the opportunity!
--TSN Volunteer 2008
Teacher Testimonials
"Thank you so much for doing all this work and setting as teachers up with volunteers. Having a volunteer in my classroom has been a wonderful experience for my students and me. My students received the one to one interaction that they so much need in order to improve their German pronunciation and communication skills. I'm also lucky, that my volunteer is a very experienced German teacher and she was able to share her experience. I truly hope that she can be my volunteer again next year.
I hope that you have a great summer and that we will connect again next school year.
With gratitude and best wishes."
--TSN Teacher 2007
100% positive experience. The volunteers are just wonderful! Their help is greatly appreciated and they are just delightful. I really appreciate them!!!
--TSN Teacher 2007
Thank you very much for this valuable program! If you are able to find any more volunteers, that would be terrific!
--TSN Teacher 2007
My volunteer is a great asset. The kids are getting to know him. He is a calming influence. The mere presence of additional, responsible adults in the room is beneficial. I feel lucky to have him, and I really appreciate the work of your group--what a gift.
--TSN Teacher 2008
Having a volunteer in my classroom has been a wonderful experience for my students and me.
--TSN Teacher 2007
I love having my volunteer in the room her presence alone makes a difference – the kids seem to realize people really care about them and their learning. I only have good things to say aboout the program. Thank you so much for all the work that you do in order to support us teachers and students!
--TSN Teacher 2007
This is such an awesome program. I am so happy to have her in the class! I think I tell her often how grateful I am, but you could pass this on too!
--TSN Teacher 2007
All the volunteers are great and I really appreciate having them – thank you for all the work you did to create this fantastic opportunity.
--TSN Teacher 2008
I’ve enjoyed having both my volunteers in the classroom this year. Both are great with the students. Thanks for your efforts.
--TSN Teacher 2008
I think you deserve a big “Bravo”.
--TSN Teacher 2008
Support from the District
Great news and great progress! Thanks TSN, for coming in to the SVUSD board meeting and presenting your amazing gift!
-- SVUSD Board Member 2008
I love this idea and it is not only needed to help our wonderful teachers, but is so needed for that personal connection, especially in this media age where many human connections are being replaced.
-- SVUSD Board Member 2008
Your dedication to the children will make a difference in the world in such a positive way and I am honored to be on a board where there are members of the community such as yourselves.
-- SVUSD Board Member 2008
Teacher Support Network is already making a difference in our high school.
-- SVUSD Board Member 2008
We are grateful to you for your interest and commitment to our schools. Thank you, a thousand thank yous!
-- SVUSD Board Member 2008