Letters From Home

At Langsford, we talk a lot about letters of the alphabet, and we read a lot of stories. But hands down, our favorite letters and stories are the ones we get from parents and relatives reporting success, confidence, happiness, and accomplishment for past clients. Each one is gratifying and heart-warming for instructors, learning coordinators, and administrators alike. Here are a few we just had to share.

Austin is a first-grader working on reading and spelling. Before he came to Langsford, Austin would do anything to avoid spelling. Recently, Austin's dad reported that Austin had come to him after having a privilege revoked at home. Austin had asked dad if he could earn it back by spelling a word. Austin's dad was stunned! Good negotiating, Austin!

Sam is a sixth-grader who recently finished work at Langsford to aid his comprehension. The focus was on developing his ability to mentally picture what he reads (concept imagery). Sam's Mom emailed to let us know about the changes she has seen since he finished his sessions: "I have seen such an increase in his confidence and he seems so much happier with himself; that is priceless to me." Those words made us picture Sam with a big smile on his face. Great work, Sam!

Tristan is a seventh-grader and Langsford alum from a few years back. She came to Langsford to work on her reading and spelling. Since then, she has really taken off! According to Mom: "Wow!... She is doing wonderfully. Her reading, writing, and confidence in her ability continue to strengthen. ...We are so lucky to have found the Langsford Center... She does well academically and is able to keep up with her reading and writing requirements and gets many compliments from teachers and friends on her kind and charitable nature. I am forever grateful for how you all set her on this road and cheered her on." It sounds like this road is leading Tristan straight to success!

Last, but certainly not least, there's Maggie (pictured above). Maggie came to us (over ten years ago!) as a second-grader to improve her visual-spatial skills, and later, during high school, returned to work on applying these skills to geometry. This spring, as Maggie prepared for her junior year, she was accepted into the prestigious Governor's Scholar program, and will spend five weeks this summer working to enrich her academic background. Congratulations, Maggie!

Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. We are so proud!

Broadway Bound

In 2002, this creative young man, Max, was a second grader struggling with reading and spelling. After working at Langsford, Max became a voracious reader and writer. Today, Max is headed for high school as a published playwright. This spring, Max became the youngest playwright ever to have a ten-minute play produced as part of Actor's Theater's Humana Festival of New American plays.

But wait, there's another scene in this show: Max has also won the Young Author's contest in Oldham County four times, and recently received state recognition in the "critical reading" category of the Duke Talent Identification Program.

Recently, Max's mom emailed an update on his exciting progress, and to tell us that she remembers us every time the spotlight is on her successful son: " I often wonder how different his life would have been if he had not gone to the Langsford Center. His life revolves around reading and writing - mostly, related to the theatre. He would have a hard time acting if he couldn't read...and he would have a horrible time writing play scripts, too. He spends all of his free time writing and reading plays. I think about you guys with [everyone] of Max's successes. I really do!"

This story deserves a standing ovation. Bravo, Max! On with the show!

How Three Months Can Change A Life

In the course of a K-12 education, three months usually doesn't amount to much. Three months is hardly a blip for most students. But for a child struggling with reading, three months can create such a tidal wave of change that it sends out ripples for a lifetime.

One of Langsford's past clients, Rachel Stivers-Bender, was recently honored by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson as the 2009 Outstanding Student of the Year for duPont Manual High School.

We've heard from Rachel's family on this blog before. Click here to listen to a message we received from mom.

Believe it or not, at one point in her elementary career, Rachel's family was told not to expect Rachel to go to college. After all, some kids just aren't cut out for it. She was also discouraged from taking foreign languages.

Then her mom found Langsford.

We know the three months of work Rachel did with Langsford removed the biggest obstacle standing in her way, which was a lack of phonemic awareness, a vital component in learning to read. But past that, it was Rachel's continued hard work, backed by the support of her mom, that makes her so Outstanding.

Even so, Mom continues to credit our Director, Stephen. She says Stephen's willingness to be available for continued support and advice through the years has been invaluable.

Now Rachel's been accepted to at least 5 colleges and has received some amazing scholarship offers. She plans to major in International Studies.

When Rachel was notified that she could invite two people to attend the awards banquet, she knew immediately who she wanted to be there with her in addition to her mom: Stephen.

Stephen accepted with pleasure and reports that it was a wonderful event showcasing the achievements of 47 local students. (You can read more about the winners here.)

Since attending the banquet, Stephen says he can't help but wonder what the future holds for the students attending Langsford this summer. After all, three months can sometimes make all the difference in the world.

Rachel and her mom at the banquet:



Rachel and Stephen McCrocklin, Langsford's Director:



Rachel and duPont Manual Principal Larry Wooldridge:

Staff Spotlight on Rachel

Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville?

Sacramento, CA. I’ve lived in Louisville 3 years.

My school/work background is:

BA in Biblical Studies – Master’s College in Southern CA; Courthouse intern for several years, school office manager and at Southern Seminary

When I was a child, when I grew up I wanted to be…

A stage actress

People say I…

Am chatty. Of course we all know that’s not true...

In my free time, I…

Play guitar, read, spend time with people, attempt to cook

One of my favorite books of all time would be….

Emma by Jane Austen

One of my hidden talents is…

I can type really fast.

I once won an award for…

Drama performance in high school.

I love and I hate…

I love old movies and I hate being cold!

Why Kids Want to be Able to Spell

Carter is a charismatic kid who will be going into 3rd grade in the fall. He just started sessions this week. While he's been great once he gets here, he's been giving his mom a little bit of a hard time in the mornings about why he has to come.

Today Mom came in and said she thought he wouldn't be avoiding coming any more. Last night they were watching Carter's favorite show, Wheel of Fortune. Carter solved the puzzle before Mom!

She asked, "Carter-how did you figure that out?" He said, "a-u. We've been doing letter combos at Langsford. a and u go together in some words." Then, "Whoa......maybe Langsford will pay off for me after all!"

Our Friends from Colombia

This family came to the US for 2 years to learn English.  Langsford helped Claudia and Santiago break the code of the English language for reading and spelling.   Mom also worked to improve her pronunciation.  

Both made great gains!  Now they are back home in Colombia, where the plan is for Santiago to enroll in an English speaking school where it is required that one parent speak fluent English.  

While at Langsford, Santiago discovered a love for silly books and biographies of interesting people.  Claudia discovered a newfound pride in her English fluency.

A Future Indiana Jones??

Upon completing his quest for a Certificate of Achievement at Langsford Learning Center, Seth prepared for his next adventure by starting the book, King Tut's Mummy.   Seth's "Mummy" must be very proud of her little adventurer!   

Betsy Rocks!

One o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock, Rock! This is Betsy all dressed up and ready to go to a sock hop after her sessions. Her poodle skirt was so cute it made us all want to twist and shout!

But Betsy doesn't just rock at sock hops-we think she rocks in sessions too. Hmmm...Rockin' and Readin'.......sounds like a hit!