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Reno, NV (June 7, 2011) - When former Sierra Vista Elementary School Principal Krissy Brown, now at Mount Rose Elementary, sought to find extra assistance for kindergarten students in need of learning English for the first time, Lifestyle Homes Foundation founder Bob Lissner was quick to take action to fund 20 Washoe County schools for the Kinder Amigos program. The program quickly increased student achievement between kindergarten and first grade, provided the translation of materials, equipped classrooms with bilingual aides and gave specialized literacy instruction to young students.
On Wednesday at Anderson Elementary School, the Washoe County School District will express its appreciation for Lissner and the Lifestyle Homes Foundation's generous donation of time and financial support. Lifestyle Homes Foundation has contributed $1.2 million in the past six years to develop Kinder Amigos.
The program began by providing full salaries for 51 part-time aides those who worked in classrooms with high numbers of students who were learning English in addition to the curriculum in 20 schools. Next year, the foundation will support Kinder Amigos in 26 schools to help children who speak Spanish transition into the classroom to learn English, provide instructional materials and needs to teachers and aides and better prepare students for the first grade. It also allows staff to monitor student behavior and engagement while providing more one-on-one support for each child. By providing these services, the amount of time it takes to help kindergarteners who speak another language in the hope to adapt in the classroom has decreased significantly and increased parent participation with school activities.
"This program sponsored by Lifestyle Homes Foundation is a huge success," said Mary Ann Robinson, coordinator for the District's English as a Second Language/World Languages office. "I am very thankful to them for providing the funding for this position. The benefits were seen in student achievement and providing incoming students who have language barriers with a person they are comfortable with and with whom they could communicate."
Kinder Amigos Appreciation Event
When: Wednesday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Anderson Elementary School, 1055 Berrum Lane, Reno
Why: To honor the generosity of Lifestyle Homes founder and Washoe County School District volunteer Bob Lissner for his commitment to the Kinder Amigos program
