GEAR UP Success Stories

By: A Science Tutor

To Whom It May Concern:

GEAR UP tutoring sessions have allowed me to provide much needed reinforcement of the science concepts being taught by all the science teachers at East Fairmont Junior High School. My “tutorees” have been able to utilize the science textbook series website to participate in on-line Internet activities and self-quizzes for the chapter currently being studied in their science class. This allows them to focus on the areas identified by the self-quiz needing more attention prior to their classroom evaluation.

We also work on organizational skills related to their science class. I have given out many three ring binders and tabbed dividers in an effort to help organize their science materials into one notebook form. This makes it easier for the students to review for a test when everything is in its place.

I feel that my tutoring sessions offer students not only the opportunity to finish science homework assignments, it also provides them with one-to-one attention which has made a remarkable difference in many of their report card grades. It makes me feel really good when they bring in their report cards and say “See! Look how I brought my science grade up!” This is proof that our program is working and benefiting our students.

Sincerely,
Dixie Redmond
Science Tutor, Grades 7-8
East Fairmont Junior High

By: Mrs. Shaffer, EFJHS

To Whom It May Concern:

     GEAR UP tutoring has enabled me to give reinforcement to the English Grammar skills, reading comprehension skill, spelling and vocabulary work, and writing skills that are being taught by the English / Language Arts teachers in our building. I have helped prepare students for tests, helped students study their spelling words, and quizzed them on spelling words.
     I try to encourage the students to make sure they have their assignments that are needed for class. I have given out notebooks and subject dividers to helps students with organization. Having their materials organized helps students to review for their tests.
     My tutoring sessions offer students not only the time to complete class assignments, but also provides time for one-on-one instruction for problem areas in the English / Language Arts area of study.

By: An East Fairmont Junior High Student

To Whom It May Concern:

Everyday after school I go to Mrs. Redmond’s room for tutoring. She is labeled as a science tutorer, but I came down to her for other things and she helps us to complete all of our assignments. I believe I am doing better in my classes since I have been coming to tutoring.

By: a Student from EFJHS

When I go to Mrs. Redmond for tutoring, she helps me a lot. She helps me with any work that I have. I probably wouldn’t have done some of the work without tutoring. Some of my grades have been brought up because of tutoring. I’m glad we have tutoring.

Sincerely,

By: an EFJHS Student

To Whom It May Concern:

I like going to Mrs. Redmond’s tutoring class because she will help us with our work. I am more organized because she gave me a notebook and dividers. My science teacher makes us keep a notebook. We get to review on the computer. I like using the computer. Mrs. Redmond is a good teacher.

Thank you.

By: A Parent

Mrs. Arcure,

Thanks so much for helping me to get him (Joshua) to succeed. I welcome all the help and suggestions from you. I will continue to pick up missed work at the school every Friday afternoon. If you could please add to that list any big upcoming homework assignments or tests and the dates that they are due.

Thanks so much.

By: A GEAR UP Tutor

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a tutor that is instructing a tutoring session at East Fairmont Junior High School in math. This experience of tutoring is helping me aspire to do better in my own schooling by working harder at doing my work more efficiently and correctly.

The 7th graders sometime have trouble figuring out the math problems that arise in their classes. So I help them and they figure out their own problems so they understand them and can do very well on their tests and graduate with very high honors.

Sincerely,

By: A GEAR UP Tutor

Dear GEAR UP,

I have now been involved with GEAR UP tutoring now for about two months. I am helping out with the math tutoring. I think the kids I have helped have gotten a lot out of what we are doing.

Kids need a place to go because if they have nowhere to go then they won’t always ask for help. Since tutoring is after school they can ask their GEAR UP teacher or one of the tutors for help.

It is really a good thing for these kids to have, and it is good for me also. I am going to be going to Fairmont State College next year to study to become a math teacher. I totally love math and this is a good experience for me. I have greatly appreciated all that I have gotten out of this. Not only has it helped me, but it has helped the kids out a lot.

Thank-you for your time and this program.

By: Amy D., Tucker County High School

GEAR UP means encouragement to succeed and lots of opportunities. Opportunities to see places that you wouldn't get to see otherwise. It gives me more chance for success in what I want to do.

I think that it encourages kids to stay out of trouble so that they can pursue their dreams. It gives kids a place to hang out in a positive environment and helps them improve social skills. It means that lives could be changed because they know someone cares. GEAR UP makes it possible for kids like me to have help in subjects that are tougher for us. It also helps people who are in sports to keep their grades up so thay an stay on the team; that's really important to them.

In just the time that I have been in GEAR UP, I have seen things that I wouldn't have otherwise. Things like Ford's Theater, the cosmetology school, and the Tempest.
Just being in Ford's Theater - it's so old, President Lincoln and so many famous people were there, so much history - was exciting. I want to be able to go and see more places like that.

After seeing the cosmetology school, I'm excited and have a good idea about what I want to do. It was great fun, and I think I'd like to pursue being a cosmetologist. And I'm sure I don't want to work with computers!

The Tempest was cool. I think we should see more plays. You get to see people doing what they love to do. Maybe it will give us courage to stand up and talk in front of people. It amazed me that the cast could keep a straight face when the audience laughed - especially Trinculo who was really funny.

GEAR UP is great. Opportunities are great. Dreams are great. Success could be lots of fun.

By: Jordan R.

For the past few years I've attended GEAR UP. I've scarcely missed a day (both for morning or afternoon sections), and even if I don't chiefly know what I find so compelling about it, here are a few reasons why I continue to attend.

First, several distractions occur at home on a regular basis and buying out an opportune time to get some homework done is often a challenge, but GEAR UP's morning tutoring section allows me to work within a quiet environment while receiving help with every step along the way, which Mrs. Weaver and Ms. Hosea are excellent at doing.

Secondly, the gym room is an awfully loud place to have to wake up to in the morning, but with GEAR UP four days a week, I can relax just before I start my classes; however, you need to stay busy, so having homework to look over is good to have.

Third, as far as the Thursday after school activities go, no homework is done, however, Mrs. Iaquinta and Mrs. Jabbour get together and plan activities which take a long time to prepare.
Over my time at GEAR UP, we've had motivational speakers, games, and snacks, as well as trips to local historical sites. Altogether, being only a hour and a half long, attending GEAR UP's after school sessions once a week on Thursdays doesn't seem so bad at all. You can also receive extra credit in several of your harder classes.

By: Kayla M.

Would you like to make better grades and be more responsible? Attending Gear Up can help you make this a reality. I’ve always been a straight A student, but this year math gave me some difficulty. Going to Gear Up’s tutoring program helped me bring up my grade, as well as make me really understand what I was learning.

For example, I’ve realized that college isn’t nearly as far away as it seems, and Gear Up helps students prepare to go to college. In this part of West Virginia, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to be exposed to the fine arts, which is an area I’m interested in. Gear Up has allowed me to attend musical and theatrical performances. I’m very happy to be a part of the Gear Up program.

As I said earlier, Gear Up has exposed me to many wonderful performances and inspiring speakers. Many of these speakers and artists live in this area, which gives hope to a lot of students in West Virginia. Generally, West Virginians are stereotyped as being stupid and Gear Up shows students how false that reality is.

The Gear Up program helps students realize that if they try their best and really want to, they can achieve their goals and go to college. At Gear Up, students learn about different careers that they may want to pursue in the future. One of Gear Up’s many benefits is helping you find and attain a goal.

In conclusion, Gear Up helps many students every day to do better in school, be more responsible, and decide what they want to do with their lives. So if you think college is in your future, Gear Up, get ready, go to college!

By: Kathryn W.,

Would you like to see really good presentations, bring up your grades, and have fun all at the same time? Well, if you would come to Gear Up, there are many things to offer.

Gear Up has helped me as a student and as a person.One reason is it has helped me to plan my life. For example, I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I got into Gear Up. Gear Up helped me figure out that I want to be a teacher. The second reason is it helped me keep my grades up. The third reason is Gear Up has helped me be more responsible. For instance, I would go home and sit down to watch television. Now, I go home and do homework and I don’t watch television until I’m finished. That is how Gear Up has helped me be a better student.

There are many Gear Up activities that I have attended. They have had very good presentations so far. One time, an actor who portrayed Harriet Tubman came to our school and shared with us how Harriet Tubman lived, how she grew and what happened to her. Another time, we went to Fairmont State College to see “The Griffin and The Minor Canon”. Those are just some of the Gear Up activities I have attended.

Gear Up has made me understand that I should go to college after high school. For instance in order to become a teacher, I have to go to college for a teaching degree. The second reason is I think going to college is very important because you don’t learn things in high school that you do in college. I think everyone should go to college.

In conclusion, I think everyone should go to Gear Up. It has helped me decide what I want to do, it has helped me to be more responsible and has made me understand that I really need to go to college. Gear Up is also fun because we do worksheets that help us. Gear Up is very educational for me.

 By: Samantha P.

Gear Up signifies Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. This program was started in 2000 in order to promote furthering one’s education after high school. It is for students in grades 7-9 and has improved our academic scores a great deal.

I am so glad I’m in Gear Up this year. I have really enjoyed it. I have spent more time with my friends while learning about careers I might be interested in taking when I’m older. Mrs. Willard and Ms. Lake have both helped me with my math skills. Mrs. Tiano and Mrs. Hoffman always have fun activities for us. The people who help with Gear Up are always there and willing to help us with our homework or something new we just learned. I am much more confident in myself and willing to strive hard for my goals.

I know now more that ever how important a college degree is. I am willing to spend the four plus years in college in order to have a successful career. I want to have a skillful job, and now I know I can achieve that.

Gear Up has so many things to offer such as presentations about Harriet Tubman, Roger Jerome theatrical presentations and much much more. We also got to tour FSC! I myself learned a great deal about computers through Techies this year. I got to see a real ChinChilla from Eastern Pet Supply, he was so quiet. I probably would have never experienced any of this if it weren’t for Gear Up.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Fairmont State College for sponsoring this organization and providing hands on activities that have encouraged me in making decisions about college.

By: Jennifer H., Tucker County High School 

What are you doing right now? Are you sitting at home, bored and tired of playing solitaire on your computer? Well why don't you grab your things and come on over to the GEAR UP Homework Hangout! You could study with your friends, get help from the teachers and tutors, go on field trips, or even start planning for college. Over the last three years kids have been coming to GEAR UP every night so that they could finish their homework with help from the teachers and tutors. Instead of failing, many have passed with flying colors and still had time to go home and hang with their friends. They have also worked on special GEAR UP projects and earned prizes in the process. Students have been on trips to Washington D.C. to see the Smithsonian. They went to plays, musical performances, and even a science day in Kennywood. We went on historical trips to places like the Cumberland Railroad and the New River Gorge Bridge. There are trips to suit everyone's interests and then some. Now you may think that it is way to early to be thinking about college, but actually it is only a hop> skip, and a jump away. You can start learning your interest now through GEAR UP so that you can find the perfect job to fit your personality. You really don't want to be stuck in a low paying job that you hate, do you? Well GEAR UP can help you find college web-sites, contact Universities, and read different books that have to do with the career of your choice. Now that is why GEAR UP is one of the best programs in America to join! So what are you doing now and with your future?

By: Heather W., Tucker Valley Middle School

GEAR UP has meant a lot to me. It has helped me be successful and gave me hope. It made me proud to know that we have teachers who care about our future, and takes their time to help us prepare for college. When I first heard about GEAR UP, I thought it would be boring. My first time there was amazing. They taught me so much. For example, they taught me a little about computers, how to do research, and it helped me with my grades. Through out the first month my grades went from a C to a B then from a B to an A. I was so happy because this meant I could stay on the cheerleading team. Gear Up has given me many opportunities, such as a computer scholarship, and many different awards for having one of the top ten highest scores in my grade. If it wasn't for Gear Up I would not be as successful as I am today. Gear Up has offered a lot to many of the students. They also take the time to teach us about college. If it weren't for them I would not know as much about college and what it is going to be like if it wasn't for the teachers and tutors teaching us. Being a part of Gear Up has made me a better person. Some people wander how it has made me a better person, and I will tell them this, "It has made me a better person because it has built my self confidence. It has also taught me that you can do anything if you would put your mind into it and work for it, anything can happen. When I go up to the high school where the work gets harder, I know that I will do well because I have Gear Up to turn to for help. I would like to say that Gear Up is a great program to attend and I really enjoy being part of it.

By:  Lydia M.,  Davis Thomas Middle School

When I first entered the GEAR UP Program in the seventh grade, I was excited that I could participate in such a program. As I attended Homework Hangout and other activities, I gained more awareness of what GEAR UP really means to me. At the Homework Hangouts I have done all kinds of things to enhance my academic skills. The tutors are ready to assist me with homework. It provides activities that are both educational and fun. Not to mention the snacks they provide. I think the organizers, tutors, and volunteers who put their time in this do and excellent job. I have gone to most Homework Hangouts and in my opinion the activities were fun and interesting. Last year we did a T-shirt and poster design contest. A winner received a $50 gift certificate and the other winner got a CD player. I have done numerous art projects, which I liked because it is one of my hobbies. For those that are basketball players, they are allowed to play it after our activities are through. Plus GEAR UP sponsors a contest where participants write about why they need a computer and what GEAR UP has done for them. Even though I didn't win this contest, I think it is a great way to provide kids and their families with computers who never owned one. Another thing GEAR UP has given me are the out of school activities. I have gone on most GEAR UP trips including those to Kennywood, Potomac State College, and the StarDome at TVEMS. I have also attended a GEAR UP funded camp called the Girls Mean Business Camp. Without GEAR UP funding I wouldn't have been able to go. I would definitely have to say GEAR UP is the best program I've taken part in while I have been in middle school at Davis-Thomas.

December 2002-Taylor County Middle School 

I wanted to write to you and share some of our Gear Up success stories here at TCMS.  This past summer, we offered middle school summer school here for the first time.  It was open to 7th and 8th graders in danger of retention.  We offered reading and math and our 21st Century grant kicked in the cost of bussing them so that transportation issues would not be a deterrent to attending.  We had fifteen students who attended, with the result that no eighth graders were retained and the seventh grade retentions were cut by almost 50%!

It’s definitely on our calendar for this summer.   During college visits last year, one of our severely at-risk students, a child who never paid attention or showed any interest in anything other than how to get kicked out of class, was absolutely enthralled with the college experience.  Not only was he well-behaved but his comment was, “Wow, I want to go here.”  Any spark of interest from this child was an improvement.  I checked his progress today and was told that he’s “a different child” and that he has “been no trouble.”  Apparently he has a goal now, a focus.

One of our enrichments last year was Christmas caroling at the local hospital and nursing home.  It was very heart-warming to see these kids practicing the songs and being so excited to go do this.  It was very well-attended (we ran out of seats on the bus) and much-appreciated.  Following up on this idea this year, the Gear Up tutor coordinator organized a Community Service Enrichment.  Again, this is in conjunction with 21st Century so that the program may be offered to our 5th and 6th graders too.  They are working on Thanksgiving projects and Christmas projects for the local nursing homes.  It is wonderful that these children are learning the importance and the satisfaction of being able to give something back.

Our tutoring program gets bigger every year.   I would estimate that we have at least 20 kids stay each evening just for tutoring, not enrichment activities.   With all the activities together, some nights there are more than 60 kids who stay.   Gear Up offers these children services they need and a safe place to get them.   This is a success story beyond measure!  

Sincerely, 

Tracy Duncan
Gear Up Site Coordinator(& Gear Up Parent)

April 2001-Philippi Middle School 

Since I started tutoring for GEAR UP, I have tutored many students. Four of these students have come to just about every tutoring session. Two of the students needed help in Math and the other two I helped with several subjects.

The Math students seemed to take up most of my time. I really did not mind that, because I wanted to make sure they understood everything. I tutored the others in Spelling, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Sometimes I would even give practice -spelling tests. I would pronounce the words phonetically and this seemed to help the students. 

Eventually, my student’s grades were improving. They were doing well on tests and were getting their homework completed and checked. By the end of the nine-weeks I saw a great improvement. Two students brought up D’s to A’s in math and another went from having a C to a B.

I have received positive feedback from both students and parents. A few students have said they wished I could tutor all week. One parent even said that tutoring is her children’s favorite part of the day. She also expressed how happy she was to hear that her children’s grades were improving. I am glad that I have been able to help these students and I hope I can continue to help them.

Andrea Schoonover
Philippi Middle School
After School Tutor Teacher
Barbour County Schools<

February 2001-Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School 

I would like to e-mail my classroom activities which are in line with the Gear Up goals.  Ever since the very first week of school, all my seventh and eighth grade classes have engaged in academic rigor.   My classes use the Accelerated Math Computer Program four days every week.  This program allows students to engage in computer activities which deal with the IGO's for that grade.  Students receive teaching and re-teaching by the teacher, peer tutoring, group involvement, and may come in for additional help during their 3rd period study hall.

This program is very valuable because students essentially work at their own pace to learn objectives that they did not master in past grades and objectives that they need to master in their present grade.  As a direct result of this program, practically all of my students now feel better about learning math:  they see it as "doable" whereas many of them felt they could not learn math before.

I feel students with good self-esteem in the area of mathematics will do better academically in high school and in college.   Therefore, I can honestly say that GEAR UP goals were supported in my classroom more than 90% of the time from November 15, 2000 through  February 15, 2001.

Thank You!
Cathy Hebb
Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School
Tucker County

January 2001 - WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dear GEAR UP,

I know the people involved with GEAR UP don't usually remember the students they've come in contact with, but we definitely remember you. You have opened so many doors for us and we really appreciate it. I never actually thought much about my future  after high school, but you've made me realize that it's so much closer than it really seems.  I was also a winner of one of the computers you gave away last year. I just want to tell you that it has made a huge difference in my educational studies. I have been able to gather information that I would have had to go to the public library to get. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me.

The GEAR UP program somehow started the very year I began the 7th grade.  So I'm one of the lucky students who gets to benefit from it throughout my education. Basically I just wanted to let you know that what you're doing is a wonderful thing, and I, along with many other students, are glad you've taken on the responsibility to carry it through.      

December 2000 - CLAY-BATTELLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

GEAR UP at Clay-Battelle Middle/High School had a very successful start. Although we did not get the program underway until late February, we did plan and enjoy several projects. The students truly benefited from all the program had to offer. A goal we had for our program was to introduce students to the possibilities of success and the variety of ways to achieve success in planning for their futures.

The most successful outcome of the first year was the computer scholarships that were awarded in May. Two computer scholarships were awarded at our school. Both recipients were very deserving. Travis Watson and Donna Toothman are conscientious students. They worked hard and enjoy learning. Although they are both students who strive to do their best, and will use their new computer and Internet service to continue their quest for knowledge, one computer will most likely get more use than the other.

Donna Toothman, one of the winners, comes from a large hardworking family. There are currently four Toothman children attending our school. They range in age from senior to seventh grade. They are all students who are deserving of the award. They strive for good grades and work hard to overcome their challenges. As technology becomes an integral part of schooling, these students will be able to keep the pace the might not have been able to do without the scholarship.

Another success we had with our GEAR UP program was our banquet. We had a wonderful turnout! We invited 62 seventh graders and their parents, as well as those students in the sixth grade at our feeder Elementary school. We had a turnout of 175 people.

This was the largest turn out for a parent activity at our school. It was a wonderful evening attended by our County Superintendent and his family, as well as many representatives from Fairmont State College. Parents were able to ask questions of the college staff, and learn more about our school GEAR UP PROGRAM. We awarded prizes to our poster contest winners and mingled with parents. It was an ideal opportunity to interact with parents in a very positive way. Everyone went away with a feeling of partnership.

Our final success of the school year would be our CARNIVAL OF LEARNING. We gathered parents and students alike on one of the final Saturday's prior to the start of school for an informational/educational day of fun. The turnout was fair. We lined up a variety of guest speakers on a wide range of topics. Fairmont State College sent a speaker on college life, and financial aid. A guidance counselor from the Monongalia County Technical Center was on hand to discuss the offerings at her school, and the importance of furthering education no matter what your path.

In addition to guest speakers, we planned hands on activities for parents and students. They were provided with handouts and materials they could take home and use. There was also an introduction to computers. It was a very hands on computer activity period held in our computer lab. Parents were able to use the internet, and skills bank programs that were used as the backbone of our tutoring program in preparation for the SAT 9 test. For many parents this was the only experience they'd had with a computer. The parent feedback was overwhelming.

In addition to the guest speakers for students, there were games and prizes. A college fair and scavenger hunt was organized for all to attend. Colleges From across the United States were represented with posters and information they provided. It seemed to really get our students focusing on their futures, as well as opening their eyes to just how much in available to them. This was a goal of our program. Our school is a small rural school housing grades seventh through twelve. Often our students are not familiar with all the options they have. They seem to have a narrow sense if what is possible. We aimed to inform them up to ideas our small rural area and West Virginia and get them thinking globally.