“I’m proud of…”Abigail Horsager
Urban Ventures
Volunteer OrientationSuccess: Increased Retention Increase Engagement Clear Expectations Numbers Speak
29 Volunteers Recruited
19 Volunteers Trained 10 Volunteers
Managed
Areas to Improve: Conversation Break up
presentation Tour Paperwork
Anecdotes Reporting
Successes
2013-2014 Orientation
The Learning Lab
Learning Lab, is a year-round, academic
enrichment program for
students in first through twelfth
grades.
Who are our students?
Our students, are from the Central
and Phillips Neighborhoods
of South Minneapolis.
They come from families living in
poverty.
Types of PovertyEconomic Poverty 31% of residents living within a one mile circumference of our campus,
live at or below the federal poverty level.
91% of our students qualify for the free or reduced lunch programs.
Academic Poverty 34% of the youth in our neighborhood will graduate from high school.
Parental Poverty 50% of our students live in homes headed by a single parent.
Spiritual Poverty A lack of economic, academic, and parental resources leave students searching for belonging and hope for the future.
Why does the Learning Lab Exist?
Our purpose is to provide a safe environment for students to get the help they need to excel in school.
Performance Levels from 2011-2012• On average, Elementary Students are:
• 1 or more grade level behind in reading• 1 or more levels behind in math
• On average, Middle School Students are:• 2 grade levels behind in reading• 2 grade levels behind in math
• On average, High School Students have:• 34% graduation rate
Our goal is to help students do better in school:1 – academically2 - through character development
Learning Lab StaffLicensed Teachers: Every teacher is an accredited professional
Tutors – We have volunteers ranging from high school and college students, to working professionals and retirees. We focus on retaining tutors to build continuity for each student.
Ms. Felecia
Mr. Michael
Mr. PeteMs. Joni
Ms. Elissa Ms. Ryane
How do we connect with the public schools?
School VisitsOur teachers visit schools throughout the week to build relationships with teachers and to help individual students.
Report Cards Working collaboratively with school teachers, we are able to get a clearer picture of each student. Report cards are collected at the end of each quarter and semester.
Parent Teacher ConferencesWe meet with students, parents, and teacher to establish learning goals and plans for support.
Student PortalWe utilize the Minneapolis Public Schools Data Portal to monitor real time attendance, grades and test scores of our students.
What does a day look like?
Transition Time (Gym Time and Nutritious
Meal)
Homework and Academic Enrichment
Workshops
Fridays – Experiential Learning
Elementary Lab Students are able to earn points throughout the week based on their behavior and choices. These points earn them a chance to shop at our healthy snacks store supported by Incentive Services.
Electives – skill-
based classes
Learning Lab Store
Learning Lab Procedures & Rules
• No outside food, candy or gum allowed• Personal technology is not allowed in the Lab• No running or yelling• Bathroom and water fountain only during transition
time• Not during small group• Only one student at a time
• Students need to follow the volunteer and be behind them as they enter into a room, onto the 2nd floor or go to and from the garage
• Interact appropriately with kids• No sitting on your lap or riding on your shoulders
• Dress is casual and comfortable• English is to be spoken in the Lab
Behavior Management at the Lab
Minor Infractions – Interrupting, being disrespectful, misusing supplies, etc.Break One Break Two Break Three• Break away from
group• Student decides when
they are ready to re-enter
• Break away from group
• Staff decides when student is ready to re-enter
• Break away from group
• Reflection form• Meeting with director
Major Infractions – Bullying, verbal aggression, fighting, leaving the facility, etc.Incident Report Suspension Behavior Contract Mandated
Reporting• Incident report
is completed• Director is
immediately informed of incident
• Student is removed from Lab for the amount of time decided by Director.
• Guardians are contacted
• Student, Parents, and Staff make a plan to improve behavior.
Learning Lab Expectations Work Hard –
Come prepared with homework Have a willing and cooperative attitude Listen to and follow instructions
Be Kind – Use kind words Be kind to peers, volunteers, and staff Take care of the Lab space and materials
Attendance - Arrive by 3pm Attend a minimum of 3 days a week If you miss school you cannot attend Lab that day You must participate in order to attend field trips
The Hub StaffYouth Workers: Mentor 6-12th graders
Tutors – We have volunteers ranging from high school and college students, to working professionals and retirees. We focus on retaining tutors to build continuity for each student.
Ms. Shanna
Mr. Marquise
Ms. AbbyMr. Collin
Mr. Eric Ms. Jessica
Ms. Amy
Mr. Gary
High School Hub Lab
Location: The Hub - 3016 4th Ave. S. Mpls, 55408
Students: 9th – 12th gradersWhen: Monday – Thursday, 3pm – 5pm
Wednesday, additional hour from 6 – 7pm
Homework Help sessions in the HS Hub Lab are a resource for students to use for completing homework, studying, or other academic activities (such as typing, reading, college & career research).
High School Hub Lab - Resources
Additional Lab Resources• Tutoring Support & Homework Help• Additional Individual Tutoring by appointment• MCA Test Prep• Graduation Counseling & Credit Recovery Support• ACT / SAT Prep Courses and Resources
Additional Hub Resources• Mentoring• Boys and Girls Support Group• Evening Programming• Summer Programming
Others who have helped make a difference!
Thank you for your time!
“In my classroom, I can really see how much the Learning Lab kids have grown this year!6th Grade Teacher, Minneapolis Public Schools
Current Volunteer Needs
LL Volunteer Needs **Unless noted, times are 2:30 - 5:30pm**
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Felecia (1st - 2nd) 1 1 (for bible) Reading (4:15 - 5:30) 0 None
Michael (3rd-4th) None None1 or 2 (Need 2:30 - 3:45 BEFORE gym) None None
Elissa (5th-6th) None1 (2:20 - 4:20 only) 0 None None
Ryane (7th-8th) None None 1 None None
Special Classes None None1 for Art Classes with Tara (3-5:30pm) None None
HS Homework Help 1 or 2 (3:30 - 5) None None 1 or 2 (3:30 - 5) None
• K-8 Learning Lab• 2:30 – 5:30 pm• Located at Colin Powell Center
• Hub Lab• 3:30 – 5:00 during homework help daily• By schedule with student (evening hours)