A Month Late

We're told to give thanks at Thanksgiving. I mean, it's in the name, so it does make sense. However, I tend to take time to reflect as the year comes to an end. When schools empty, I'm able to take a few moments to think about our 2010 accomplishments. It is during these reflective moments that I become most aware of our need to give thanks. Before the end of the year, I'll use this space to talk about our goals for the future and highlight some 2010 accomplishments. For today, we give thanks:

• During 2010, we have raised over $150,000 from over 200 wonderful supporters.
• We currently have the wonderful honor of serving 45 students at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School.
• We are in the financial position to explore expansion opportunities for the fall of 2011. Additionally, we have been named an approved after-school provider, so we have the flexibility to explore opportunities in both public and public charter schools within the District of Columbia.
• When we ask our tutors about their best Reach moment, we get to read this: "My best Reach moment was when I got to give [my student] her books [from Books For Break]...it made me feel like our bond grew stronger. I felt connected to her. When she looked me in my eye and said thank you, I felt different...like she was happy and that made me happy."
• A few Wednesdays ago, while leaving Hyde Leadership, we got to hear Bilal say, "Mr. Mark, I'm excited 'cause tomorrow we have tutoring!"

More than anything, we can be thankful that we're going to get bigger and stronger and better. This is only the beginning.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark