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Below are some of the comments we've received from educators throughout the country after attending a Masonic Model program:
IL - "Send EVERYONE to this training!"
CA - "Thank you for providing this opportunity. This model needs to be in every school. Please keep getting the word out."
OR - "Thank you for sharing in the truth, the vision, the statement, the goal that all children are worthy to be helped and loved."
OR - "Thank you for putting your energy and money where it will really help kids."
OH - "Thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality - what a wonderful commitment you are making to the future of Ohio's schools."
CA - "I am very grateful and in awe to know that your fraternity is such an advocate for improving public education."
NC - "28 years in education and this is the best training yet. Not only the training, but the chance to share with all the others."
MI - "I'd like to say thanks for making a difference in many at-risk children's lives. You have definitely made a commitment to making the world a better place."
ND - "What a gift you have given us."
AZ - "You are awesome - thank you - a great gift to educators."
CA - "Thank you for investing your time, facilities, and monies to the future of our world in our youth. I'm proud to say my dad was a Mason!"
NC - "The service that you render to mankind is much needed, heartfelt, and deeply appreciated."
Letter received from a Speech-Language Pathologist in CA:
While the political and media arena focus their attention on test scores and the achievement gaps between various ethnic groups and special education students, I want to thank the California Masonic Foundation and especially the Masonic Naval Lodge of Vallejo for the Masonic Student Assistance Program (MSAP) training workshop that 120 participants, including myself, attended in Vallejo on Aug. 15-17 (of 2005).
The purpose of this intensive, three-day training was for educators to learn how to identify, intervene with, and create appropriate referrals for students who may be at risk for substance abuse, depression, suicide or violence. This workshop trained core teams from elementary, middle and high schools within Solano County. The trainers, Larry Newman and Joe Brancoccio, from Newman/Stecher International, brought their expertise to share as we explored various issues including bullying, suicide, depression, communication skills, life skills, enabling, and the student assistance core team process.
My school principal, MaBella Gonzales, from Elsa Widenmann Elementary, invited parents, yard supervisors, our school psychologist, one of our teacher leaders, and myself, the speech-language pathologist, to attend the workshop with her. We found the information useful not only in meeting the challenges of our at-risk students as we begin the new academic year, but applicable in our own lives and our interactions with our families and friends. We left the workshop realizing we will have plenty of work to do, yet secure in knowing we have tools for developing and implementing action plans that will address the academic, behavior, health, and/or attendance issues that impact the students' performance within the educational setting.
Our emphasis cannot only be on the test scores and the achievement gap. As Mr. Newman stated, research from casel.org shows social and emotional learning preceding academic learning.
I, along with my school site members, would like to thank Ellen Coll, the Masons, the Eastern Star volunteers, and the trainers who were involved with sponsoring this free workshop in Vallejo. I appreciate how the Masons value us educators and their dedication to helping children through their numerous organizations. If any other school personnel are interested in attending future MSAP workshops, please contact the California Masonic Foundation. Its Web site is http://www.californiamasons.org.
Letter received from a Superintendent in NJ:
The Intervention Referral Service Teams from the Elmer Borough and the Down Township School Districts, including myself, recently returned to our school districts invigorated, enthused and recharged professionally. Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn about the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program. The information was without questions, user friendly, up to date and designed for easy adaptability in our school districts. The best part however was the professional, enthusiastic manner that all of us were included and involved throughout these three days. We love our jobs and take our responsibilities seriously. Thanks to you insight in funding this valuable program, we now have the process, the information, the skills, the forms and the knowledge to help our students in greatest need.
Both of our school districts - Elmer and Downe - are fortunate to have "found out" about this opportunity. I will share my experience with all the public school Superintendents in both Salem and Cumberland Counties. I believe every school district would benefit from learning about the Masonic Model.
Once again, thank you for your support, your dedicated interest in children and your recognition of the needs of our school districts.
Letter from a Principal in CA:
A little more than six years ago our first team attended an MMSAP training in Covina, CA. .Our students represent six racial and ethnic groups and more than eight language groups. And while our students' academic performance was nearing the average range, we were, six years ago, deeply concerned about student behavior and attendance.
During the 1996-97 school year we made 134 suspensions for a total of 177 days. Our average attendance was below 94%. This was a typical year for us. In the fall of 1996 we sent our first team to Covina. The team returned excited and fired with enthusiasm to make a difference with our neediest students. And while it took us almost another year and a half to become a functioning, effective, cohesive team, that first training began a transformation that continues today.
We returned to Covina in 1998 with a team that included many of the first members and a number of additional staff. Back at school after that second training, things seemed to 'gel' for us. Our meetings became more productive. We met more consistently. We were able to work with more students and their teachers and parents. We found ourselves developing preventions as well as interventions. And for that year we had only 52 suspensions for a total of 68 days! Our average attendance also began to improve to 95%+.
Since that watershed year our team has continued to grow both in numbers and in effectiveness. .Last year we had just 17 suspensions for a total of 21 days. Our average attendance reached almost 97% - one of the highest in our district. There is no question for us that our school is a significantly better place to be for kids. And the Masonic Model training is a huge factor in that improvement.
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