Best Practices, Volume IX, 2007

The Links, Inc., Anchorage Chapter and William Tyson Elementary

2007 Star Award Honoree

Table of contents

The Links, Inc. Contact: Thelma Snow-Jackson Phone: 343-4409 563-6403		William Tyson Elementary School Contact: John Kito, 742-8000 SBP Contact: Rhonda Valley Family School Services Coordinator Phone: 742-8000 x2
The Links, Inc. is an international women’s organization structured to promote and engage in educational, civic and intercultural activities. The Links, Inc., Anchorage Chapter, is committed to providing enriching experiences for those who are educationally and culturally disadvantaged. They specifically chose Mountain View area’s William Tyson Elementary for a partnership through the social skills tutor, Thelma Ridges, Vice President of Programs for the Anchorage Chapter. There are four facets emphasized with The Links program and actively in place at Tyson: Services to Youth The Arts National Trends and Services International Trends and Services The Links, Inc. Sponsorships: Scholarships to Museum of History and Arts Summer Camp Scholarships to the Anchorage Theater of Youth Speakers for sixth grade celebrations Refreshments for several school and parent functions Sponsorship of a spelling bee celebration during Black History Month Historical stories and crafts with classes during Black History Month Volunteer readers for classes and small groups Guest speaker/artist for student presentation Speakers on developing good health habits Smithsonian information for students Storytelling assembly Support for Tyson’s sister school in Malawi, Africa		The Links have served Tyson will superb professionalism, and each task is completed with thoroughness – always keeping in mind the deep caring for Tyson students. It appears that they greatly enjoy their work, and their service has had a great, positive impact on students and staff. One staff member writes, “My students were gifted the book our volunteer read to us during Black History Month. They are still talking about that ‘kind woman’ who gave us a book.” Comments from another teacher, “The Links have enabled a student in my art room to attend a summer art class at the Museum of History and Art here in Anchorage. Without such a generous donation from The Links, this student would not have had such an opportunity. Their willingness to help our students has been incredible.” The Links have become an integral part of the William Tyson Elementary Family as they continuously give of themselves. They exemplify the African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. Links member, Paulette Law, reads to Mrs. Holt’s third grade class during Black History Month

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Please note: The information on this page is from the 2007 edition of Best Practices. The people, programs and contact information included were current at the time of publication, but may have since changed.