Tutoring Success Stories | Sylvan Learning of Flint, MI

Off to a great start!

"Travis is off to a great start. His teachers have already commented on his strong desire and positive attitude. He is confident and proud. Thanks for helping him gain the skills he needed for this to happen.

Diane L."

- Diane L.

2-4-2010

"2-4-2010

Hello Gary,

It’s Janice from Cincinnati. I just wanted to say thanks for all the help that Sylvan has provided my niece Courtney with. Her math grades continue to get better as the year progresses which is the exact opposite of last year. She has such a positive attitude towards math it’s wonderful to talk to her about it now. Please tell all her teachers that we appreciate the awesome job that they have done with Courtney.

Janice C."

- Janice C.

Math

"“Math”

I love math and it is my favorite subject now. Math is so easy sometimes. It is fun too. I go to the Sylvan Learning Center. Math is a great subject plus it is the best subject. The Sylvan Learning Center can help you if you need the extra help.

Missy."

- Missy

6-1-2009

"6-1-2009

Dear Sylvan Friends,

Today is bittersweet, on the one hand it is Raye-Lynn’s last day of tutoring and on the other hand, it is Raye-Lynn’s last day of tutoring! Raye-Lynn came to Sylvan a little over a year ago with a severe deficit in her math skills. At that time, I wasn’t sure how long the tutoring would last because she was famous for starting things, but never finishing.

When her father passed away eight years ago, Raye-Lynn withdrew totally from everything and everyone. It took her a long time to show an interest in getting an education.

You all made her feel welcome and want to come back, even coming all summer! You helped her with things she needed to know to pass the Math GED, which she did pass in April. You made sure she had homework, which she wanted.

Then came the terrific news that she had progressed 7 levels form where she started! I know she gets a lot of the credit, but everyone who has worked with her at Sylvan also gets my heartfelt “THANKS” for all of the work you did with her. Just a couple of years ago I didn’t think she would ever get to where she is today.

I will definitely refer other students to your center as everyone on your staff has been friendly, caring, professional, and very knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Thanks again!

Mrs. Rebecca M."

- Mrs. Rebecca M.

Just can’t thank you enough!

"To everyone at Sylvan,

We would like to say thank you for everything you have done for Melissa to make her a better student. Homework seems to get done faster and the report card doesn’t say missing work. Reading seems to go better she understands what she is reading. And this summer she won’t be going to summer school, first time since she’s been in high school.

So thanks again for everything. We really appreciate it.

Just can’t thank you enough!

Thanks,

Steve & Carla O."

- Steve & Carla O.

3-18-2009

"3-18-2009

Ode to Sylvan – A Letter of Gratitude

My son is supposed to turn off his television at 8:45 p.m. sharp. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Now, here it is after 9:00 and much to my chagrin, I can still hear him in his room laughing and snickering. I mean this kid is in stitches so I decided to go see exactly what he was up to.

As I approached his room, I am prepared to give him one of my best mothering diatribes. When I cross the threshold of his room, I am stunned at what I see. The television screen I stark black! As I slowly turn my head to look at my son I notice that he has something in his hand. I know what the object is, but I just can’t bring myself to believe what I’m seeing. So, not trusting my own eyes, I ask my son, “Martece, what is sooooo funny?” “Oh Mom,” he manages to stammer out while still laughing uncontrollably; “It’s my book!”

I lean against the side of the bed so as not to pass out from the shock of it all. My son, Martece reading and enjoying a book! I just knew he was watching Sponge Bob engaging in shenanigans with Patrick, Squidworth and the rest of the gang in the sea. Or perhaps Chowder, another cartoon of sheer silliness that appeals to little boys of age eight. But reading a book? Well, as the saying goes, you could have bought me for a plug nickel!

Before leaving, I repack all of the bravado I had intended to unleash and gently reminded Martece that he had ten more minutes before lights out. “O.K. Mom,” he says, firm hands still grasping his book. I leave my son’s room, not totally recovered from the shock of it all and in a state of mind that could probably best be described as pure euphoria.

As a first and second grader, both of my son’s teachers wanted to retain him. As an educator myself, I couldn’t see the benefit of that recommendation. So, instead, my husband and I enrolled Martece at the Sylvan Learning Center in Flint Township. Under the guidance of Jennifer, Gary, Cory, and the dynamic tutors who work there – Martece went…

From: The dejected child with his head hung low
To: Hey look at me now, I’m smart and I know it!

Martece is now an all “A” student after only a year of tutoring, two days a week. He is happy, confident, and I have Sylvan to thank for it. So to you Sylvan, you have my deepest gratitude for taking my son from blah to wow and opening doors for him I couldn’t conceive being available to him a year ago.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Wanda B. (Proud Mom of Martece B.)"

- Mrs. Wanda B.

Grateful

"Dear Connie,

As I write to you, Jenny is sitting next to me reading for pleasure. Reading is now something she chooses to do almost everyday. We know that had it not been for Sylvan and your dedication to helping Jenny succeed, this would not be so! Words cannot express our gratitude. We pray that God will bless you, as you continue to make such a difference in the lives of children.

Gratefully yours,

Dan & Sandy W."

- Dan & Sandy W.

4-10-2008

"4-10-2008

A thank-you to Judy for her expertise in helping Eddie. Sylvan has a very good learning environment. There was never a time that Eddie did not want to go for his tutoring. He brought his reading grade up the last semester and made the honor roll. Thank you again Judy, and all the staff at Sylvan!

Susan M. B."

- Susan M. B.

9-23-2008

"9-23-2008

My daughter Jessica has been a student of the Sylvan Learning Center for approximately three years. When she first came to the Sylvan Learning Center, she was not quite a year behind grade level and refused to read any words. She really struggled to read and comprehend even a road sign. About two weeks ago we went to a local book store and I encouraged her to pick out a book. She chose a volume book with four stories in it. Although reluctant to purchase yet another book to sit on a shelf, I went ahead and bought it. She started reading in daily. On one of our trips to the Sylvan Learning Center I asked her about the stories in her new book and she told me what was happening in the book. I told her that I liked reading a book because I get to “shape” the characters in my mind. She agreed and stated reading was like watching a movie inside her head. I cannot explain the relief and joy I felt hearing those words coming out of her mouth. I thought, “now she gets it.” Without the care and patience she has received at the Sylvan Learning Center I truly believe this wouldn’t have happened.

Sincerely,

Cynthia T."

- Cynthia T.

PROUD ACT

"Mr. Gary:

Towards this card I would like to thank you for all the help that I had in the ACT test.

I felt so proud after receiving you help, my composite grade went 2 pts up.

Thank you very much,

Nancy P."

- Nancy P.

11-22-2005

"11-22-2005

Sylvan helped my child improve her overall academic performance and if/when my child needs further instructions I won’t hesitate to enroll her again at Sylvan. Alexandria enjoyed Sylvan so much, she didn’t want to leave.

Gloria S."

- Gloria S.

06-16-2005

"06-16-2005

Dear Gary!

Thank you for teaching me when my tutor wasn’t there, you’ve really helped me a lot in math class. I never looked forward to math class until after I started Sylvan. It’s a really great place to get extra help. I’m also glad you let me interview you, besides math, you taught me about Vietnam!

The recommendation letter was also great, I did get accepted to U of M – Flint, and U of Manitoba in Canada where I chose to study.

Again, I’d just like to thank you for everything, and I’ll always remember what you taught me.

Take care and may your life be happy.

Sincerely,

Lubna U."

- Lubna U.

Thank you for teaching me math!

"Hey Gary,

Thank you for teaching me math & sorry I did not come most of the time. C U after summer. Have a gooooood 1.

From,

Siraj U."

- Siraj U.

1-31-2005

"1-31-2005

Sheldon has received exceptional instruction from Andy. He has helped him build his confidence and self-esteem. Your program was a good investment for my son, time and money.

Korey J."

- Korey J.

8-24-2004

"8-24-2004

Not only has Dakoda started to sound out words, he has gained some confidence that he didn’t have before coming to Sylvan. You have helped 3 of my grandchildren learn to read! Sylvan is wonderful & knows how to teach! I only wish the school system could do as well

Sandra D."

- Sandra D.

12-15-2004

"12-15-2004

April has gone from 3rd grade level reading to a 6th grade level in 1 ½ years. She is now an A/B student. I would recommend this program (and I have) to anyone who will listen!

Thanks for all the great staff!

Marcie A."

- Marcie A.

12-10-2004

"12-10-2004

Sylvan Staff,

We are now enrolling our second child into the reading program. What a nice surprise to see a familiar face, Gary Brainard. He stepped out into the waiting area and asked why I looked so familiar. When I told him my son, Thomas, had attended the center several years ago he asked how he was doing. I was happy and proud to say he is doing wonderful.

Thomas came to Sylvan at the end of his 2nd grade year. His teacher had been preparing us that he needed to be tested so that in 3rd grade he could go out of his regular classroom for help with reading. We asked the teacher to hold off on testing. It was very difficult for us to except that Thomas would be pulled from the classroom. He was very bright and his teacher agreed stating he did well in many areas and had a good attitude for learning.

The following school year (3rd) at parent-teacher conferences, we were told Thomas was doing excellent in all subjects including reading. His new teacher was surprised to hear that he had struggled just the year before.

Thomas is now in the 7th grade and he maintains an A-B report card and his teachers offer us many positive comments on his study habits and citizenship. Sylvan made a substantial difference in Thomas’ life. He enjoys school and takes a lot of pride in his performance in the classroom.

Now it is Elyse’s turn. In the 3rd grade she is receiving a failing grade in reading and writing. Her situation is similar to Thomas’. She will soon be spending 2 hours out of the classroom to receive help with reading and writing. We are hopeful that she will have positive results here at Sylvan

Thank you for the service you provide.

Sincerely,

Tonya and Chris B."

- Tonya and Chris B.

2-24-2003

"2-24-2003

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to thank Mr. Gary Brainard and the staff at Sylvan Learning Center for the wonderful one-on-one tutoring offered to my daughter, Nicole S., when she needed mathematical help. My daughter has had problems with math and I knew it was going to take a certain someone or some way to help it click, she found it with Sylvan Learning Center.

Every child I saw coming through Sylvan’s door was not only excited to be there but was generally there early, eager to start. The staff was as wonderful as the programs being taught! In fact, my daughter still runs into one of her old tutors, and even though it has been awhile, she is still greeted and treated as though she still attends.

I feel my daughter would still benefit from Sylvan’s program, however, we are financially unable to proceed and complete the program. I would and still do recommend Mr. Brainard’s Sylvan to everyone I know that is seeking that extra help for their children.

Thank you again,

Kathleen M."

- Kathleen M.

9-23-2003

"9-23-2003

To the Staff at Sylvan,

Thank-you so much for all your time, patience, and efforts over the last year. Sarah is pulling all A’s this year – so far. We will fully recommend you if you wish and will be back if need be

Sincerely and Thank you,

Linda L."

- Linda L.

Dear Sylvan Teachers:

"Dear Sylvan Teachers:

My name is Ian R.. I came in on Monday, Nov. 23, 2003 for a reading evaluation test. I want to say thank you because you made me feel so comfortable during the test. Miss Kramer and Mr. Brainard were very nice.

I’m looking forward to improving the areas of reading we talked about. Thanks again for your kindness.

Ian R."

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