Brooke Moose, PMSC AmeriCorps’ Forest Hills School District member, knew she could use the summer months to get creative in addressing literacy gaps for learners. So, with creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance, Moose created, “Summer Quest:2023.” In partnership with South Fork Public Library, Moose developed a summer safe space for children of all ages to come enjoy a great read-aloud story with Mystery Readers (which included some of Forest Hills’ most loved staff!), awesome prizes from area businesses, enrichment activities, outdoor learning time, treats, and opportunities to check-out great books to take home for summer reading.
Lucas Jacobs, Forest Hill’s Director of Education, noted how Moose is, “enthusiastic about educating and eager to interact with children of various ages and ability levels.” He explained that Brooke, “demonstrates a strong sense of commitment to her students,” and, as evidenced by Summer Quest 2023, it is clear that Moose goes above and beyond outside of the classroom as well. Children and families took advantage of this literacy enrichment on five awesome Summer nights. “Summer Quest Night 4” focused on Marc Colagiovanni and Peter H. Reynold’s, “When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left.” The text focuses on “optimism, overcoming adversity, and forging your own path;” a 7-year-old learner responded, “I am so glad I came tonight, and I want to keep coming!” With learner engagement at such a high level, there is no question that Moose’s Summer outreach is meeting kids at just the right level to bridge literacy gaps.
Across the region serving at The Salvation Army of Indiana PA-Summer Camp, PMSC AmeriCorps member, Chloe Manes took the concept of children’s wellness through arts to the next level by providing “an outlet for them to be imaginative.” The National Endowment for the Arts reports, “From early childhood through adolescence and youth, arts education can support the social and emotional needs of students, helping them better to cope with their feelings, to bounce back from adversity, and to show tolerance and compassion for others.” Addressing these critical needs for children, Manes knows first-hand how even, “One fun craft can help the [kids] smile or have a better attitude than at the beginning of the day.”
Manes also allowed herself to grow through this experience by building positive relationships with campers. She reflected on her service by noting, “If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed I always begin to feel immediately better around the kids. They have an intoxicating and invigorating energy.” It turns out that when PMSC AmeriCorps members show up to get things done, everyone benefits–even them!
Brooke Moose and Chloe Manes demonstrate a willingness to not only identify the needs of children and youth across the region, but actively engage in transforming young lives to strengthen families and communities across Western PA. Taking full advantage of their terms of service to build relationships, develop their own skills, and creatively solve problems, Moose and Manes set the standard for bringing out the very best of Western, PA and of America.
Thanks Brooke and Chloe- keep getting things done. You are a reason we can look to a bright future for this great nation.