1. education
2. school

The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy
Saturday School
2012–2013
Annual Report
Proud of Our History
The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides tutoring and mentoring
services to more than 3,600 students each year in Montgomery County, Maryland. Saturday School, the signature program
of The Learning Academy, was established in 1986 by members of the Mu Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a national
Black fraternity, founded at Howard University. The founders of the chapter focused on one of their guiding principles in
helping youngsters who needed additional academic support.
Saturday School, the oldest, largest tutoring and mentoring program in Montgomery County, helps students build a strong
academic foundation and develop a healthy, positive self-image. Students’ increased confidence and heightened awareness
of what is possible encourages them to reach for higher goals and to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.
Saturday School’s 12 centers are strategically located in the middle and eastern portions of the county that run from the
Takoma Park, Maryland/Washington, D.C. border to Germantown. On 23 Saturdays during the school year, Saturday School
provides the 6th day of instruction for students. More than 160 certified teachers and nearly 575 trained volunteers work with
students in Grades 1 through 12 to improve their performance in core academic subjects.
Saturday School, a strategic partner of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), completed its 28th year of service to the
community in May 2013. Since 1986, Saturday School has enhanced the academic achievement of more than 30,000
students in Montgomery County.
The mission of Saturday School is to enhance student mastery of core academic
subjects—specifically reading, language arts and mathematics—to prepare
students for the challenges of job readiness, college and career.
2
From the President &
Executive Director
Twenty-eight years ago, Saturday School opened its doors to 19 students. This past year, 3,350 students entered
Saturday School’s 12 centers to receive extra instruction in reading, language arts and math. The extraordinary growth
of Saturday School would not have been possible without you – our donors, Montgomery County government,
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), our nonprofit and community partners, and program staff and volunteers.
We strive to make each year better than the one before. Through feedback from our students and parents and the
analysis of all aspects of the program, we work hard to improve and enhance the programs and services we provide.
Increasingly, this happens through partnerships and collaborations—and we are so thankful for your support.
2012–2013 was another great year at Saturday School. As you begin your review of this annual report, we would like to
point out a few highlights:

In August, the administrative offices of The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy moved to Sligo Middle
School on Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. Thanks to the in-kind support of MCPS, we are now located in the midst
of the areas we serve. We look forward to sharing our space with our partners and community groups.

Our Saturday School Outreach to Secondary Students resulted in a high school enrollment of 620 students–an
increase of 120 students over last year. We achieved this by working closely with school leadership on program
design and delivery at the secondary level.

We are enhancing the mentoring component of Saturday School by exposing our students to people who
demonstrate the value of education and perseverance. As an example, several members of the Sigma Pi Phi
Fraternity (Boule) engaged students in discussions regarding their professions and how education was the path to
realizing their dreams. Also, students at the Albert Einstein center were captivated by an “Out of this World"
presentation, made by two program volunteers who are scientists in the aerospace industry.

Dr. Frieda Lacey, former Deputy Superintendent of MCPS, joined the Saturday School staff as Director of
Development in June 2012. The addition of Dr. Lacey to the staff marked the creation of The Department of
Institutional Advancement, formalizing the process of fundraising and development for the organization.

A partnership with Aristotle Circle Peer Tutors was formed in January 2013 to provide an additional option for
math support for middle and high school students enrolled in Saturday School. In the peer model, high-achieving
high school students serve as tutors and role models for their peers.
As you read this report and the stories from our students, parents and staff, you will see that Saturday School, in
collaboration with our partners, is producing encouraging results. We profoundly appreciate your faith in our mission,
your confidence in our performance, and, above all, your support of our efforts.
Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr., President and Founder
Michael A. Thomas, Executive Director
Montgomery County Ride On buses advertise Saturday School
3
Breakfast, provided by MCPS Division of
Food and Nutrition Services, is served to
more than 1,000 students every Saturday.
4
Saturday School At-A-Glance
28 years of outstanding service to the community
12 Saturday School centers
3,350 students served
1,843 elementary school, 704 middle school, 793 high school
1,200 parents attended workshops
160 certified teachers as tutors
573 volunteers
119 High Achievement Scholarships awarded since 2005
1,000+ breakfasts served to students every Saturday morning
$445 cost of tutoring one student for one year in Saturday School
$50 total fee charged for tutoring one student for one year in Saturday School
($30 for students enrolled in Free and Reduced-price Meals System—FARMS)
Special Populations
Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS)
60.4%
English as a Second Language (ESOL)
19.2%
Ethnicity
African American
44.0%
Hispanic
33.9%
Asian American
13.6%
White
7.9%
Other (including 2 or more races)
<1%
Gender
Female
48%
Male
52%
Saturday School is featured as
"One of the best small charities in the
Greater Washington region."
in the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
5
What Sets Us Apart...
Saturday School provides tutoring and mentoring services to Montgomery County students in Grades 1 through 12
and promotes academic confidence through extra academic support, enrichment, and mentoring. Saturday School is
the longest running tutoring and mentoring program in the county. The following highlights help to define the
Saturday School program:

The curriculum used in the Saturday School program is aligned with Maryland State Common Core Standards and
complements the MCPS Curriculum 2.0 instructional program. Test-taking skills are incorporated throughout
the tutoring session.

A registration fee of $50 per student ($30 for FARMS) for 58 hours of tutoring equates to only 86 cents per
hour. This fee is affordable for most families and demonstrates a commitment to the program. The fee is
waived for families that have difficulty paying.

Saturday School draws students from more than 178 schools in the County.

Saturday School promotes the involvement of the community by
providing opportunities for individuals to volunteer as tutors and
for businesses to contribute in a variety of ways.




How Saturday School Works
Saturday School begins with an opening session
Saturday School provides opportunities for secondary students
to earn required Student Service Learning hours.
that sets a tone of high expectations for
Partnerships with local colleges and universities
(Bowie State University, Montgomery College, Towson State
University, The Universities at Shady Grove, and The
University of Maryland at College Park) provide student
volunteer tutors to Saturday School.
“I Believe in Me!” is reinforced during the
Transportation is provided for Saturday School centers at
John F. Kennedy, Montgomery Blair, and Wheaton High
Schools.
Parent Workshops are conducted at all 12 Saturday School
centers and conducted in Spanish at six centers. In total,
1,200 parents participated last year.
students. The motto of Saturday School,
mentoring session by role models and tutors
before students are dismissed to their tutoring
groups. Professionally trained, experienced
school leaders, teachers, and community
volunteers staff each center. These adults
create an atmosphere in which students can
learn and thrive. Students in Grades 1 through
8 break into small, grade-level tutoring groups
for 60 minutes of academic support in reading/
language arts and 60 minutes in mathematics.
Test-taking skills are incorporated throughout
the tutoring sessions.
High school students work with tutors on
specific concepts in mathematics (Algebra
through Calculus), English, and SAT and HSA
support.
6
The GBTLA was established in
1986 by the Mu Nu Chapter of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
#8291
The GBTLA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. To make
contributions through the United Way, select #8291 and
through the Combined Federal Campaign, select #56679.
#56679
Board of Directors
Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr.
President & Chairman
Mr. Reginald M. Felton
Vice President
Mr. Hula C. Edmonds
Secretary
Mr. James E. Rodgers
Treasurer
Mr. Troy A. Priest, Esq.
Board Counsel
Mr. Arnold Avant
Mr. Hoan Dang
Ms. Maria S. Garcia
Dr. Leonard L. Haynes III
Mr. James A. Martin, II
Dr. William O. Powell, Jr.
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Saturday School’s
Specialized Programs
One of the strengths of Saturday School is the ability of our team to respond to the varied academic needs of our
diverse student population. With a strong infrastructure and an experienced educational team, Saturday School is
often able to expand its offerings in response to specific needs. The following specialized programs are offered
within the larger framework of the Saturday School program.
For Elementary Students:

Young Scholars Program (YSP): YSP, a joint effort between Saturday School and MCPS, is a program for
talented math students in Grades 3 through 5. The program is designed to increase participation of
underrepresented populations in magnet programs by exposing students to rigorous and enriched instruction in
math and science. YSP is offered at the Kennedy High School center. Participation is by invitation based on
several academic criteria.

Science Enrichment at the Paint Branch High School center: Science lessons are incorporated into the
curriculum for students in Grades 1 through 8, on a rotating schedule.
Young Scholars Program students conduct a science experiment... Safety First!
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For Secondary Students:

Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES): ACES is a program designed to create a seamless educational
pathway and support structure from high school to college completion. The program is aimed at Grade 11 and 12
students who are underrepresented in post-secondary education and those who would be the first in their family to
attend college. This collaborative effort of Saturday School, MCPS, Montgomery College, and The Universities at
Shady Grove is offered at the following Saturday School centers: Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, Gaithersburg,
John F. Kennedy, Rockville, Watkins Mill
and Wheaton.

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP
Physics and AP Calculus: Students who
are enrolled in these AP courses during
their school day participate in the
additional help sessions on Saturday.
The sessions help students with their
coursework and to prepare for the AP
exams. AP Biology and AP Physics are
offered at the Wheaton High School
center. Medical school students from
The Uniformed Medical Health
University serve as tutors for the Biology
class. AP Calculus is offered at the
Montgomery Blair High School center.

Aristotle Circle (AC) Peer Tutors: The
partnership with Aristotle Circle Peers
was formed in January 2013 to provide
an additional option for math support — Medical school students from The Uniformed Medical Health University serve as
Pre-Algebra through Calculus—for
tutors for the AP Biology class at the Wheaton High School center
middle and high school students
enrolled in Saturday School. High-achieving high school students serve as tutors and role models for their peers. AC
Peer Tutors is offered at all Saturday School centers.

Destination Graduation: A team consisting of an English and history teacher work with Grade 9 students in
Saturday School to reinforce concepts, assess progress and assist students with upcoming projects. This program is
offered at the Kennedy High School center.

SAT/ACT Prep: This course provides assistance to secondary school students preparing to take SAT or ACT tests.
Critical reading, mathematics and writing are emphasized. SAT/ACT Prep is offered at Saturday School centers at
Montgomery Blair, Northwest and Rockville High Schools.

Student Service Learning Opportunities: Approximately 450 secondary school students volunteer in the program
each year for which they receive Student Service Learning hours toward the Maryland state graduation
requirement.
For Parents:

Adult Literacy: Saturday School and Linkages to Learning have partnered to serve adults with limited English
proficiency by providing Basic Level I and II literacy courses. The goal is to empower parents with the basic language
skills they need to interact with their children’s schools and support their children’s learning. Adult literacy courses
are offered at the Watkins Mill High School center.

Parent Workshops: Training workshops for parents are conducted at all 12 Saturday School centers and
conducted in Spanish at six centers. More than 3,000 parents have attended during the past three years.
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Saturday School
Program Evaluation Highlights
Academic data for Saturday School participants was organized into broad categories, then results were compared for
two groups by levels of program participation. The HIGH participation group comprises students who attended 50% or
more Saturday School sessions. The LOW participation group comprises students who attended less than 50% of
Saturday School sessions. The following tables show the comparison of scores on key outcomes between the high and
low participation groups.
Elementary Outcomes
High Participation Group
Mean Score
Low Participation Group
Mean Score
Reading: % Met or Exceeded Benchmark (Grades 1–2)
74.8
65.8
Reading: % Exceeded Benchmark (Grades 1–2)
37.6
30.1
Reading Vocabulary: % At or Above Grade Level (Grade 3)
56.8
46.4
MSA Reading : % Scored Proficient or Higher (Grades 3–5)
83.0
79.3
Reading: % Earned a B or Higher (Grades 4–5)
74.3
70.7
MSA Math : % Scored Proficient or Higher (Grades 3–5)
75.3
72.1
Math: % Earned a B or Higher (Grades 4–5)
77.2
63.5
Days Absent October through April (Grades 1–5)
3.8
5.2
Days Tardy October through April (Grades 1–5)
1.9
3.2
Academic Outcome
Secondary Outcomes
High Participation Group
Mean Score
Low Participation Group
Mean Score
English: % Earned a B or Higher (Grades 6–8)
63.8
44.3
Math: % Earned a B or Higher (Grades 6–8)
58.8
39.8
Marking Period (4th) Average (Grades 6–8)
2.9
2.6
Marking Period (4th) Average (Grades 9–12)
2.8
2.3
End-of-Year Grade Point Average (Grades 9–12)
2.7
2.3
End-of-Year Eligibility (Grades 9–12)
88.0
67.9
Honors/AP Courses: % Enrolled in One or More (Grades 9–12)
81.6
74.7
Academic Outcome
Overall, surveyed students were satisfied with the program and reported that participation:

improved their confidence about their ability to do well in school and reach academic goals;

improved their reading and math grades; and

improved their reading and math skills.
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In addition, surveyed students reported that Saturday School:

made them feel welcome;

helped them believe they can go to college; and

teachers treated them with respect.
Saturday School Closing 2013
76% of students enrolled in Saturday School attended 50% or more of the sessions from the time they registered.
51% of students enrolled in Saturday School attended 70% or more of the sessions from the time they registered.
315 students had perfect attendance (from the time they enrolled).
46 students attended all 23 Saturday School sessions.
422 students completed the year with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49.
288 students completed the year with a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0.
From a Student...
I’ve been attending Saturday School at The George B. Thomas Learning Academy for about 4 to
5 years now. Throughout this time I’ve upgraded my reading skills and improved my mathematics. I
have met new people here and boosted my grades in school. But what I am most proud of is my
typing improvement. I’ll most likely attend another year or so at Saturday School (and not just
because my Dad makes me)! I can’t wait until 7th grade!
Sources of Support
Key Partners
Combined Campaigns
Montgomery County Government
Montgomery County Public Schools
America's Charities
IBM Employee Services
KP-MAS Easy Give Campaign
Montgomery Alliance
United Way of the National Capital Area
Foundations
American Endowment Foundation
 Goldman & DeMarco Charitable Foundation
American Honda Foundation
Clinton Living Endowment Fund
Commonweal Foundation (matching funds)
Community Foundation for the National
Capital Region
 Sharing Montgomery Fund
 Becker & Greaney Family Fund
 Henry Darren & Mary Patrice Alcus Trust
 Gary and Rosalyn Jonas Fund
 Kid to Kid Giving Circle
 Adegboyega and Mozella Ademiluyi
Charitable Fund
 The Samuel, Nadia, Sidney & Rachael
Leah Fund
Giving Together Fund
Philip Graham Foundation
Aris & Marianne Mardirossian Charitable
Foundation
Omega Life Membership Foundation, Inc.
Hattie M. Strong Foundation
Thompson Family Fund
Washington Post Charities
A fund of the Robert R. McCormick
Foundation
Corporations/Businesses
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Adsystech, Inc.
Bankers Business Management Services, Inc.
Berman McAleer, Inc.
Calvert Asset Management Company
Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co.
Coffey Consulting, LLC
Community Resources, Inc.
Discovery Communications
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
EuroMotorcars
Floyd Consulting
Gaithersburg Equipment Company
Intelligent Decisions
Injured Workers Insurance Fund
KBK Enterprises
Key & Associates, PC
Lexus of Rockville
JW Marriott, Washington, DC
McConnell Consulting Group
Mountaintop Market Group, LLC
Neighbors & Brown
NRG Energy
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
Quality Biological, Inc.
Sandy Spring Bank
Selzer Gurvitch Rabin & Obecny
Shapiro & Duncan
Verizon Maryland
Washington Gas
WBO Management LLC
Service Organizations
Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Sigma Chapter
The Links, Inc. — Silver Spring Chapter
Montgomery County Business Roundtable
for Education
MCPS Retiree Association
NAACP, Montgomery County Unit
Nigerian Friendship Association, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.,
Mu Nu Foundation
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boulé),
Beta Mu Chapter
South Carolina State University Alumni
Association, Washington D.C. Chapter
Victims' Rights Foundation
Faith-Based Organizations
Clinton AME Zion Church
Zion Baptist Church, Adult Bible Class
Educational Institutions
Marguder Saturday School Center
Montgomery College
Montgomery College Alumni Association
Montgomery County Board of Education
Paint Branch High School
Regional Institute of Children & Adolescents
Wheaton High School
Individuals
Horace Abney
Mr. and Mrs. Adams
Richard Ahlberg
Robert and Wanda Anastasi
Anonymous Donor
Howard Atkinson
Arnold Avant
Manfred Ayuk
Belinda Bacorro
Gary Bailey
Kulley Bancroft
Rayfield Barber Jr.
Eugene Barlow
Patricia Bendler
Marleni Benitez
William W. Bennett, Jr.
David L. Berman
Milton Bernard, D.D.S.
Lewis A. Berry
Julia Bidwick
Eddie Black
Carole Blackwell
Clarence Blake
Consuela Blake
Roycee Bland
Samuel Bonds
Jean Bowen
Donnell Boykin
Francis and Bob Brady
Shirley Brandman
Clarence Brown
Mamie S. Brown
Douglas and Calpurnia Bryant
Burdette Cammack
Lynnwood Campbell
Lottie Burruss Cantey
Geraline J. Carroll
Robert Carson
Dirk Cauley
Susan Cecil
Mr. and Mrs. Chaluvadi
Jan and Adrian Chapman
Hui Tian Chen
Peter Clark
Nina Clarke
Lester and Amy Coffey
Donald A. Collins
Phil Colton and Nancy Westin-Colton
Marsha N. Corley
Courtland Cox
Sharon Cox
Lawrence D. Cross
Regina Crutchfield
Warren and Brenda Crutchfield
Bonnie Custer
Hoan Dang
Joseph Davis
Jane DeWinter
John DiTomasso
Judith R. Docca
Jim Donovan
Lorraine Driver
Mark Drury
Fred L. Dunn, Jr.
Michael A. Durso
James Dyson
Hula C. Edmonds
Alfred Edwards
Brian K. Edwards
Darlene D. Ellison
Mary Eubanks
Fred Evans
Tom Evans
Reginald M. Felton
Robert Felton
Jesse Fenner
Michael Finnegan
Sharon Flood
Samuel Flowers
Jerimiah Floyd
Richard M. Fomundam
Sherrell Ford-Pierce
Laura Frene
Gail B. Fribush
Wilbur H. Friedman
Maria Garcia
Elaine S. Garfinkel
Tookie Gentilcore
Don and Pat Graham
Solomon Graham
Cara Grant
Donna Graves
Barry Haffner
Jose Hancock
Doris Handy
Margaret Hansen
Cynthia and Michael Hardy
Jennifer Harrison Streets
Cattie Harrison
Cherya, Eugene &
Jeremiah Harrison
Milton D. Harrison
Jean Y. Harvin
Colette Hayes
Leonard L. Haynes, III
Henry and Bonnie Heller
Tom Henderson
Bill and Karen Henry
Clare Herington and
Laurence Platt
Jose Hernandez
Marc Hertman
Marcella A. Hickey
Tom Hickman
David A. Hill
DeAngela Hill
Lamar Hill
Matthew Hill
Warrick and Christine Hill
Ira Holmes
Wilma K. Holmes
Frances Hooks
Joseph Howard
Jill Howell
Jerry A. Hubbard, Sr.
Robert and Jane Hudak
Merry C. and Robert Hudson
Kenneth E. Huff
Elizabeth Ingram
Smyrna Jackson
Thomas Jacobs
Vinod Jain
Charles M. James
Bobby C. Jewett
Frank L. Joe
Maurice Johnson
Michael Johnson
Jerry L. Jones, Jr.
Junius J. Joyner
Martha Kahn
Diane Kartalia
LeeAnn Kaye
Matt Kayson
George D. Kimbrough
Rollie Kimbrough
Erick Kimel
Marvin Kimmee
Deborah King
Patricia King
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Klugh
Don and Joanne Kress
Jane Kubasik
Robert W. Kunkel
Frieda K. Lacey
Erick J. Lang
Judy Lapping
Calvin and Esperanza LaRoche
Joe Latta
Constance T. Laws
Laurence M. Laws
Brian Le
Bernestine LeGrande
Orlando Leigh
Walter J. Leonard
Reginald Lewis
Sharon Leyhow
Jennifer Loznak
Mark Maggio
Nigel Marshall
Raquel Marshall
Harry Marshall, Sr.
Henry and Marylah Martin, Jr.
James A. Martin, II
Kathryn Martin
Amparo Martinez
Charles E. Mayberry
Godfrey E. Maynor, Sr.
Janice McCall
Terry and Susan McCallister
Carla McKenzie
Richard Mitchell, II
Richard E. Mitchell
Laura Mondragon Montoya
Emily Montero
Lizabeth Montgomery
Linda A. More
Deidre Morgan
Margaret C. Morrison
John Morse
Jim and Marlene Moss
Kenneth K. Muir
Darrione Nall
Linda A. Natale
Jeanie Nathaniel
B. Eugene Neal
Walter Neighbors, Jr.
Michael Newman
Lou Noppenberger
Barron Oakcrum
Vince Onuigbo
John M. Organ
Robert and Nancy Owens
Robert Owens, III
Art Paholski
Free Palmer
Roscoe V. Parker, Jr.
Suzy Peang-Meth
Joan Perrin
Thomas Phelan
Thamanee Phonpaiboon
Ida Polcari
Jason Poole
William O. Powell, Jr.
Dennis Prather
Frieda Price
Troy A. Priest, Esq.
Lorenzo Prillman
Anthony S. Proctor
Pamela Ann Prue
Tanica Puig
Christina Putman
Cynthia A. Rattley
Stephen Raucher
Glen Rempe
Elyse Ridges
David Rippeon
Carmen Rivera
James E. Rodgers
Cynthia Rodriguez
Elinor J. Rouff
Regina Rutledge
Karen Sanchez
Frank Sanders
Carla W. Satinsky
Marilyn and Barry Scheiner
Paul Schnitman
Daniel Schrider
Joy Schwab
Dr. Paul A. Scott
Tia Scott
Edward Sella
Robert S. Selzer
Ruth E. Sernak
Odessa M. Shannon
Rosa V. Shelton
Philip and Frances Shepherd
Charles L. Short
Michael Shpur
Rene Shuler
Darlene Simmons
Carrie Simpkins
Essie Simpkins
Jo Ellen Smallwood
David A. Smith
Mary Helen Smith
Gary Smith
Richard Smith
Philippa Smithey
Clarence and Judy Snuggs
Lilian Soteto
Samuel Spann, III
Debra Stanley and Kenneth Robertson
Jacqui Stark
Frank and Teri Sue Stetson
Carole and Arthur Stevens
Curtis Stevens
Dan Sullivan
Bascom Talley and Susan Dit
Thomas Taylor
William M. Taylor
Charles J. Thomas
David and Donna Thomas
Joseph W. Thomas
Clarence Thomas, Jr.
Mable D. Thomas
Marvin and Lori Thomas
Michael A. Thomas
Dr. and Mrs. George B. Thomas, Sr.
Saralee Todd
Vera Torrence
Caroline P. Touchton
Juliette G. Trevino
John W. Jr. and Rev. Juanita M. Tucker
Roosevelt and Gwen Twiggs
Paul Vance
John Vaszko
Kristina Venable
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Villani
Kevin Vo
Sandra S. Walker
Elizabeth Wall
Dollie Wallace
Terry Wambach
Michael Warfel
Katherine Warner
Ron Watkins and Cathleen Shannon
Kim Watson
Roxanne Waylon
Gordon Weaver
Sue Werthan
Carolyn Wikstrom
Joyce Wikstrom
Brian Wilbon
Anita Willens
Donald Williams, II
Lily Williams
Prince Willis, Jr.
LaVerne A. Wilson
Marcia Wilson
Gregory Wims
Nadine J. Woodrick
Wayne Young
Judith Zauderer
In-Kind
Montgomery County Public Schools
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boulé),
Beta Mu Chapter
United Communications Group
Verizon Maryland
Washington Gas
Wegmans
Donors listed contributed from the period
beginning January 1, 2012, and ending
December 31, 2013. This list is accurate to
the best of our knowledge.
13
Revenue
TOTAL
$2,712,924
50%
GRANTS $1,353,903
40%
IN-KIND DONATIONS $1,087,972
5%
CONTRIBUTIONS $148,054
3%
SPECIAL EVENTS $81,587
2%
2012 RESERVE FUNDS $40,520
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Expenses
TOTAL
$2,712,924
86%
SATURDAY SCHOOL AND OTHER PROGRAMS $2,345,556
9%
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE $230,324
5%
FUNDRAISING $137,044
15
Testimonials
From a Student...
Saturday School has helped me because I learn something new
every time. I love Saturday School because it helps me get ready
for middle school. Saturday School helps you talk and play and
learn. I like going to Saturday School because you get to have fun.
There are nice teachers and we don’t have to pay for breakfast.
From a Parent...
We moved to Montgomery County three years ago. Prior to this
we had always homeschooled our children, something we were
proud to do. The reason we homeschooled, hard as it was, was
to ensure that our children received the kind of quality
education they would need to compete in today’s economy and
society. After being here awhile, we begin to see that the
quality and the diversity of the education that could be gained
by enrolling our children in Watkins Mill High School was
actually better that what we were providing.
Upon enrolling we learned about the George B. Thomas Sr.
Learning Academy. This seemed to be a way that our children
could get the extra help and advice that we had been struggling
to provide at a price we could afford, and would struggle greatly
to replace if it were not available.
The teachers and staff that devote their time to making sure the
children have a good experience are to be commended and
thanked, wholeheartedly. I was met at the front door by parent
representatives, introduced to the administrators, and all took
time to understand and answer my many questions. Everyone
seems so dedicated and motivated to help.
Thank you for your valuable service in this endeavor.
From a Parent...
I want to take a minute to tell you how much we are benefitting from
Saturday School at Watkins Mill High School. My daughter is a sophomore,
and aspires to be an engineer. The problem is that she isn’t strong in
math! She has a non-traditional (kinesthetic) learning style, which will
make her an outstanding engineer, but causes her to struggle in the
traditional classroom. We were concerned about her ability to make
satisfactory math grades before we found Saturday School and met Nikki
Mehta, who works with my daughter in Geometry.
My daughter is benefitting from all the subjects offered in Saturday School,
not just math. Everyone at Saturday School has been very welcoming and
helpful. The unhurried and encouraging atmosphere is as much a key to
the students’ success as the educational opportunities offered. Thank you
again for your dedication to education which provides this rich opportunity
for the students to be successful through the Saturday School program.
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Event Spotlight
Fall Dinner Celebration
November 10, 2014
Save the date — November 10, 2014 — for Saturday School’s Fall Dinner
Celebration, featuring keynote speaker Marian Wright Edelman,
president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. Ms. Edelman is an
American activist for the rights of children and has been an advocate for
disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life.
Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life,
and not something you do in your spare time.
Marian Wright Edelman
Golf Tournament
Saturday School’s Annual Golf Tournament is the
A N N I V E R S A RY
primary fundraising event for the organization.
Thanks to the generous support of Intelligent Decisions and our many
other sponsors, more than $100,000 was raised at the 20th Anniversary
Tournament in June 2014. The tournament is named in honor of Dr.
Harry I. Martin, Sr., a lifelong supporter of education, friend of Saturday
School and golf enthusiast.
Dr. Harry I. Martin, Sr. with Harry I. Martin, Jr.,
President of Intelligent Decisions
Dr. Josh Starr, MCPS Superintendent
of Schools addresses the crowd
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Top 10 Ways You Can Help
Saturday School provides a nurturing and supportive environment where students are encouraged to become
the best they can be. Our success is not possible without you. Here are some suggestions for helping Saturday
School maintain its outstanding services to the community.
Donate. Make a difference by making a gift today and help us grow. Can't do it online? Make checks
or money orders payable to GBTLA and send your donations to The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning
Academy @ Sligo Middle School, 1401 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Volunteer. Volunteers are critical to the success of Saturday School. They perform myriad tasks —
from supporting teachers in the classroom to taking attendance and helping with breakfast
distribution. Volunteer as an individual or ask friends and colleagues to volunteer with you.
Spark students’ imaginations. Saturday School welcomes speakers to share their professional
experiences with our students. Volunteer as a speaker or suggest someone you think would inspire
the students.
Get social. Spread the word — like or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or follow us
online at www.saturdayschool.org.
Spread the word. Visit Saturday School to see
all of the amazing things that happen on
Saturday morning, then tell everyone about the
program to help increase enrollment,
volunteers and donations. Introduce Saturday
School to anyone you know who may benefit
from the programs and services we provide.
Host a local gathering. Gather your
neighbors, friends and colleagues at your home
for a “friend” raiser or fund raiser for Saturday
School.
Provide transportation. Offer to bring your
child’s friends and/or the children in your
neighborhood to Saturday School. Maybe
transportation is their only barrier to attending
this great program.
Tell us your news. Send us a letter, e-mail us or
communicate with us through social media. We
want to hear from you...not only the good
things, but also ways we can improve.
Say thanks. Contact Saturday School staff and
thank them for their influence on your child’s
academic achievement or make a gift in their
honor.
Make a gift that costs you nothing in your
lifetime. Include Saturday School in your estate
plans.
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Through Social Media
Saturday School is fortunate to have great supporters and amazing staff. We want to make sure you have the
opportunity to connect with us and, most importantly, with each other. Whether it's to share stories, or to communicate
with like-minded individuals, you can find us listening on the following sites. If you are in the neighborhood, visit us at
our new office location in Silver Spring.
Follow us on The Web
https://www.saturdayschool.org
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/saturdayschooltutoring
Follow us on Twitter
@GBTLASatSch
Follow us on Instagram
@saturdayschooltutoring
Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr. — President and Founder
Mr. Michael A. Thomas — Executive Director
Dr. Frieda K. Lacey — Director of Development
Ms. Cynthia A. Rattley — Director of Programs and Services
Mr. Lawrence D. Cross — Program Monitor
Ms. Lori A. Thomas — Office Coordinator
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The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy
@ Sligo Middle School
1401 Dennis Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20902
Phone: 301.649.8078
Fax: 301.649.8089
www.saturdayschool.org