To:

Members, Board of Education

From:

Maurice O. Green, Superintendent
Nora Carr, Chief of Staff

Date:

April 3, 2009

RE:

GCS Volunteer of the Month for April 2009

Students at Florence Elementary have an easy pick when it comes to finding a role model – they can count on Brian Alvstad to be at their school every Wednesday morning. He tutors in math, reads books to the children and simply acts as a friend to the students. One-on-one or in large groups, Alvstad gives the children a little extra attention.

Alvstad doesn’t just help out in the classroom. He also builds props for the fifth-grade Clown Club and chaperones field trips. According to Ned McMillan, the teacher who nominated Alvstad, “He is really making a difference, especially with students who are struggling and depend on his help every Wednesday.” 

An American Express representative and district officials surprised Alvstad with Volunteer of the Month honors in a brief ceremony at the school. As Volunteer of the Month, Alvstad received a gift bag and $25 gift card from American Express, which has generously partnered with Guilford County Schools (GCS) to support the volunteer recognition program. His photo will hang at Florence as well as the district’s central offices.