Loading...
Agenda 01-28-26Date: January 28, 2026 City of Boynton Beach BOYNTON BEACH CITY LIBRARY 100 East Ocean Avenue Boynton Beach, FL 33435 LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Location/Time: City Hall, 100 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Commission Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Call to Order — Stephanie Colaianni, Chair Approval of Minutes — October 2025 III. Correspondence and Communications IV. Public Audience (Individual Speakers Will Be Limited to 3 Minute Presentations) V. Chair's Report — Board Chair VI. Unfinished Business: Staffing update VI1. New Business New Databases VIII. Library Director's Report/Statistics December 2025 Monthly Report IX. Announcements Next Library Board Meeting — February 25, 2026 NOTICE IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE CITY COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING, HE/SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE/SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. (F.S. 286.0105) THE CITY SHALL FURNISH APPROPRIATE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES WHERE NECESSARY TO AFFORD AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A SERVICE, PROGRAM, OR ACTIVITY CONDUCTED BY THE CITY. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, (561) 742-6060 OR (TTY) 1-800-955-8771, AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY IN ORDER FOR THE CITY TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE YOUR REQUEST. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS MAY BE ADDED SUBSEQUENT TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA ON THE CITY'S WEB SITE. INFORMATION REGARDING ITEMS ADDED TO THE AGENDA AFTER IT IS PUBLISHED ON THE CITY'S WEB SITE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK. MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD HELD ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL, COMMISSION CHAMBERS 100 EAST OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Stephanie Colaianni, Chair Joel Barsky Dr. Ellen Jones Christine Hunter Verna Henry, Alt ABSENT: Veronica Anepete Beverlee Coccoli Donna Mitchell, Alt Jeannie Taylor, Library Director Tiffany Pagan, Assistant Director 1. Call to Order - Stephanie Colaianni, Chair Chair Colaianni called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. 11. Approval of Minutes - September,2025 Motion Dr. Jones moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Hunter seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. III. Correspondence and Communications None. IV. Public Audience (Individual Speakers Will Be Limited to 3 Minute Presentations) None V. Chair's Report - Board Chair None. VI. Unfinished Business: Staffing update Meeting Minutes Library Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 22, 2025 Tiffany Pagan, Assistant Director, stated that as of October 6"', they had a vacant position for a full-time Library Associate, which was filled internally, leaving a part- time Library Assistant position available. Ms. Pagan reported that the position was posted, the application deadline closed last Friday, and when Human Resources reviews the applications, they will hire someone. She stated that Rebecca, the former part time Library Assistant from the Creative Edge Studio, moved up to the full-time position and that she will remain with the Creative Edge Studio and was helping at the Customer Relations Desk. Mr. Barsky asked about Library Internships. Ms. Pagan stated that they are handled through the City Human Resources Department. VII. New Business Ms. Pagan stated that they need a date to hold a combined November/December meeting December 3rd was suggested, and after brief discussion, there was agreement to meet on December 3rd. VIII. Library Director's Report/Statistics September 2025 Monthly Report Mr. Barsky asked about the circulation numbers and how they are counted. Ms. Pagan said circulation includes all items, such as DVD's, Ebooks, audio books, regardless of if the borrower is a child or not. She explained the State aid to Library allots just over $17M and the more the Library spends, the more they can receive. Mr. Barsky noted that there is outreach conducted by the Library at Poinciana Elementary School and asked if outreach is conducted on the middle and high school levels. Ms. Pagan stated the Teen Librarian visits these schools and there is a new initiative to have all kindergartners visit the Library. She said that outreach is valued by the Library in order to connect to the community. A question was posed about volunteer Library programs and student community service. Ms. Pagan said that high school students need 20 hours, and scholarships require 100 to 200 hours, so the Library values school volunteers. She said that the HR department wants the Library to revamp the Library's onboarding process. Once 2 Meeting Minutes Library Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 22, 2025 that is done, they will reopen the volunteer program. She said regarding community service hours ordered by a court, they do not get involved with that. She noted that they have a Friends of the Library group for adults IX. Announcements The members discussed if staff explored having a mobile library. Ms. Pagan responded that they have discussed a Book Mobile, but the issue is the funding and staffing. Chair Colaianni stated that there are also little libraries around. Discussion followed about Hoopla. Ms. Pagan stated that the city does not have that, but Palm Beach County and the City's equivalent is the cloud Library, Overdrive and Kanopy. She spoke about the databases the City has, including the Family Search program which is the equivalent of Ancestry, Mr. Barsky spoke about the 100 top films and commented that originally, he did not think it was useful, but last year he went through the films, and he hoped that people take advantage of that. Further discussion followed that if there are any issues with DVD's or other materials, they should alert staff. Ms. Pagan commented that the Dewey Decimal poster was ordered. X. Next Library Board Meeting - December _, 2025 This item was previously addressed. XI Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Ms. Anepete to adjourn. Dr Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist K3 JEANNIE TAYLOR LIBRARY DIRECTOR TIFFANY PAGAN ASSISTANT LIBRARY DIRECTOR MONTHLY REPORT DECEMBER 2025 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/ PUBLIC RELATIONS The Library Director attended: • City Commission meeting • Friends of the Library Books & Bingo fundraiser CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CIRCULATION STATISTICS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CIRCULATION STATISTICS Submitted by: Sonia Chaudry *includes ILS, Ebooks, OD mags, Gale legal forms **Total items checked out kiosks and others in-house Current Month Same Month Previous Year Percentage Change Customer Visits Adult 8,939 7,286 22.70% Customer Visits Youth 5,592 4,657 20.10% Total Customer Visits 14,531 11,943 21.70% Total Circulation* 9,713 11,793 -17.60% Adult Circulation 3,819 4,892 -21.90% Young Adult Circulation 319 575 -44.50% Juvenile Circulation 3,005 3,509 -14.40% ILS System Circulation (Print 7,143 8,988 -20.50% Checkouts on Kiosks 2)820 3,810 -26.00% EBook Circ (Overdrive, Cloudlibrary) 1,026 1,098 -6.60% eAudiobook Circ (Overdrive, CloudL) 732 751 -2.50% Overdrive Magazines 799 642 24.50% Audiovisual (DVDs, CDs, Audiobooks 540 882 -38.80% Users registered 207 216 -4.20% Online user registration 2 2 0.00% Onecard Cards 0 0 NaN Number of Reference Transactions 344 1,336 -74.30% *includes ILS, Ebooks, OD mags, Gale legal forms **Total items checked out kiosks and others in-house DIGITAL RESOURCE AND DATABASE STATISTICSSubmitted by: Sonia Chaudry DIGIITAL RESOURCE AND DATABASE STATISTICS ***pulled from Google Analytics, number of views library website has received Collection Management Discarded: 979 Items added: 606 Customer Relations/Curbside Pickup Appointments made: 3 Picked up: 3 Current Month Same Month Previous Year Percentage Change A to Z total records viewed 5,418 33,292 -83.70% Gale Infotrac Retrievals 0 14 -100.00% Gale Infotrac Sessions 0 18 -100.00% Gale Legal 13 2 550.00% Global Road Warrior Page Views 151 X NaN Kanopy Streams 341 534 -36.10% Learning Express Job Career Sessions 0 4 -100.00% Learning Express Sessions 4 94 -95.70% Medici TV 54 X NaN Mometrix Sessions 56 X NaN The Juice X NaN Transparent Languages Sessions 30 8 275.00% Transparent Languages Users 8 6 33.30% Weiss Financial Sessions 18 X NaN Boynton-Beach.org/city-library pageviews *** 4,589 4,947 7.80% Palm Beach Post Views (Newsbank) 1,554 1,140 36.30% ***pulled from Google Analytics, number of views library website has received Collection Management Discarded: 979 Items added: 606 Customer Relations/Curbside Pickup Appointments made: 3 Picked up: 3 SOCIAL MEDIA Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall Page followers Page follower views Page engagement rate Page engagements 11728 72142 14.29% 1,063 followers views engagement rate engagements Post dicks Pagevideoviews Post non -follower views Posts 415 1,006 52112 23 clicks views views posts iY .' 1•Ja �: ti4 eearn [itY liMry - ©rarr9a•t-,M CnYHYa.f [� e_ec 14^13_01 Ply 1Y, V.7; FROM THEaA(MplE9Choov�aCh�atmn Uee, c.19F •A NnekrlM1e lbmry tatlaY�LYniIUa CRYa Bgnbn Beach, ywngtrornamm�[ieenaCNi9mes VeentM1e Boynton Beam Gwmm�entpate,2,ap NeErtyltaortthetap bciew lM1eMr swrYave ama�acnriu,r�tmesaM• smra.,.,apvawd�tnesto�unnpu see Um l,Tmry's pJ ngr(aspicture!nerow),a.,aptheheartkonMMe 20 h a a M1pm 20 a� aapBpn am eo9moh earn cenror.rv' Oec 30, 1516 e. p w ws p�ayN. wow were wo,. ana Mee a wrsro.mre snarm. Bpouea Binao waF, ter! R.treonaron wens roams wpporwe the Frieme a me eormon erten cty LRxay, a nonpmfitorganlnOonthx anppomthe L�rarv. • 13a p CiIY�Uf Ba/MaRfWtlt.Oowrm�wrt Eska YtMpe BexM1. R ... cayp.hawromm our f+o9aar c.a coaest tY:a.rs.lne EaruY moaiYRe Rr M1�sM1,at hpmxr aYotes fm tM1eu •BookY BuuiY M1oftlw ad ThmR vpp roeaeryorie who wtetl ate sr4pomM uas tw cpnmsi. we apvemu aea our �y employees tan partk'p,9atl um shwea tne: awli9ky. Ya+n:Re e9.nne a M1appr midar spasm. YBv9mttatBaech WdW Me" 9Pom the Bomion Beach Oly Library 65 6 comrwntn SOCIAL MEDIA Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall HIGHEST PERFORMING CONTENT Views O 5,847 By content type Views Followers Non -followers Followers 76.1% Non -followers 23.9% Stories 46.7% Posts 33.8% Accounts reached 597 Reels 19.4% Videos 0.1% Followers • Non -followers SOCIAL MEDIA Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall 1@ Audience>Age 35-44 Im 25-34 - 45-54 EM 55-64 .193 65+ 18-24 13-17 m Profile views 22454 views ® Top posts> Likes ® Followers 11843 followers ® Page engagement 28 engagements l "� New followers 11 followers Vote for the Library! 0 Head to the @cityofboyntonbeach Instagram Stories. Tap the logo, find the Library greeting card, and tap the r to vote. Have Facebook too? You can vote there .well! 12 likes Crafts, treats, and games galore to celebrate the best season of all! We had a Frosty Holly Jally Holiday Party 10 likes Teens got hands -an and crafty creating theirvery own Wooble —an adorable, beginner -friendly cnochetcharacter PRO From first stitches to finished cuteness, they learned the basics and left with something they made themselves. #BoyntonBeach 8 likes SOCIAL MEDIA Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall Followers 249 followers ® Page engagement 58 engagements Top posts > Reactions ® Page clicks) Xk 85 clicks J Page engagement rate 11.71% engagement rate g f. Boynton Beach cltytibrary Boynton"Beath City Library 021_.5 Boynton leech Cky Ltbrary Dec 19, 20.29 Dec 09, 16:56 - Dec 10, Vote for the Library! Voting takes place on the City of Boynton's Facebook and Instagram Stories. Visit either platform (or both!), tap the City logo to view Stories, find the Library greeting card, and tap the IS (bottom of screen) to vote. Facebook: 10 reactions A relaxing, creative moment at Hand Crafted Greeting Cards... 8 reactions The Brown Bag Lecture Series returns with a phenomenal lineup starting January 20261 Sponsored by The Friends of the Library, this annual series brings informal, engaging lectures to the community every Monday (excluding holidays) from 5 reactions SOCIAL MEDIA Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall ® Followers 385 followers ® Top posts > Engagement rate ® Post engagement rate 2.94% engagement rate Fti� 1 @BBCityLibrary •e� 42 10 Dec 10, 21_06 School is out, butthe libraryis in! , K-5 students explored air plants today with a hands-on STEAM activity and a Nature Detective challenge. Missed it? More library programs are on the way. The Brown Bag lecture Series returns with a phenomenal lineup starting January 20261 Registration is now open: https://bbfipt.lit,cal.com/catendarfpmgrams/BrownBag2O26 https://twitter.com/BBC!tyLibmry/status/199886178083613107 ® Post engagements 13 engagements @BBCityLibrary Dec 03.14:39 It's Game Day just for the teens! Join us at 4:30 p.m. https://bbf pl.libcal.mm/event/13963707 10.71% engagementrate 9.76% engagement rate 6.25% engagement rate PUBLIC COMPUTER USAGE STATISTICS Submitted by: Michael Bennett Adult Computer Use: 1052 Adult Computer Average Time Per Session: 43 min Youth Computer Use: 538 Youth Computer Average Time Per Session: 47 min Adult Laptops Total Use: 49 Teen Laptops Total Use: 31 ARCHIVES ACTIVITIES Submitted by: Jacob Rabinowitz Archives Monthly Report - December - LAST MONTH OF'25! • very slowly assigning metadata to the recently digitized A0008 City of Boynton Beach Collection media (DVDs etc.) and wrestling with how exactly to make this accessible online; because nothing is ever straightforward, we're now testing a couple of different hosting routes and simultaneously finding gaps in the collection's description that need backfilling before putting it in front of the public • been in touch with Bryan from Paperboy Digital (local Boynton Beach digitization outfit) about potential collaborative projects; planning to meet in January to discuss options, assuming there is money or grants to make any of this possible and not merely a pleasant hypothetical • received some lovely donations from Ms. Naughton (pamphlets, postcards, and other local history materials) that will be absorbed into a handful of collections; continuing to chip away at my backlog of accessions in general, because the "incoming" side of archival work has seems to outpace my two hands and time available • gathering materials to refresh the display cases so they are less outdated and less painful to look at under fluorescent lighting; WE'RE SO CLOSE! Mister Brian R. in the Creative Edge Studio has been helping me print some large format higher quality images to display which has been a huge help • continuing to cover the Research Desk as needed in addition to the usual scheduled coverage; steady flow of people wanting to look at old Boynton materials, photos in particular • unending work on the archives' website, mainly hunting dead links, vanished PDFs, and other casualties of past site migrations that refuse to reveal themselves until someone attempts to click them (shoutout to Craig C. for finding a few this month) • ongoing research/reference assistance for internal city departments and the regular public: currently working with Boynton Police Dept. to curate some timeline images for them, while helping several members of the public navigate our photo collections both online and off • plenty of other mundane archival labor not listed here, including the usual spreadsheet wrangling, rehousing, and rearranging of things that insist on existing in physical space CREATIVE EDGE STUDIO Submitted by: Brian Reagh Programs: CES Orientation: 9 Hand -Crafted Greeting Cards (Wednesday): 10 Hand -Crafted Greeting Cards (Saturday): 6 Sewing Fundamentals: 6 Sewing Introduction: 6 Intro to 3D Printing: 5 Quest Club (Dungeons & Dragons): 6 Appointments: With Librarian: 27 With Studio Assistant: 2 Creative Bug Active Users: 2 New Users: 0 Hours Watched: 0 In December, the Creative Edge Studio welcomed 9 new patrons through orientations and held a successful introduction to 3D printing program. One-on- one appointments were primarily used for holiday related projects, including decorations, gift making, and photo printing. The studio continued to see steady engagement driven by seasonal needs and creative projects. Staff members also had opportunities to use the studio for holiday projects, giving them a chance to learn more about the functions of the studio. PUBLIC TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMS Submitted by: Brianna-Fabil December # Reg wait list? intro to Canva Tuesday, December 2nd 5p - 6:30p 10 8 Vs Chat Al Thursday, December 4th 1fl:30a -11:304 S 3 N Int r ocactr[rr, to Chatbots (VIRTUAL) Friday, December Sth 2p - 3:30p rntrod to Google Apps Tuesday, December 9th 5 p- 6:30p 1 3 N Tech Talk: Social !Media Algorithms Thursday. December 11th 10:304 -11:30a ms vvc)rd basics Tuesday, December 16th 5p - 6:30p Tech Talk: Smart Tech 101 Thursday, December 18th 10:30a - 11:30a 3 3 N W kloedia 101 (VIRTUAL) Friday, December 19th 2p -3:30p Business Cards using Canva Tuesday, December 23rd 15P - 6:30p Linkedln Monday, Oecembe, 29th 15p -6:30p Total Attended: 0 0 N 19 ,(1:1) 1 13 Tech Talk Thursdays: 10:30a -11:30a Join us every Thursday by the couches at the front of the library where we will discuss technology and how to use that tech. This class will be a brief 60 -minute chat along with instructions on how to use different technologies. DECEMBER AGENDA: December 4th - Let's Chat Al December 11th - How Do Social Media Algorithms Work? December 18th - Smart Tech 101 December 25th - CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY! Tech Talks for December were really slow. I think it's because of the holiday season and most people are traveling. Tech Talk attendance was low, I think January attendance will pick up. A few of my regulars returned this month, but I think more familiar faces will show up in the New Year. PUBLIC TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMS Submitted by: Brianna TAM 13 One -on -ones: This month, I helped a patron who needed to learn how to use WhatsApp. He told me that he was trying to contact his daughter in Guatemala but didn't know how to use WhatsApp. We went over how to make calls, how to sent messages and how to send photos. As a practice, he did a video call to her daughter. He hadn't seen his daughters face in over 5 years. He was very appreciative and excited to get home and call other family members. I've had multiple 1:1s with people having issues with new laptops. I had three appointments with three separate people who received new laptops for Christmas and didn't know how to use them. Two of the three were Macbooks and we were able to synch up everything and go over how to use the laptops. The other one was a really nice Asus laptop and the patron wanted to learn how to play Roblox so they could play with their grandchild. I wasn't able to show him how to play (because I don't know) but I was able to show him how to access the site and create an account. Other Notes: Some of the most requested classes: Canva (all types) Excel (basic) At (anything about it ADULT SERVICES PROGRAMS Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall Programs Sessions Participants Books & Bingo! 1 35 in collaboration with The Friends of the Library TOTAL: 1 35 OUTREACH Submitted by: Tiffany Marshall Early Childhood Learning Collaborative meeting with Bridges December 28, 2026 BRIDGES of BQYNT4'N BEACH YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS Submitted by: Beatriz Barreca-Garcia y9 Thi PRO(i ,< MING TEEN PROGRAMMING 0.17 PROGRAMMING Ali Ages PROGRAMMING #Participants #Participants #Participants #Participants Baby Doll Play 1 38 Teen Tuesday: Worry Dolls 5 Winter Treats 1 17 Baby Doll Play 2 38 Teen Tuesday: Diamond Art 3 Winter Treats 2 36 Teen Tuesday: DIY Canty Sleig 8 Ice skaters 14 STEAM for Littie Hands: States 27 Teen Tuesday: Karaoke 4 STEAM for Little HAnds: Akutac 43 All the Gliter. Post-reconstructic 0 Holly Jolly Winter Party 85 Game Day 1 6 Rhythm Explorers 57 Game Day 2 13 Wee Move! 23 Game Day 3 5 Make & Take: Winter Charm Bracelets 14 Woobies Over Winter Break 1 3 Picture Bookclutr: Gingerbread 18 Woobles Over Winter Break 2 Skills for Homeschoolers: Hand 16 Virtual Zone - Teens 0 Virtual Zone - Adults 4 STEAM for Big Brains: Air Plant 66 Seed Lib ---- 16 School Is Out! Craft Time Is In! 51 Teen Volunteer Hours 0 Library Tour - Poinciana ES 32 ESOL Class Beginners - Adul 59 Library Tour - First Impressions 7 ESOL Class Intermediate - Af 49 Little Beginnings Outreach 54 Homework Help/Tutoring 65 TOTAL 634 TOTAL 175 TOTAL 67 TOTAL PC Reservation PC Usage Report Total Uses Total Time Average Session 538 412:49:00 46.039 REFERENCE AND TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS STATISTICS WEEKLY SAMPLE Nov 18 - 23 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Total: Reference 35 15 15 15 5 4 Techology 15 7 7 5 5 3 0 YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS Read for the Record - Llama. Llama Red Pajamas 3B Read for the Record - Llama, Llama Red Pajamas 54 Read for the Record - Bunny Cakes 7 PALM BEACH CAREER SOURCE ( - Sourc, ow PALM BEACH COUNTY NOT ON SITE IN DECEMBER BOYNTON BEACH CITY LIBRARY AMERICORPS Mike Nigrelli r PAGE 19 -9 66 J Levels: Beginner, Intermediate Instructor: Michael Nigrelli Reporting Period: December 2025 1. Topic: Talking About Skills and Abilities (Regular, Irregular, and Modifying Adverbs) Objective: Students will be able to identify and correctly use regular and irregular adverbs, as well as basic modifying adverbs such as really and quite, to add detail and clarity to their sentences. Content Covered: • Formation of regular adverbs using -ly (e.g., slowly, carefully). • Common irregular adverbs (e.g., well, fast, hard). • Basic sentence modifiers such as really and quite. • Placement of adverbs in sentences (e.g., before adjectives, after verbs). Progress: • Students demonstrated growing confidence in changing adjectives into adverbs. • Learners enjoyed comparing sentences with and without modifiers to see how meaning changes. • Many students successfully used really and quite to add emphasis in spoken practice. Areas of Improvement: • "Well" was understood well enough, however, irregular adverbs were challenging and require continued exposure. • Lower beginner students still confuse word type definitions, such as adjectives vs adverbs. 2. Topic: Talking About Our Dreams/How to be Polite vs Demanding (Understanding the Difference Between "Would Like" and "Want"/Introducing "Would"/ "Could"/ "Will"/ "Can") Objective: Students will be able to distinguish between want and would like and use each appropriately based on formality and context. As well as introducing beginners to the idea of possibilities with would and could. Content Covered: • Meaning and usage of want vs. would like. • Polite requests and offers using would like. • Sentence formation in statements and questions (e.g., I want..., Would you like...?). • Introducing the idea of ability vs want (e.g., can... won't) • Role-play scenarios such as ordering food or making plans. AMERICORPS Mike Nigrelli 3. Topic: Talking About Things We Own (Definite and Zero Articles) Objective: Students will be able to recognize when to use the definite article (the) and when to use zero articles with general nouns. As well as a/an for good measure. Content Covered: • Definite article usage for specific nouns/singular or plural (the book on the table). • Zero articles with general nouns/plural and uncountable nouns (Books are expensive, I like coffee). • The articles "A" and "An" for general singular nouns. (A cat sits on the counter). • Comparing specific vs. general meaning in sentences. Progress: • Students showed improvement in identifying general vs. specific references and when to use proper articles. • Class discussions helped learners explain why an article was or was not needed. • Writing exercises demonstrated clearer article usage than earlier in the term. Areas of Improvement: • Some students still overuse the in general statements. • Additional listening practice may help reinforce natural article use. 4. Topic: Talking About Chores (Reflexive Pronouns) Objective: Students will be able to use reflexive pronouns correctly to describe actions done by the subject to itself. Content Covered: • Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, ourselves, themselves). • Difference between object pronouns and reflexive pronouns. • Common expressions (e.g., by myself, teach myself). AMERICORPS Mike Nigrelli 5. Topic: Talking About Job Plans (Gerunds and Infinitives) Objective: Students will be able to identify and use gerunds and infinitives after common verbs. Content Covered: • Gerunds (-ing forms) after verbs such as enjoy, like, and avoid. • Infinitives (to + verb) after verbs such as want, need, and plan. • Common verbs that can take both forms with little change in meaning. Progress: • Students began recognizing verb patterns rather than memorizing rules. • Class polls and discussion activities increased engagement. • Many students can now self -correct in written exercises. Areas of Improvement: • Some learners mix gerunds and infinitives in longer sentences. • Continued exposure and practice are needed for automatic usage. 6. Topic: Reviewing for and Taking Midterms / Overall Performance Objective: Students will review key grammar concepts through a practice test and demonstrate their understanding through midterm assessments. Content Covered: • Review of all major grammar points from the first half of their schoolyear. • Practice tests, group review quiz games, and speaking assessments. • Strategies for reading and understanding test questions. Progress: • The average score of the midterm review quizzes was around 76% for both classes. • Most students showed measurable improvement compared to earlier assessments. The ones that didn't admit that they didn't study. Students who received As on their first attempt, attempted to go for a perfect score. Students who received Cs on their first attempts worked their ways up to at least Bs, if not As for some. AMERICORPS Mike Nigrelli Areas of Improvement: • Reading comprehension remains challenging for some learners. • Test anxiety affected a small number of students' performance. • Small sticking points included phrasal verbs and remembering adverbs of frequency. 7. Next Steps • It appears as though the focus of the next few lessons (the focus in January) is in making future plans (e.g., going to, will, might, must, have to). • Continue reinforcing grammar, phrasal verbs, and other difficult subjects through conversation - based practice. • Introduce more complex verb patterns and sentence structures. • Increase focus on reading strategies and vocabulary building. Instructor's Comments: The most difficult aspect of December was not so much the classes, but my students' schedules. Between traveling for two holidays, and a number of students' job schedules changing, I'm finding that next term will have a lot of different students. I am happy/ a little emotional about certain students leaving the nest (especially the student who just got a new job). The new beginner from last month, while brand new to the language is the furthest thing from deterred. Despite setbacks, I am optimistic and pleased with the progress students made during December. This month required everyone to bring forth EVERYTHING they have learned so far. It required careful attention to subtle grammar differences, and the students with regular attendance rose to the challenge. While some concepts (particularly reflexive pronouns) remain difficult, consistent practice and real-life application have led to noticeable improvement, even if students cannot see it themselves. My dyslexic student continues to try her best and scored a 76% on her written midterm. My student who has the opposite problem, scored an 80%. Continued emphasis on speaking and confidence -building activities will further support student success for all my students moving forward. Current ESOL stats Enrollment: Beginner: 11 students (3 Spanish speakers, 5 Haitian Creole speakers, 3 Vietnamese speakers) Intermediate: 13 students (5 Spanish speakers, 6 Haitian Creole speakers, 2 Russian speakers) END OF REPORT