Third Grader Ysabel: I’m a better student because everybody helps me

Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about. Today we feature Ysabel, a third grader at El Sol Elementary School.

CIS After School Coordinator Viridiana Carvajal had the pleasure of first working with Ysabel when she became involved in CIS after school as a first grader. “She’s got such a positive attitude and is willing to try new things,” says Viridiana (known as “Ms. Viri”). It’s students like Ysabel who inspire me go beyond and work even harder.”

We met up with Ysabel at Arcadia Elementary School during the 2019 CIS Think Summer! program. Ysabel says she enjoys school and learning. She loves being part of CIS After School, making new friends, and is looking forward to the new school year. [Ysabel is featured in the fall 2019 CIS Connections, found here.]

Alright, Ysabel: pencil out, eyes on your own paper. Good luck.

Pop Quiz

During the school year, you attend El Sol Elementary. What has your CIS experience been like as a student there?  

I like it. All the teachers, [CIS] coaches, and everyone in after school. Ms. Viri is special…She is kind and helps me with my homework in after school. I’m a better student because everybody helps me.

Speaking of Ms. Viri, she says you are enthusiastic and actively involved in CIS after school and many of the special activities. What else should we know about you?

I like to bake a lot. I like to make breakfast for my family. I like to bring them eggs and milk and coffee and waffles.

Favorite word? Fun!

What are you currently reading?

My Life in Pictures [written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke]. It’s about this little girl who is drawing pictures of her life.

Just like the title of the book!

Yes!

Favorite things about being a student in KPS?

I get to learn a lot of stuff. I like gym and math.

Would you rather be a dinosaur or a whale for one day?

A whale.

Why a whale?

Because they are really big.

Behind every successful student is a caring adult. Who is one of your caring adults?

My family. My mom and dad, aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas….Also, my cousins, baby brother, big sister and little sister. And Ms. Viri.

Thank you, Ysabel, for hanging out with us at Ask Me About My 12,000 Kids.

Be sure to read the CIS Connections and find out more about Ysabel, including what one thing she would change about the world, if she could.

Tags: CIS, CIS After School program, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Deborah Zemke, El Sol Elementary School, Think Summer, Viridiana Carvajal