It was the first time I had taught in a special needs classroom. I wasn't sure what to expect at our school sports meeting. All my students had some problems, from slight learning disabilities to physical disabilities.

Mark was one of the latter. He had to get around in a wheelchair. But he was always positive and greeted everyone with a huge smile. His classmates loved him, especially Lucas, the boy who was good at sports. I knew Mark wanted to be like him.

When track and field day came, Lucas did well in every event. Mark sat on the sideline, cheering him on. The final event of the day was the 400-meter race. Everyone was invited to either walk or run. But when Lucas reached the finish line, he stopped and turned to look behind him. At the back of the crowd was Mark. He was alone on the track, trying to catch up with others. Lucas made a decision quickly. He turned back toward his friend. He ran beside Mark, cheering him on as Mark had done for him before.

In the end, the two boys crossed the finish line together to the excited shout of their teachers and classmates. Seeing Mark's face, I came to understand what makes the Special Olympics so special. Everyone deserves their own time to shine.

Quality after-school programs are designed to improve academic performance, decrease youth crimes and other high-risk behaviors, and help young people grow into healthy, successful adults.

The effect of quality after-school programs on academic performance is clear. Studies show that students who take part in such programs show better work habits, higher rates of homework completion, improved grades, and higher scores on achievement tests. They also have fewer absences and are less likely to blame. After-school programs also influence high-risk teen behavior. Various studies show decreased rates of crime, drug-taking, and teen sex among youth who join in well-run after-school programs when compared to similar youth who do not. Finally, after-school programs play an important role in supporting different kinds of fields of development: physical development, mental development and social development. Thus, one can safely say that after-school programming is an effective method to help young people become contributing members of society.

Although there is enough proof from both small and large assessments that after-school programs can make a positive difference, it is important to note that not all programs are equal. First, dosage matters-young people who attend the most hours over the most years benefit more than members who attend less often or over a shorter period of time. Next, after-school programs make a bigger difference for those students who need help most and have the fewest choices. Finally, program qualities matter. After-school programs work best when they create unique opportunities for youth. They should provide opportunities, skill building meaningful involvement, expression, suggestion, service, and work. Staff characteristics make an important difference in the quality of a program. The adults should treat youth as partners, create safe and fair environment, encourage personalized involvement, and actively create learning opportunities. In short, although after-school programs have a promising future, how they are designed and run matters.

Title: Quality After-school Programs

How are you? It has been several weeks since I heard from you. I have been missing you a lot these days, so I think I should find out how you are doing. Hope this letter finds you in the best of health. Things here are fine, though they seem to be a little boring now without you.

Since school started, I have made some new friends who are great company（陪伴）. But I keep remembering what a great time we had during our summer vacations. Those long rides in the woods, often shopping at the mall and our video game matches were all so much fun. Things here are a little different, and it is going to take me some time to get used to them.

I have some great professors who make classes very interesting. I actually look forward to doing my homework for these classes. However, there are some really boring science classes that I just don’t seem to enjoy. They all sound so difficult, but I have to learn them. A few years later, I am going to drop these subjects forever! The good thing is that all the friends I’ve made feel just the same way about these science classes.

How have things been with you? How about your school and all those great friends you keep talking about? Did you join that guitar class you wanted to so badly? Look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, Dad has bought me the latest video game controller. It is really amazing! Waiting for you to come back here so that we can have some more video game matches!

Yours truly,

Aaron