Introduction

by David Greig, Program Manager

Susan Toy was interested in learning about setting up a literacy program. An author in Toronto who Susan knew suggested she try approaching Frontier College because she had seen Frontier's ads on television and thought Frontier might have what Susan was looking for to help her learn to teach. Susan's initial contact with Frontier College was with Independent Studies program staff person, Rita Mancini. Susan was in contact with Rita by email right from the beginning and Rita set Susan up with all of the information and support she needed. Rita also arranged for an Independent Studies student to become the pen pal of one of Susan Toy's students. Susan only ever went to Frontier College in person once a couple of summers ago when she was in Toronto. Susan met Rita in person for the first and only time then, along with Independent Studies Program Staff Susan Macdonald and another former I.S. staff person. Susan Toy has mostly relied on the College to publish the student stories in I.S. annual student (and other) publications, and to generally give Susan's students the feeling that they are part of a legitimate literacy institution and not just learning out here on their own. When Independent Studies Program Manager David Greig began working at Frontier College in August of 2000, he "inherited" email contact with Susan Toy's program when Rita Mancini went on a leave of absence at the same time. David has continued corresponding with Susan and collecting stories from her students and offering email support to Susan for her great efforts with her students. We thought people in Ontario's literacy community would find Susan's story interesting and thank AlphaPlus for providing an Internet presence for Susan's students to share their writing and experiences for others to enjoy and learn from.