“Learning to read is like coming out of the dark.”
Anonymous, an adult literacy student. LITSTART, 1999
From the Desk of the Program Manager
Greetings everyone!
The beginning of 2012 marks a busy time for LVGS. This will be a year of significant change, starting with the roll-out of a new tutor training program in mid-January and continuing with a number of incentives which we hope will help LVGS continue to flourish and remain a leader in adult literacy in the greater Syracuse area.
What will not change, however, is our commitment to our tutors- without whom we could not function. I encourage you to take advantage of the training and development opportunities which will be offered in 2012, and to contact me when you need help or additional resources. Thank you for your commitment to adult literacy, and best wishes for you in the New Year.
Robin
Announcements
SCRABBLE Mania
LVGS 2012 SCRABBLE Mania Registration is SOLD OUT! If you would like to attend, you can contact our office to get on the waiting list to purchase an individual ticket OR to apply to be a SCRABBLE Mania volunteer (volunteer opportunities at the event are limited). Please contact our Office Manager, Betsy Lang, by calling 471-1300 or emailing office@lvgs.org.
SCRABBLE Mania 2012 is being held at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center on Friday, February 17th at 5:30pm. Event proceeds will be used to recruit, train, and support the volunteers who help adults in our community improve their lives through literacy. For more information, visit the SCRABBLE Mania website.
LVGS Launches New Tutor Training Program
January 10th marks the launch of LVGS’ new tutor training program. Developed by Literacy NY, the training initiative has already been adopted by over 75% of affiliates in New York State.
In addition to using Tutor and I Speak English, the workshop features the addition of a new text, LITSTART. The training is broken up into modules and focuses on either ELL or BL training, with additional elective modules being made available after completion. Particular attention has been focused on determining the best strategies and lesson plans for students of all levels, and how to develop a successful tutor/student relationship.
In order to support our veteran tutors, LVGS will offer in-service opportunities which are modeled after the Literacy NY training. This will give experienced tutors the opportunity to brush up on their existing skills while adding new ones. It will also provide tutors a setting where they can discuss their experiences with other LVGS volunteers. Watch for a schedule of events to be posted in February 2012.
Hand Made Quilt Raffle
In the spring of 2009, Liverpool resident Ann Alger was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She chose to dedicate her remaining time to a project that she named Quilts 4 Charity, creating quilts to benefit nonprofit organizations in our community. LVGS is offering raffle coupons for a beautiful quilt, Lovebird Lane, for $5 each, 5 for $20, 10 for $40, 20 for $50, or 50 for $100, from now until February 17, 2012. The quilt was made for LVGS and can be viewed on our website, or in our office where it currently displayed.
The winner will be drawn at LVGS SCRABBLE Mania on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Syracuse University Sheraton. To purchase raffle coupons, follow the link below to the LVGS website where you have the option to print the coupon and mail it with your check to LVGS, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse NY 13205, or click the button to register and purchase raffle coupons on line. You do not have to be present to win, as long as your contact information on the coupon is complete.
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Don’t forget to complete your December Tutor Reflection Report
Please take a few minutes and visit here to complete your December report. It is important that we hear from all tutors, every month- regardless of whether any tutoring takes place. If you have already reported your December hours, please disregard this request.
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Featured Student
Each month LVGS will provide information on a “featured” student. Featured students will generally be chosen based on time on the waiting list, location, and number of inquiries to the office about status of a tutor. Currently, LVGS has almost 100 students waiting for a tutor.
Eloise
Eloise is a Basic Literacy student in need of a temporary tutor replacement. She completed the 12th grade but tested at the 5th grade level. She works the night shift and is only available for tutoring first thing in the morning. Eloise and her tutor currently meet at Beauchamp Library at 9am on Wednesdays.
Eloise’s current tutor has a medical problem which requires she take some time off from tutoring. She contacted the office in the hope that someone can fill in while she is recovering; resulting in the least possible disruption to Eloise’s progress.
Eloise would like to focus on reading and writing skills which will help her in the workplace. LVGS will provide the new tutor with detailed information about Eloise’s current lesson plan and contact information so you can speak directly with her current tutor.
Contact the office if you are interested in working with the featured student.
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Ruth Colvin Book Launch
LVGS founder Ruth Colvin’s latest book, Off the Beaten Path, Stories of People around the World is now available! Recommended by Barbara Bush and New York Times Bestselling Author David Baldacci, Off the Beaten Path tells the stories of people from all walks of life whom Ruth and her husband met while traveling around the world. In a recent press release issued by Syracuse University Press, author David Baldacci states “Ruth Colvin exemplifies the power of one individual changing the world for the better. I share Ruth’s passion of eradicating illiteracy within the United States and I am humbled by the stories she shares in her book.” (2011)
In celebration of Ruth’s most recent publication, a Syracuse Book Launch is being held at the Onondaga Historical Association, 321 Montgomery St, Syracuse, on March 15th at 4pm. To order your copy of Off the Beaten Path, call Longleaf Services at 800-848-6224 or email customerservice@longleafservices.org
Please join LVGS in congratulating Ruth on the latest in a long string of accomplishments, including the pending release of the 5th edition of I Speak English.
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Student Opportunities & Resources
LVGS small group classes begin in January at the SEOC, The Newland Center, and the North Side Learning Center. Call our office at 471-1300 or email Robin at rmorgan@lvgs.org for more information.
The Learner Web, a computer-based pilot program for LVGS students, resumes again on January 27th at Beauchamp Library. The program helps students learn to use a computer and navigate the web. Students learn to use web tools to help them with things such as applying for a job and reading. The program is primarily a navigational tool designed to help students seek out internet resources, including web-based literacy programs. A team of Syracuse University Literacy Corp students, trained by LVGS, will assist LVGS students each Friday afternoon between 1:00 and 3:00 pm at Beauchamp Library, 2nd floor, on a first-come, first-served basis. We are excited to extend this learning opportunity to any student who is interested. If you think your student would benefit from computer instruction, please refer them to this program.
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Tutor & Professional Development Opportunities
Tutor In-service
LVGS is hosting a tutor in-service opportunity at the Manlius Library on Thursday, January 26th, from 6-8pm. We are privileged to have material from the upcoming 5th edition of I Speak English which has not yet been made available to the general public. Activities will include lesson planning, strategies for success, and more. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know one another and be given the chance to discuss their own experiences and ask questions of their peers. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited so please contact LVGS Program Manager, Robin Morgan, if you are interested in attending. In the case of inclement weather, the workshop will be re-scheduled and the participants notified.
Culturegrams
Thanks to our Literacy NY affiliates, Culturegrams are now available online by logging in using the link. Click on World Edition and the country of your choice.
User ID: usa
Password: usa
Dyslexia Information
A good source of information for tutors who may be working with students who have dyslexia can be found here
The Literacy Tribune
The January issue of The Literacy Tribune is now available. Articles include a look at “Hurry Sickness,” and a history lesson on Benjamin Franklin.
Are you interested in Learner Web tutor training?
Learner Web helps students learn to use a computer and navigate the web. Students learn to use web tools to help them with things such as applying for a job and reading. The program is primarily a navigational tool designed to help students seek out internet resources, including web-based literacy programs.
LVGS is expanding the Learner Web to include individual tutors and their students. If your student has expressed an interest in developing computer skills or you think they may benefit from the Learner Web program, please contact Robin at LVGS for more information rmorgan@lvgs.org Tutor training is self-paced and completed online.
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Strategy of the Month
The National Conference for Family Literacy (NCFL) has released a new online tool which recreates the experience of shopping in a real store. Created in partnership with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the program is called “A Day at Dollar General: Learn While shopping.” The interactive game is geared toward families and children and designed to encourage good spending habits. It includes activities surrounding budgeting, planning a shopping trip, spending wisely, and managing money. Students can play the game with their tutor as well as playing at home with their family!
Back by popular demand, Puzzlemaker was our December Strategy of the Month. Tutors can create puzzles and word games using words their students already know, in addition to adding new words from recent lessons. This free website comes highly recommended by our Literacy Buffalo affiliates and your fellow LVGS volunteers!
