On the special occasion of our 50th anniversary, we ask you to consider pledging your support by becoming a Friend of LVGS. Details about our new membership campaign will be here in June. Please check back again then, or call our office at 315-471-1300 to be added to our mailing list. Thank you!

James, an adult literacy student. LITSTART, 1999

From the Desk of the Program Manager

Hello All!

Sorry for the longer than usual stretch of time between newsletters- it has allowed me to get back to publishing at the beginning of the month again. As always, there is a lot going on at LVGS, so I’ll do my best to bring everyone up to date!

For those of you who have not already heard, LVGS is moving. As of the first week in May, (provided everything falls into place) our office will be located on the 2nd floor of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center (SEOC) on New Street in Syracuse. Betsy will be sending out more detailed information as the move draws nearer, and we’ll do our best to make sure you have all the information you need so there is as little interruption to services as possible.

Our most recent tutor training workshop was held at the SEOC, in a SMART technology room. The SEOC also features a computer lab and a central location which should be very convenient for students and tutors.

LVGS has a well-established relationship with the SEOC. The SEOC refers many students in need of better reading skills to LVGS. Often the students enroll in one of our Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes after completing intake. The SEOC works with students testing in reading at or above the 5th grade level, enrolling them in GED preparation or career pathway specific programs. LVGS is the gateway to a continued education which may have otherwise been unattainable. By working together, LVGS and the SEOC can continue to serve the adult population in the best way possible.

Watch your mail for details about the move, and as always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

As always, thank you for your commitment to adult literacy.

Robin

Announcements

Ruth Colvin Book Launch

A book launch was held at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) on March 15th to celebrate the publication of Ruth’s latest book, Off the Beaten Path, Stories of People around the World. There was a large turnout and the event was enjoyed by all.

If you were unable to attend the OHA launch you can still meet with Ruth to have your copy personalized. Ruth will be at the Dewitt location of Barnes and Noble on Thursday, April 26th, at 7pm for a book signing and talk. Off the Beaten Path features stories about Ruth’s journeys and gives what Barnes and Noble describes as “a fascinating glimpse into the lives, cultures and beliefs of people around the world through their own stories.” Be sure to mark it on your calendar!

LVGS Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Ruth Colvin founded what is now known as LVGS back in 1962. What started out as one woman’s attempt to help adults in her own community learn to read and write has blossomed into an international organization which helps adult basic education and English language learning students all over the world. We can take pride in knowing that Syracuse was the birthplace of the adult education movement, and that LVGS is still going strong 50 years later.

Watch for details about our 50 year Celebration in upcoming newsletters, emails, and on our website.

LVGS Student Honored

LVGS Student of the Year, Rena Chambers, was honored in March by the NY Association of Continuing/Community Education. Rena, her tutor Deb Mann, and Rena’s family members were on hand to see Rena accept the 2012 Outstanding Student of the Year award- Rena even had out-of-state family members make a surprise appearance! Rena spoke in front of a crowd of hundreds and thanked LVGS for the help she has received, and there was hardly a dry eye in the room. Also in attendance was LVGS board member Tracy Carman and Program Manager, Robin Morgan.

In addition to the awards banquet, Rena was invited to participate in a Legislative Tour of Albany. Rena met with Senator Dave Valesky and expressed to him what LVGS and adult education means to her. Without prompting, she reminded him of the need for funding so she and others like her can continue classes. Congratulations to Rena and to Deb Mann, great job!

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Don’t forget to complete your March Tutor Reflection Report.

Please take a few minutes to visit to complete your March report. It is important that we hear from all tutors, every month- regardless of whether any tutoring takes place. If you do not have a student, are taking a break from tutoring, or are no longer interested in tutoring, please note this in the survey or send an email to rmorgan@lvgs.org If you have already reported your March hours and/or responded to a similar request this month, please do not do so a second time.
I am pleased to announce that we had 100% reporting compliance in January and February, meaning that every active LVGS tutor either completed the survey or contacted the office with their preparation and tutoring hours for December and January. This is a huge accomplishment. Thank you for making this possible; I look forward to repeating our success in March with the February hours!

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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 150 students waiting for a tutor.

Khin
Khin is an ELL student in need of a tutor who will meet with her at White Library. She has been on our waiting list since June of 2011. A short while ago I had the pleasure of calling Khin to tell her I had a tutor for her to which she exclaimed (in beautiful English) “Yay, I am so happy!” Unfortunately, the tutor assigned to Khin exited the LVGS program after meeting with her only one time, leaving her confused and wondering what she did wrong. Khin was assured that it was not her fault and promised that we would do our best to find her a new tutor. She now calls at least once per week to check on our progress.

Khin is a delightful student from Burma. She has been in the US since January of 2002 and she scored a SPL 4 on the Best Plus test at intake. She has a good basic knowledge of English and some computer skills. Khin is available on Monday-Saturday afternoons. If you are without a student or would like to add another, please consider Khin.

Contact the office if you are interested in working with the featured student.

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A Reading Freeze Mob?

Yes, you read that right. The Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) is doing something new for National Library Week this year, and you are invited to attend. OCPL will be staging a reading freeze mob in the Carousel Mall food court on Monday, April 9th, at 12:30 pm. Freeze mobs are most often associated with seemingly random groups of people breaking out in a predetermined dance at a secret time and place. While this is slightly different, (we promise not to make you dance!) if you want to see examples of freeze mobs just Google ‘freeze mobs’ and/or You Tube for examples.

Participants in the OCPL event will freeze in place for 3 minutes while reading whatever they brought with them. The event will be filmed and placed on You Tube, and OCPL hopes to have media coverage. There will be a big sign which says “National Library Week, READ” to let people know what’s going on.

Mark your calendar for the 9th, and then SHHHHHHH…it’s secret, but they need our help to make it a success!

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Student Opportunities & Resources

USCIS representative Janice Owen will be visiting Syracuse on April 19th to answer questions about the citizenship process. Students, their families, and friends are invited to attend the event being held at Central Library from 3-4:30 pm. The event is free and may be of interest to legal permanent residents (green card holders), interested naturalization applicants, and immigration service providers. Topics being covered include: the naturalization process, the naturalization test, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Attendance at the USCIS Naturalization Information Session is limited to 45 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on US citizenship, visit www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

The LVGS ESL refugee small group class being held at The Newland Center has room for additional students. Classes meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am until noon. Students working with one-on-one tutors are welcome to attend classes. If your student is a refugee, and you think they would benefit from having additional instruction each week, contact Robin at rmorgan@lvgs.org for more information.

The Learner Web, a computer-based pilot program for LVGS students is again underway 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

April Tutor Roundtable

On Saturday, April 14th, LVGS will host a Tutor Roundtable Meeting from 10-12 at the Dewitt Community Library. All tutors are invited. Share experiences, successes, and problems. Get to know each other and build a network of support. Veteran tutors will be there to provide anecdotes and tips, and to answer your questions. Coffee, doughnuts, fruit, and juice will be provided.

Gordon Davis has extensive experience tutoring ESL students at all levels, as well as having expertise in using ESL software tools to work with students. Dee Tanner, tutor and LVGS board member, has experience working with preliterate refugees, having taught a group of Somali Bantu women. Bob Rudolph will facilitate. Bob is a long-time LVGS tutor trainer. RSVP’s welcome but not required.

USCIS In-service

USCIS representative Janice Owen will be on-hand to speak with LVGS tutors about immigration and the naturalization process. The in-service will be held in the Technology Room from 1-3pm on April 18th at the SEOC on New Street in Syracuse, NY (LVGS future home).

Helping a student through the citizenship process can be a complicated and confusing task. This is your chance to ask questions on behalf of your student or simply learn more about the process. We hope to see you there. Check your inbox for an email reminder later in April.

The Annie Casey Foundation Study

This is an interesting article and it helps to explain why LVGS’ role in the community is so important. Ever wondered why graduation rates are so low? This study offers one possible explanation.

In Service Schedule

In the past we have notified volunteers of upcoming in-services singularly, as they are scheduled. The problem with this approach is that many of our tutors have busy lives and need ample time to adjust their schedule to fit in the upcoming event. Turnout is light not because tutors aren’t interested, but because they don’t have enough notice.

In order to meet the needs of our tutors, a one year schedule of in-services and training opportunities will soon be posted in the Tutor Newsletter AND on the website under ‘Tutor Resources, Upcoming Tutor Network Meetings’. The schedule is under development and will be updated regularly. See below for a sample of what is to come.

2012 Tutor In-service Schedule

March 31st* 11-1 Tutor Resources and Materials Speaker: Amy Thorna, OCPL Adult
Literacy Coordinator
Location: Central Library

April 14th 10-12 Tutor Roundtable Facilitated by Bob Rudolph and other
veteran LVGS tutors

April 18th 1-3 Understanding the Citizenship Process Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS
Location: SEOC

April 19th 3-4:30 Student Citizenship Event Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS

TBA Ask the Instructor Speaker: Kevin Lucas, certified ESL
Instructor

TBA In the Beginning… Speaker: Ruth Colvin

TBA Understanding the Needs of Speaker: Martha Bonney
Preliterate Adult Refugees

*Three or more Tutor Materials in-services will be held in 2012, depending on the level of interest.

Culture grams

Thanks to our Literacy NY affiliates, Culturegrams are now available online, at no charge, by logging in using the link below. Click on World Edition and the country of your choice. Be sure to check out the many features available on the website, including photos and recipes!

User ID: usa
Password: usa

Dyslexia Information

A good source of information for tutors who may be working with students who have dyslexia.

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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

Tutor Deb Araniti submitted this website, www.learnamericanenglishonline.com as a possible tool for tutors of ELL students. What interesting/useful tips and tools have you uncovered?

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!

Donna Anne Valerino
March 10, 2012 Ms. Donna Anne Valerino, 50, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on Saturday at her home with the support of her devoted and loving family by her side. She lived bravely with cancer for two years while making the most of her life, cherishing friends and enjoying the closeness of family. Born on April 29, 1961, Donna was the daughter of Albert Valerino Sr. of Liverpool and Ruth DeLapp Valerino of Camillus. She was formally educated in New York, graduating from Thomas J. Corcoran High School and State University of New York at Stony Brook. Donna’s employment began at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center as director of clinical services, continued as deputy executive director at AIDS Community Resources and concluded as executive director at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse. Her work life, while demanding, made a significant contribution to her community, led to tremendous friendships with people she greatly admired, and was a source of personal satisfaction. Donna also served on various boards and committees, such as the Education Committee at the Syracuse Commission for Women, the Onondaga County Health Advisory Committee, Project It Takes A Village, and Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to being survived by her loving parents and stepfather, Maurice Infantino, Donna leaves behind three beloved siblings: sisters Theresa and Linda and brother Albert Jr. She also leaves a niece, Emily Harris; four nephews, Tyler Harris and Valerino brothers Adam, Marcus and Zachary; a great-nephew, Damien; many wonderful aunts and uncles and treasured cousins. She will be lovingly missed by several dear and longtime friends who, in many ways, were like family to her and were a constant source of inspiration to her, as she was to them. Donna was predeceased by her grandparents and cousin, Joseph Antelmi. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial, which will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Fairmount. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Donna’s honor to LVGS or ACR. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. “Throughout her life, Donna sought joy, was gracious and expressed gratitude. Her energy, enthusiasm and vitality will always be remembered.” Buranich Please share condolences at www.BuranichFuneralHome.com

Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center
100 New Street
Syracuse NY 13202

Click here for directions.

Sessions will be on Tuesdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22. Participants must complete all sessions.

Call 315-471-1300 to register.

In Service Schedule

In the past we have notified volunteers of upcoming in-services singularly, as they are scheduled. The problem with this approach is that many of our tutors have busy lives and need ample time to adjust their schedule to fit in the upcoming event. Turnout is light not because tutors aren’t interested, but because they don’t have enough notice.

In order to meet the needs of our tutors, a one year schedule of in-services and training opportunities will soon be posted in the Tutor Newsletter AND on the website under ‘Tutor Resources, Upcoming Tutor Network Meetings’. The schedule is under development and will be updated regularly. See below for a sample of what is to come.

2012 Tutor In-service Schedule (under development)

March 31st* 11-1 Tutor Resources and Materials
Speaker: Amy Thorna, OCPL Adult Literacy Coordinat
Location: Central Library

April 14th 10-12 Saturday Tutor Roundtable
Facilitated by: Bob Rudolph, Dee Tanner, & Gordon Davis
Location: Dewitt Community Library

April 18th 1-3 Understanding the Citizenship Process
Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS
Location: SEOC

April 19th Student Citizenship Event
Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS (opportunity for students to ask citizenship questions)

Ask the Instructor
Speaker: Kevin Lucas, certified ESL Instructor

In the Beginning Was The Word
Speaker: Ruth Colvin

Understanding the Needs of Preliterate Adult Refugees
Speaker: Martha Bonney

*Three or more Tutor Materials in-services will be held in 2012, depending on the level of interest.

Congratulations to the SU Center for Community and Public Service, Grand Champions for the second year, and the the members of the CNY SCRABBLE Club, who played on the winning team! The team is was hard at work building a winning board in this photo! Over all second place winner was Network Systems Consulting and third place went to Hancock & Estabrook.

Prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each round. Team scores are here:
2012 SCRABBLE Mania Team Scores

Photos from the event will be posted in March here.

LVGS thanks all of our supporters, volunteers, and participants for a wonderful and successful evening!

Robert, an adult literacy student, LITSTART, 1999

From the Desk of the Program Manager

Hello All!

The New Year got off to a busy start as LVGS rolled out a new Program Initiative, including a redesigned Tutor Training Workshop. Fourteen tutors completed the 5 week workshop and were certified on February 7th, and they have all been matched with English Language Learners from our waiting list. Please join us in welcoming the new tutors to LVGS!

In addition to the Tutor Training Workshop, the Program Initiative includes a more in-depth student intake interview process and follow-ups with the tutor every 3 months. Not only will we set the new tutor up for success, but LVGS will track the progress of tutor and student using three month checkups. By reaching out to the tutor at three month intervals we will be able to identify and address areas of concern more quickly, resulting in increased tutor satisfaction and retention rates. In turn, we will create and maintain a positive learning environment for our students.

Although the three month follow-ups are (at least for the time being) limited to tutors going through training as of 2012, the number of training and development opportunities for all tutors will be increased significantly this year. Included in this month’s newsletter is a partial listing of in-services which will be offered. Be sure to note them on your calendar!

In the past we have found it difficult to maintain contact with all of our tutors, and a great deal of time and effort has been focused on collecting preparation and tutoring hours each month. LVGS appreciates your patience as we continue to develop a more efficient system of tracking and follow up, and I personally would like to thank those of you who have responded to our inquiries.

As always, thank you for your commitment to adult literacy.

Robin

Announcements

SCRABBLE Mania

Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and community members, SCRABBLE Mania 2012 was a huge success! A good time was had by all and plans are already underway for next year’s event. Be sure to check the website later this month for a detailed recap of the evening’s events!

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Don’t forget to complete your January Tutor Reflection Report.

Please take a few minutes to visit and complete your January report. It is important that we hear from all tutors, every month- regardless of whether any tutoring takes place. If you do not have a student, are taking a break from tutoring, or are no longer interested in tutoring, please note this in the survey. If you have already reported your January hours and/or responded to a similar request this month, please do not do so a second time.

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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.

Enrique
Enrique is an ELL student in need of a tutor who lives in, or will travel to, Camillus. He completed 11 years of schooling in his home country of Mexico and he is a US citizen. Enrique works a split shift at the Mexican restaurant in Camillus and is available only between 3 and 5 pm. It may be possible to meet with Enrique right at the restaurant. Enrique is a low level learner. He scored a SPL 1 in October 2011 and has been in the US since 1993.

Enrique is one of three gentlemen employed at the restaurant who came to LVGS seeking a tutor. Two of the three have recently been placed with a tutor- please help us to help Enrique! He and his wife call the office regularly to check his wait-list status and ask if he has moved closer to placement.

Contact the office if you are interested in working with the featured student.

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Ruth Colvin Book Launch Reminder

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

In addition to Off the Beaten Path, watch for the 5th edition of I Speak English to be released soon.

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Student Opportunities & Resources

LVGS ESL small group classes at the EOC and The Newland Center have room for additional students. EOC classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 – 4pm. Newland Center classes meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am until noon. Students working with one-on-one tutors are welcome to attend classes. If you think your student would be interested in having additional instruction each week, contact Robin at rmorgan@lvgs.org for more information.

A tentative date has been set for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) representative Janice Owen to visit Syracuse in April. Janice will meet with students, their families, and friends, to answer questions about the citizenship process. Time and location will be announced closer to the event date.

The Learner Web, a computer-based pilot program for LVGS students is again underway 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

In Service Schedule

In the past we have notified volunteers of upcoming in-services singularly, as they are scheduled. The problem with this approach is that many of our tutors have busy lives and need ample time to adjust their schedule to fit in the upcoming event. Turnout is light not because tutors aren’t interested, but because they don’t have enough notice.

In order to meet the needs of our tutors, a one year schedule of in-services and training opportunities will soon be posted in the Tutor Newsletter AND on the website under ‘Tutor Resources, Upcoming Tutor Network Meetings’. The schedule is under development and will be updated regularly. See below for a sample of what is to come.

2012 Tutor In-service Schedule (under development)

March 31st* 11-1 Tutor Resources and Materials
Speaker: Amy Thorna, OCPL Adult Literacy Coordinat
Location: Central Library

April 18th 1-3 Understanding the Citizenship Process
Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS
Location: SEOC

April 19th Student Citizenship Event
Speaker: Janice Owen, USCIS (opportunity for students to ask citizenship questions)

Ask the Instructor
Speaker: Kevin Lucas, certified ESL Instructor

In the Beginning Was The Word
Speaker: Ruth Colvin

Understanding the Needs of Preliterate Adult Refugees
Speaker: Martha Bonney

Also included in the mix will be several tutor roundtables. Roundtables provide an informal opportunity for tutors to meet, discuss triumphs and challenges, ask questions, and get to know each other. Times and locations will vary.

*Three or more Tutor Materials in-services will be held in 2012, depending on the level of interest.

Culturegrams

Thanks to our Literacy NY affiliates, Culturegrams are now available online, at no charge, by logging in using the information provided below. Click on World Edition and the country of your choice. Be sure to check out the many features available on the website, including photos and recipes!

User ID: usa
Password: usa

Dyslexia Information

A good source of information for tutors who may be working with students who have dyslexia

*****************************************

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

As we near spring, post-testing will be in full swing! Many students, particularly Basic Literacy students, feel a sense of heightened anxiety when testing. They have often had bad experiences with the school system and have a history of less than stellar test results. You can help your student to prepare for post-testing by following these simple steps:
1) Remind them that this is not a ‘test’ they can fail; it is a measure of the progress and gain they have made. Remind the student of how far they have come and make sure they understand that no matter what happens, you applaud their efforts and are proud of their accomplishments!
2) Familiarize your student with the type of questions they may see. The TABE test questions require the student to read a short passage, essay, or even a bar graph and then answer specific questions about the reading. Among other things, the student must draw conclusions, understand the meaning of a word when it is placed in context, and know the difference between opinion and fact.
3) Check workbooks out at your local library. Look for workbooks which are written at your student’s level and copy the pages so your student can practice test taking and working within specific guidelines. Make sure the student understands they cannot write in the workbook. If you don’t know where to start, contact Amy Thorna at Central Library 435-1835 for guidance.
4) Show your student how to work through the answers methodically. Often they jump to conclusions and do not read the question carefully and /or do not look at all the answers. It’s not a race, there is plenty of time allotted for the test, and accuracy trumps just filling in all the blanks every time!

Notes: The tutor does not need to be present for testing, this is optional. Post-testing is important, please encourage your student to keep their appointment for testing. Also, if you ever have reason to suspect your student may leave the program (may move out of the area, having a baby, etc.) please contact Robin or Betsy at LVGS so we can arrange for testing as soon as possible.

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!

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!

LVGS thanks all of our partners, supporters, and volunteers for all of their efforts on our behalf this year.