CCLC participated in the Florida Literacy Conference May 4th-6th in Lake Mary. President Lisa Leiby, Tutor Trainer Phyllis Weston, and Tutor Coordinator Dianne Costello attended to learn about improving the provision of literacy services in Clay County. Sessions included topics such as Grant Writing, Professional Development for Tutors, Identifying Undiagnosed LD Students and more. At the Florida Literacy Coalition's annual meeting on May 6th, several ESL and literacy student authors read their essays, which were included in Florida Literacy's 2011 Adult Learner Essay Book,  In My Words. Our own Rose Nieto was the first to read her engaging essay, "Pompo, Someone I Admire" (pictured below). Click here to read her essay!

Ruth Colvin, closing keynote speaker, was another highlight of the conference. At 94 years young, Ruth presented an engaging and inspiring talk on her literacy experiences throughout the years and throughout the world, beginning with her founding of Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. 

  Ruth & Phyllis                                         Rose 

Know someone who would make a great tutor??

The next CCLC Tutor Training Class is Saturday, June 4^th, 9am.-3:30pm at Orange Park High School Adult Education Center.  Participants will learn how to provide one-to-one instruction for adults from various parts of the world who want to improve their English language skills AND one-to-one basic reading/writing instruction for adults who want to improve their literacy skills. Teaching experience is not necessary, and all materials are furnished. Pre-registration is required. Call 904-272-5988 or email clayliteracy@aol.com to register or for more information.

      Beth & Isabel 

STUDENT: Isabel

When Isabel came from Colombia to the United States five years ago, she didn't speak any English. Isabel had a great job and a farm in Colombia, but her property and the surrounding region experienced a tumultuous turn of events, making it unsafe. Even though she was running a farm, and was working for a major airline where she supervised a department of 60 employees, she had to leave. Here, Isabel is employed as a bookkeeper for a local drywall company.  Just over a year ago, she found out about CCLC from a Colombian friend and was matched with a tutor. After working with her tutor for a year, her speaking, reading and writing skills have improved dramatically. When talking with Isabel, she carefully tries to use correct tenses of verbs and she seems to enjoy learning the language. She feels more confident with her English writing and reading skills than with speaking, so she hopes to have more opportunities to practice conversation.

Isabel doesn't hide her excitement of being in the U.S. and is eager to apply her skills. Some of her favorite books are biographies, particularly about historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Teddy Roosevelt. When asked why she likes reading about notable individuals of the past, Isabel beamed and answered, "When I was reading the history, I felt excited; I thought of my farm, friends, family." And how does she feel about working with a tutor through CCLC? With tears brimming in her eyes, she shared: "Loved much!" She also expresses her most sincere appreciation to the organization and her tutor, Beth, for the opportunity to learn. 

TUTOR: Beth

Beth understands the importance of comprehensive, hands-on education; she home-schooled her children for 13 years and has a degree in marine biology. But she has always wanted to help an adult learn how to read since it's a skill she values highly. After learning about CCLC at the Safe Animal Shelter's "Bark in the Park" event last year, Beth signed up for a tutor training class. When she was matched with her student, Isabel, she knew her four years spent in Mexico as a child might come in handy. Spanish is "music to her ears" and thus familiar to her. Beth and Isabel have developed a great relationship, built on a foundation of enthusiasm and a love of learning. As a tutor, Beth strives to keep her sessions applicable and engaging. Isabel definitely seems to thrive from her creative lesson objectives. When Isabel recently had a headache, the pair took a trip to the drugstore where they read labels and Isabel learned about generics vs. brand names. Beth harnesses all the teachable moments she can to ensure Isabel is exposed to the many facets of English. Thank you, Beth, for your commitment to Isabel and for helping us fulfill the CCLC's mission!

 If you would like to be featured in the student-tutor Spotlight, email us! clayliteracy@aol.com

Thank you to CCLC Tutor June Bonsall, who rallied the Orange Park Country Club Women's Lunch Group to support a subscription to "News for You" with a $100 donation!

(See "Tutor Corner" in left column for more info)

 We are grateful to the following stores and extend our sincere thanks for their recent contributions: 

Publix Super Markets Charities $250 donation to help sponsor Essay Writing Contest

Middleburg Walmart $500 grant

Fleming Island Walmart $500 grant

Thank you to our Fund Development team of Mike Day and Virginia Hash for obtaining the Publix & Walmart gifts!

We were also recently honored as one of the winners of the Reinhold Foundation's Celebrate Clay "Special Judges' Award" category with a cash award of $1000. Kudos to immediate Past President Virginia Hash for securing this award! Thank you to the Reinhold Foundation for continuing to support CCLC and other organizations in Clay County. 

KUDOS to CCLC student Patricia Castano, on passing her Citizenship test...and WELCOME as a new US citizen!!

Congratulations to Connie Darnell and Cindy Fuss-CCLC Tutors-who just completed the Florida Literacy "Train the Trainer" Course. We are excited to have them join our Tutor Training Team! 

May 27^th Final Essay Competition Assemblies

May 30^th Memorial Day, observed-Office closed

June 4 Tutor Training Class, 9am-3:30pm, OPHS Conference Room

June 20^th CCLC Board Meeting, 4pm OPHS Conference Room