July 2nd-3rd GCS Lions 4^th of July Celebration

July 23rd Tutor In-Service Workshop, 10 am -Noon in the conference room, Adult Ed, OPHS

July 25th CCLC Board Meeting, 4 pm in the conference room at OPHS

July 25th - Aug 18th  Revised office hours: 

 9am - 4pm

Aug 1st-Back to School Health Fair-St. Catherine's Catholic Church  9am-4pm

Aug 22nd-Regular office hours resume

Aug 27th-Tutor Training Class, 9am-3:30 pm in the conference room, Adult Ed, OPHS

The 8^th Essay Writing competition sponsored by Clay County Literacy Coalition was held this spring in six area elementary schools, with 650 3^rd and 4^th graders participating. The six schools include C. E. Bennett, Coppergate, Doctor's Inlet, Grove Park, J.L. Wilkinson and W.E. Cherry. Students wrote essays on "Why Reading is Important to Me." The winners at each school read their essays at an awards assembly attended by all the students at their grade level, their teachers, administrators, and parents. Winning essays have been compiled into a booklet and will be on display at the CCLC booth during various community events. Essay titles such as Unlocking Your Future, I Love Reading, and Reading is Electrifying clearly demonstrate that these children are well on their way to a lifetime of learning and enjoyment through reading and writing. To enjoy a sampling of essays, click here.

Kudos and many thanks to CCLC volunteer and tutor Cindy Fuss for heading up our Essay Writing Competition for a second year. We also discovered a new talent of hers-- Cindy designed the delightful cover of this year's essay booklet (pictured above).

 W.E. CHERRY ELEMENTARY        ESSAY WINNERS

 GROVE PARK ELEMENTARY      ESSAY WINNERS

Through various events, CCLC shares our mission with the community and solicits for tutors, volunteers and students.  Several interesting and fun events include the St. Catherine's Health Fair in August, Literacy Month in September, Orange Park Fall Fest in October, Orange Park Theater Night in the Fall, our Annual Awards Banquet in February, and the Clay County Agricultural Fair in April.  The Events Committee Co-Chairs delegate members and volunteers to help plan and execute various events. It is a great way to get more involved with the organization, to get to know other tutors and volunteers, and to spread the word of our rewarding community service. If this interests you, please call the office @ 904-272-5988 for more information.

Two print subscriptions of this weekly newspaper for adults who are learning to read, write, or speak English will be available mid-July, one at OP Library for tutor/student sessions and one at the CCLC Office. The engaging articles are based on world and national news events and are written at reading levels 3-6 and ESL levels high-beginning and low-intermediate. Please visit this link for a sample newspaper and teacher's guide.  In addition, we'll soon have an 8-week trial of the online format that includes audio. Any student or tutor who is interested and has use of a computer will be given the password to access the online version. Please plan to take advantage of this resource and give us your feedback!

Know someone who would make a great tutor??

The next CCLC Tutor Training Class is Saturday, August 27th, 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.

Lynn   &   Marc

STUDENT: Marc

When listening to Marc speak, one can guess he has been formally educated in English. Yet that is incorrect. Marc has picked up his verbal skills simply from television and everyday conversation since first arriving in the US from Haiti about 9 years ago. Although a quick study, Marc admits his challenge lies in reading comprehension. That is what brought him to CCLC. He strives to pass the GED & citizenship tests. He feels that will allow him to be a better provider for his family. His work ethic is something to be admired: after working the night shift as a machine operator, Marc helps his wife with their 4 children and participates in GED classes. He also studies and meets with his CCLC tutor. Somewhere between all that, he catches a few hours of sleep. While his goals include passing tests and "living decently", Marc shared another reason for wanting to improve his reading and writing skills: "The best way to have a good relationship with your children is to help them with their homework." He also expressed a sincere appreciation for what CCLC provides for him, and for others "who have a goal" and want to get on "the right path." We wish Marc and his family many blessings!

TUTOR: Lynn

Lynn began tutoring for CCLC about 3 years ago, but prior to that he was a tutor with Learn to Read in Jacksonville. Throughout the past 15 years, he has worked individually with 5 students total. Lynn has a Bachelors degree in Social Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University and retired from the Naval Criminal Investigative Services after 26 years. He chose to tutor in reading because it's "the gift that keeps on giving," one which students can ultimately share with others. Lynn is focused on helping his students attain their personal goals. Currently, he works with Marc (above) and also his student Al. Although Lynn thoroughly enjoys his volunteer work with CCLC, he shared that one challenge is keeping students motivated. He strives to encourage them and remind them of those specific goals. Lynn lives in the Orange Park area with his wife; they have a son, a daughter and 3 grandsons. He enjoys reading (of course), particularly biographies, autobiographies and history. 

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