February

2014

Valentine cookies decorated with heart shape of colors

Message From the Director

Literacy in the 21st century involves the ability to

Perform the basic skills of reading, writing, and computation
Apply knowledge and skills in real-life situations
Reason, solve problems, and think critically and creatively
Communicate clearly
Work effectively with others
Use and adapt to changing technologies

In practical terms, literacy means being able to understand bank statements, follow medication instructions, complete a job application, or help a child with homework. Literacy enables an individual to reach his or her full potential as a parent, employee, and community member. Here at the Literacy Council we are able to transform lives every day by giving the gift of literacy, thanks to your contributions of time, talents, and funds.

Gratefully,

Lisa Vernon

Director, Anne Arundel County Literacy Council

410-269-4419 (office)

410-798-0408 (home)

Why We Do What We Do

Shirley & (Tutor) Sally Jones

I'm one of the luckiest tutors around! Meet Shirley Copland, my student. Shirley sought out the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council in September 2013 because she had a burning desire to obtain her GED. She comes from a family of 10 children, where, for a variety of reasons, only 4
were able to complete high school.When she became a mother, one of her goals for her children was that they would understand the importance of a high school education and master the study habits that would help ensure their success.And once you've met Shirley, it comes as no surprise that all of her children did succeed in graduating from high school with flying colors. But in recent years, her children lovingly insisted that now was the time to give the same gift to herself, Shirley worked through her fears of admitting to others that she had not obtained her high school degree, and called the AACLC.

Not long before, I had contacted the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council to explore ways in which I could give back to the community. When I was put in touch with AACLC Director Lisa Vernon, Lisa invited me to join the September tutor training even though it was booked to capacity.Now, after tutoring Shirley for almost four and a half months, I have received more than I ever expected.I have had the intense pleasure of seeing Shirley's eyes light up with each new step she takes. She personifies the meaning of the word "motivation." I not only know that I am making a difference in the life of another person; I have gained a new friend. Together we share many moments of laughter and fun when we meet at the library three days each week. I am supported by a committed staff at the Literacy Council, as well as by many seasoned AACLC tutors. I consider myself to be one of the luckiest tutors around!

Nancy White's Special Needs Workshop

Informal Tutor Workshops

We will be having informal tutor workshop opportunities throughout 2014. Nancy White led a wonderful workshop for tutors with Special Needs students in January, and Larry Smith has a math workshop coming up on February 18th.

Has your student requested help with math? If the answer is "yes", then this is the workshop you have been waiting for! Come to Panera Bread in Edgewater on Tuesday, February 18th, from 7:00-8:30 pm, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and learn about new ways to teach math. Larry Smith will show you the math resources that we now have available, help you select the appropriate workbook for your student, and will even demonstrate how to teach division. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to programdirector@aaclc.org or call 410-269-4419 if you plan to attend.

Larry graduated from Loyola University in Chicago, and over the course of his 35-year career taught elementary through high school math, as well as other subjects. Larry was also a part-time instructor at Sylvan Learning Center and Huntington Center, and has volunteered as a math and basic literacy tutor with both the Prince George's County Literacy Council and the AACLC.

New Tutor Training Opportunity

Previous Tutor Classes

If you would like to take AACLC's tutor training, now is your chance! Our training will familiarize you with the Laubach teaching materials we use, and will cover both basic literacy and ESL instruction. Here are the details:

9:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, February 22nd

and

9:00am - 12:00 Noon, Saturday, March 8th

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church

611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD

http://www.acswebnetworks.com/woods/directions

Class size will be limited to 35 participants. If interested, please email programdirector@aaclc.org or call 410-269-4419 as soon as possible to reserve a space.

Mark Your Calendars

February 18th - Math Workshop
February 22nd and March 8th - Tutor Training
March 12th, Board Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Eastport United Methodist Church
April 8th, Student-Tutor Appreciation Dinner, 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park

Did You Know?

Literacy and poverty in America have an inverse relationship. Only 4% of adults with strong literacy skills live in poverty, while 43% of adults possessing the lowest level of literacy proficiency are poverty-stricken. (The State of Literacy in America, 1998)

Tutor Resources

iPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia/Reading and Writing Difficulties: http://www.callscotland.org.uk/Common-Assets/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Wheel_0f_Apps_V1_0.pdf

How to Teach +/- Facts so they Stick: http://happynumbe.rs/jD

Free English Lessons Online: Simple English vocabulary-building activities for beginner-and higher-level students:

http://www.esolcourses.com/vocabulary/beginners.html

New Library Hours

Hours for all library locations:
Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm

Annapolis, Crofton, North County, Severna Park and West County are also open Sundays from 1 to 5 pm.

2013 Top Rated Great Nonprofit

Award

We did it again! We have won both the 2012 and 2013 Top-Rated Great Nonprofits award, as well as the GuideStar Exchange Seal, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. Please take a moment to check out our 40 five-star reviews.

Since its founding in 2007, GreatNonprofits has grown into the leading provider of reviews and ratings of nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. GreatNonprofits has received media coverage in Newsweek, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Alliance magazine, and on NPR, and is endorsed by USA Today, the Economist, Huffington Post, and the LA Times.

link to Great Nonprofit & GuideStar

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Contact
Anne ArundelCounty Literacy Council, Inc.
410-269-4419 / programdirector@aaclc.org

P.S. it's not to late to respond to our annual appeal