March

2014

Februray 22nd March 8th Tutor Training Class

Message From the Director

February was a very productive month for the Literacy Council. Activities included tutor/student recruitment at the North County, Crofton, and Brooklyn Park libraries; a well attended math workshop led by Larry Smith: February 22/March 8 tutor-training preparations for our class of 36 new tutors, including the completion of student assessments for their tutor/student matches; and the fine-tuning of our new AACLC database as well as the initial training for data entry. A tremendous thanks goes out to the team of volunteers who made this progress possible through their hard work, time, and talents.

Our April 8th Appreciation Event for tutors, students, and volunteers is next month. Please make plans to attend!

Warmest Regards,

Lisa Vernon

Director, Anne Arundel County Literacy Council

410-269-4419 (office)

410-798-0408 (home)

Mark Your Calendars

Our annual Appreciation Event for tutors, students, and volunteers will

feature wonderful food, door prizes, a motivational speaker, music, and more. It will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park from 6:00-8:00 pm on April 8th.

See you there!

March 2014 Tutor Training Class

Feb/March Tutor Graduates

Thirty-six enthusiastic and talented volunteers completed our

two-day tutor training on February 22nd and March 8th. Dixie Catlett, Phil Tawes, Jill Mischo, and Maggy Cullman were our trainers for Day 1, and on Day 2 our trainers were Deborah Stoeckle, Nancy White, Jill Mischo, and Maggy Cullman. The training was held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park and feedback from the trainees was very positive for both days of instruction.

Tutor Spotlight

Mary Jane McCarthy

Mary Jane McCarthy has served as our recording secretary and AACLC board member since 2012, and has tutored several students as well--including her current student, Alfred. Mary Jane describes Alfred as a very dedicated man who is working hard to improve his reading, writing, and comprehension skills. "I'm really proud to be able to help Alfred reach his personal goals," Mary Jane notes.

Alfred tells Mary Jane that the AACLC program has not only made him feel more confident at work; he's even started to participate in more activities outside work. Alfred also credits his wife Sandra with providing unfailing support for his hard work. Sandra attends all his tutor sessions and reports an unexpected side benefit: her English-speaking abilities are also improving!

Meet Our AACLC Executive Board President

Bob Caspar has served as our AACLC Board President since July 2012. Bob leads by example and his vision and enthusiasm for expanding our free adult literacy program in Anne Arundel County has had a tremendous impact on our success. Jolene Caspar also volunteers at many of our AACLC events and we are fortunate to have both Bob and Jolene on our Literacy Council team.

Tutor Resources

http://www.newreaderspress.com/Downloads/slideshows_new.asp?ssid=338 This link takes you to the New Readers Press Online Components page, where you will find several free tutor resources, including flashcards, Laubach student checkups, and a personalized certificate for your student.

http://esl-bits.net/--This site offers audiobooks, short stories, songs, and articles with read-along text for English language learners at intermediate and advanced levels

http://www.proliteracyednet.org/articles.asp?mcid=2&cid=24 -- ProLiteracy offers free online courses for tutors on subjects such as "Phonemic Awareness Instruction for Adult Literacy Learners" and "Before, During and After - a Reading Comprehension Technique".

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 the AACLC's 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, the Huffington Post, and the LA Times.

link to Great Nonprofit & GuideStar

Visit Our Website

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

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