Reading Connections has set an ambitious goal of recruiting 100 volunteer tutors in 100 days. The launch of the “100 tutors in 100 days” campaign on September 1st coincided with the start of “National Literacy Month.” In the first two weeks, we have already received over 100 inquiries, and we have more than 70 volunteers registered for our September and October training sessions in Greensboro and High Point! We currently have a list of over 100 students waiting for a tutor or a space in a small group class.
“It's such a disappointment for us and for our students when we have to put someone on a waiting list. When they've taken the courageous step of making a huge change to their life, it really is painful to have to put that next step on hold. This campaign is our effort to really honor their courage by making sure every student who comes to us gets the education they deserve." - Jenny Gore, Executive Director
We've received tremendous public support for this campaign. WFMY aired an excellent profile of the campaign which featured Greensboro students Timothy Yarrell and Tanyetta Ollison.
Help us reach our goal! Refer friends you think would be great tutors! All new tutors who complete training and any existing tutor who refers a friend will be entered to win a $100 gift card from The Fresh Market!
We'll keep you posted on our progress. The response has already been overwhelming. Help us keep up the momentum and train 100 tutors in 100 days!
Reading Connections' Family Literacy Academy of Guilford County launched its second year of a tremendously successful Family Literacy program on September 13th. Our Family Literacy Academy, begun last year at Hunter Elementary with funding from the Volunteer USA Foundation, is a full school-year program that helps parents improve their own literacy skills while learning how to support their children's early development and future academic success. Families get a new children's book to keep each week so that by the end of classes, each family has a small home library. (The average family with low literacy skills has only one book in the home.) Last year 54% of parents at our Family Literacy Academy made progress equivalent to several grade levels, and 80% of children made significant gains in their literacy skills.
Reading Connections is grateful to the Volunteer USA Foundation for awarding its Family Literacy Academy of Guilford County a $55,000 grant this year to assist the passionate work of the dedicated staff. This program is also supported in part by a generous grant from the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation Grant for Human Services and by Smart Start through the Guilford County Partnership for Children, which funds other family literacy activities throughout Guilford County including our new program at Oak Hill Elementary in High Point.
Our family literacy programs thrive because of the tremendous support we receive from volunteers. See below for current volunteer opportunities in this amazing program!
Please thank the Volunteer USA Foundation for supporting this fabulous program by "liking" their Celebration of Reading page on facebook!
This month the High Point Point Office has the pleasure of recognizing Bob Commerson as our Tutor of the Month. Just a few days before our Awards Ceremony last month, his student, Moses Giant, came to our office specifically to ask us to recognize his tutor for his dedication to working with him. He described Bob as not as just a teacher, but someone who helps him in all aspects of his life, like a brother. Bob and Moses have been meeting since April of 2009 and in that time Bob has helped Moses to go up a literacy level in both Reading and Math. Thank you so much Bob, for your commitment and dedication to Moses and to Reading Connections!
Our 3rd Annual TutorFest is coming up! The High Point TutorFest will be held at the High Point Museum on October 22nd. Greensboro TutorFest will be held at Greensboro College on November 5th. More details to follow! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your questions and concerns as a tutor and to take advantage of expert training. If you are committed to providing excellent service and growing as an instructor, you won't want to miss this!
The Farm Worker ESOL class recently launched in Browns Summit is more than halfway completed, and it has been a huge success. The class, which began in July, will be ending in mid-October, as the tobacco harvest wraps up. The group has benefited from strong attendance and the dedication of an incredible group of tutors. (Tutor Bud Imbus and ESOL Coordinator Andrew Trump lead the class in the photo at right.)
Consistent learners have received free copies of the book "Inglés Para Latinos" (English for Latinos) as a way to study on their own between classes. We are still in need of donations to help cover the cost of these books. Each book costs $10, and consists of bilingual activities that guide learners through the basics of the English language.
If you are interested in contributing to the success of this group by making a donation, please send a check to the Greensboro office or contact ESOL Coordinator Andrew Trump at atrump@readingconnections.org
Next Student Council Trip: Greensboro Historical Museum
On Tuesday, September 20, at 1:30 pm, the Student Council has scheduled a trip to the Greensboro Historical Museum at 130 Summit Avenue. Students will get a chance to learn about the rich history of Greensboro and see exhibits like "Voices of a City" which explores Greensboro's 300-year history through everyday objects. If you or your student are interested in attending, please contact ESOL Coordinator Andrew Trump at atrump@readingconnections.org.
Reading Connections in High Point is in the process of starting a Student Speakers Gavel Club sponsored by Toastmasters International! We are very excited about creating the opportunity for our students to improve their public speaking skills, writing skills, and confidence level. If you are interested in learning more about how you as a volunteer can be involved, please contact Kyri Murdough at kmurdough@readingconnections. org , or by phone at 884-7323.
Come learn from an expert in the field of grammar instruction. Dr. Randi Reppen uses grammar research to provide practical tips for teaching grammar to language learners. Highlights include creating effective activities, integrating grammar with writing and content, and avoiding common mistakes.
This webinar is free and open to all interested instructors. Certificates of attendance will be sent to all attendees.
Bilingual volunteers who speak Spanish and English are needed for our family literacy program! On Tuesday, September 13th, we launched our Family Literacy Academy at Hunter Elementary. We need additional help in our childcare rooms throughout the year during classes that meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:30 pm. Please call Kim Taylor at 230-2223 or email ktaylor@readingconnections.org if you would be available to help any Tuesday or Thursday with childcare.
If you think you've received this email in error or would like to be removed from the list, send an email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line to info@readingconnections.org
Newsflash
Reading Connections' Family Literacy Academy of Guilford County launched its second year of a tremendously successful Family Literacy program on September 13th. Our Family Literacy Academy, begun last year at
Reading Connections is grateful to the 
This month the High Point Point Office has the pleasure of recognizing Bob Commerson as our Tutor of the Month. Just a few days before our Awards Ceremony last month, his student, Moses Giant, came to our office specifically to ask us to recognize his tutor for his dedication to working with him. He described Bob as not as just a teacher, but someone who helps him in all aspects of his life, like a brother. Bob and Moses have been meeting since April of 2009 and in that time Bob has helped Moses to go up a literacy level in both Reading and Math. Thank you so much Bob, for your commitment and dedication to Moses and to Reading Connections! 
As part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, organized locally by the 
Our 3rd Annual TutorFest is coming up! The High Point TutorFest will be held at the High Point Museum on October 22nd. Greensboro TutorFest will be held at Greensboro College on November 5th. More details to follow! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your questions and concerns as a tutor and to take advantage of expert training. If you are committed to providing excellent service and growing as an instructor, you won't want to miss this! 
The Farm Worker ESOL class recently launched in Browns Summit is more than halfway completed, and it has been a huge success. The class, which began in July, will be ending in mid-October, as the tobacco harvest wraps up. The group has benefited from strong attendance and the dedication of an incredible group of tutors. (Tutor Bud Imbus and ESOL Coordinator Andrew Trump lead the class in the photo at right.) 
On Tuesday, September 20, at 1:30 pm, the Student Council has scheduled a trip to the Greensboro Historical Museum at 130 Summit Avenue. Students will get a chance to learn about the rich history of Greensboro and see exhibits like "Voices of a City" which explores Greensboro's 300-year history through everyday objects. If you or your student are interested in attending, please contact ESOL Coordinator Andrew Trump at 
Reading Connections in High Point is in the process of starting a Student Speakers Gavel Club sponsored by Toastmasters International! We are very excited about creating the opportunity for our students to improve their public speaking skills, writing skills, and confidence level. If you are interested in learning more about how you as a volunteer can be involved, please contact Kyri Murdough at 
Bilingual volunteers who speak Spanish and English are needed for our family literacy program! On Tuesday, September 13th, we launched our