To make math word problems less confusing, especially for English language learners, change the language, not the math. Visit Edutopia’s website to read this helpful article.
211 Maryland
Help is a call or text away.
For anyone facing difficulties, dialing 2-1-1 connects callers with trained health and human services personnel who provide guidance and help with a range of needs, from utility assistance to legal guidance to mental health help.
211 help is available in more than 100 languages. Please see 211md.org to know all that the service offers. Calls are confidential, and there is a texting option as well.
Anne Arundel County Food Pantry & Resource List
This list, published by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and updated regularly, provides information on where to find free food and basic necessities throughout the county. Pantry locations, contact numbers, and hours are included.
Discover English Conversation Club at Discoveries Library
Monday, June 3, 6 pm – 7 pm
Adults at all proficiency levels are welcome to practice speaking English. All languages are welcome, and children may accompany their parents. Call the branch at 410-222-0133 for more information. https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Also scheduled for Monday, July 1, 6 pm – 7 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
English/Spanish Exchange at Busch Annapolis Library
Wednesday, June 5, 7 pm – 8 pm
Practice English and Spanish conversation in an informal environment. All levels are welcome. This event is for adults.
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Also scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 7 pm – 8 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
English-Spanish Conversation Hour at Glen Burnie Library
Monday, June 3, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Practice your English or Spanish conversation skills, enjoy snacks, and learn about library and county resources. This event is for teens (11 yrs+) and adults.
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Also scheduled for Monday, July 1, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library
Wednesday, June 12, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Practice English or Spanish in a fun and informal setting.
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Also scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/
Student Maria Pineda and her tutor, Laura Van Syckle, meet weekly at their local library.
Maria Pineda and her tutor, Laura Van Syckle, spend about half of each session on English conversation and half on lessons. To practice English, they talk about Maria’s sons’ soccer successes and their school experiences and plans, family, and Maria’s work.
Maria has been a Literacy Council student since 2018. After months of studying, she became a U.S. citizen on July 14, 2020. Originally from El Salvador, Maria has lived in the United States for about 20 years. For much of that time, she has had her own business, Maria’s Maid Services. Her two cleaning crews serve clients in Annapolis, Bowie, Glen Burnie, and Pasadena.
Using the Step Forward series and supplementary materials Laura finds online, Maria and Laura study vocabulary, English phrases, and verbs. They have discussed Maria’s oldest son’s schooling, standardized test scores, and school and college opportunities. With assistance from Laura, Maria has written correspondence to her clients and her son’s teachers.
“My goal right now is to learn more English and to get my diploma,” Maria said. She hopes to qualify one day to work in our public schools as a translator for Spanish families so that they will better understand the system and options open to their children. Maria knows this would be a fulfilling opportunity that she could pursue while still running her business.
Maria says she feels “very blessed to have this incredible program through the Literacy Council to improve her English.” She appreciates the collaboration of the team to help her and others achieve their English language goals.
Laura is a semi-retired nurse who has had a 44-year career that included time in critical care, recruiting, and employee health. As a recruiter for a staffing firm, she traveled all over the United States. Even during the challenges of COVID, Laura remained in healthcare and currently dedicates one day a month at VHC Health to keep her skills sharp, a testament to her love for the profession and the people she serves.
Congratulations on your great partnership, Maria and Laura!
Annual Membership Meeting
The Literacy Council held its annual membership meeting in Eastport on May 15. We discussed our activities and accomplishments for the year and looked ahead to FY25. Thanks to all who attended.
Who & how are we helping?
As of April 30, we know that AACLC tutors worked with 162 students so far this fiscal year, which closes on May 31. We assessed 91+ new or returning students throughout the year. These totals do not include the students we evaluate and tutor at county correctional/detention centers.
In a few weeks, when we add up all the Literacy Council volunteer hours donated in 2024, we’ll likely surpass 14,000. Translated to a simple monetary value, these hours contributed more than $475,000 to Anne Arundel County communities where assistance is needed most.
Student Achievements Through April
Six AACLC students earned high school diplomas this fiscal year!
Fourteen students got a job or a better job, 6 entered other educational programs or training, 16 completed a book in their curriculum, and 32 improved their English language skills. Three students passed the U.S. citizenship test, and one passed the ASVAB for entrance into the military. One student got his Commercial Driver’s License (see below), and another became a licensed practical nurse.
The impact of our work reaches beyond our students and extends to their children, families, workplaces, and communities.
Tutors, assessors, and volunteers — thank you for all you are doing to improve lives in Anne Arundel County!
Here’s a snapshot of our student demographics for FY24:
What a year!
In May, we review the Literacy Council’s accomplishments over the previous 12 months. Our fiscal year runs from June 1 through May 31.
Students have achieved many goals this year. These include earning a high school diploma, getting a job or promotion, improving English language skills, reading a book to a child, getting a nursing degree, and much more.
AACLC volunteers have donated their time, talents, and care in working with our wonderful students.
Please read on to learn more about our activities and impact.
Don’t miss Maria and Laura’s account of their tutoring time together, during which they practice English and work toward important goals.
Many thanks for all you do,
Jane
Jane Seiss, Executive DirectorAnne Arundel County Literacy Council
Our next ESL Conversation Group is scheduled for May 31 at the Seeds 4 Success office in Eastport from 5 pm until about 7 pm.
The group is most suited to Spanish speakers, and space is limited to 15 people. The evening features a welcoming atmosphere, enjoyable conversation, games, and light refreshments.
AACLC tutor Mary Waters facilitates. Mary has experience as an ESL tutor with the Literacy Council and with Catholic Charities, where she volunteered as an ESL teacher for many years.
Thanks to Seeds 4 Success for hosting the group!
Literacy Council tutors or students should email Wendy if they plan to attend.
Our ESL tutor training session has been scheduled for June 22 at Woods Church in Severna Park!
We’re always looking for new, dedicated tutors. We have a waiting list of eager English language learners hoping for a tutor. Please consider referring neighbors or friends who you think could be committed AACLC tutors. Current tutors are also welcome at this session.
Email Jane at director@aaclc.org to sign up. Space is limited.
Please welcome Caroline Cañas to our Board of Directors. Caroline was elected to the Board on March 20.
With a background of diverse administrative experience, Caroline has developed strong skills in project coordination, task management, and fostering meaningful connections. In her most recent role as an Executive Assistant at The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region, she became a resource for Spanish-speaking families and has supported her team through project coordination and execution while also supporting day-to-day administrative tasks. In her previous roles in the Fair Practices Department at the Administrative Office of the Courts and as a bilingual paralegal at Jezic & Moyse, LLC she first gained insight into ways she could help the challenges faced by minority communities. As someone who had benefited from ESL programs in her youth, it ignited her interest in providing resources and support to underserved populations.
Fluent in Spanish and motivated by opportunities to create positive change (particularly for those confronting language barriers), Caroline is excited to contribute to the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a dedication to inclusivity. She would like to leverage her skills to promote equitable access to education and hopes to find resources to advance the impact of the ESL program.
To learn more about our Board of Directors, visit our website.
Happy National Volunteer Month!
The posts from our newsletter this month are dedicated to each of our AACLC volunteers.
We couldn’t do this without you!
Thank you for all you do,
Jane
Jane Seiss, Executive DirectorAnne Arundel County Literacy Council
CLICK HERE to learn more about our volunteers.
The Literacy Council’s volunteer body includes people living in the county and outside it, married couples, neighbors, former colleagues, retirees, and working men and women.
Our volunteers are:
- tutors who helped students pass the citizenship test, get a driver’s license, register to vote, read to their children, earn a high school diploma, sign up for a library card and use it, get a better job, pass the ASVAB test to enter the U.S. military, and much more.
- a team of people who welcome, assess, and assist students receiving our services.
- people who train and coordinate with our tutors.
- the great folks who manage everything from student progress tracking to reporting, governance, and resources.
- and people who help out at events like our book fair.
Here’s a brief overview:
Volunteers come to Literacy Council work in various ways, but they all have one thing in common: a desire to make a difference in someone’s life in the communities where we live.
