We Can Change The World

December 1, 2017

Post image for We Can Change The World

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

~ Malala Yousafzai

Did You Know?

November 29, 2017

Post image for Did You Know?

A typical child from a literate family enters first grade with approximately 1,000 hours of being read to by an adult. A child from a low-literate family averages just 25 hours.

Student Success: Tarhonda

November 27, 2017

Post image for Student Success: Tarhonda

Tarhonda wants to improve her skills to get a better-paying job to support herself and her 4-year-old daughter. In addition to completing Laubach level 2, she has been working with her tutor Karen Weissinger on completing and submitting job applications on the computer.

From GED student Bridgette to her tutor Susann:

“Ms. Susann, you have been such a blessing in my life. Your determination and flexibility to get me through what has been a challenge for me, allowed me to reach one of my goals. You were able to learn the way I think, how I process information, and with that, you developed a strong working system by developing visual examples, along with life skills. I am a strong believer that everyone can learn if you have to have the right teacher, which I did, and study, study, and study :)”

Post image for Tutor Spotlight: Jessica Fumando

Jessica Fumando and tutor John Carley


John Carley, a retired EPA professional, has tutored several students since his initial tutor training in October 2016. After his retirement in 2010, he sought volunteer opportunities with other charitable organizations, but never found a good fit. He relishes the independence he has now as a tutor and feels that in tutoring with the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council, he has the freedom to figure out the best way to do things for his students and to focus his lessons on their needs.

John’s current student Jess has made significant progress since they started working together. Jess has enjoyed having John as a tutor, saying he is “great” and has helped her get over her “huge phobia of fractions.” She also appreciates the individual attention she gets during one-on-one tutoring. “I can say specifically ‘I’m not understanding this.'” she explains. “Then he can break it down for me in a different way so I’m able to understand.”

-Written by Trevor Stern

UPDATE: We were delighted to learn that Jessica and John were featured in a wonderful article on the ProLiteracy Blog “Literacy Changes Lives — When Life Grew Difficult, She Didn’t Give Up.” CLICK HERE to read this piece.

Post image for Giving Tuesday November 28, 2017

Change a Life Through Literacy
#GivingTuesday, November 28, 2017

Exciting News! An AACLC Executive Board member has pledged to match the first $2,500 donations on #GivingTuesday!

  • Razoo is waiving their 4% platform fee so that your donation will go directly to the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council.
  • Donate in honor of a friend or loved one, and a personalized acknowledgment card will be mailed directly to them for the holidays.
  • Renew your Literacy Council membership online on #GivingTuesday, save a stamp, and your donation will be doubled!

Your gift will go directly to help your Anne Arundel County neighbors who struggle to find a job or earn a GED because of their lower reading, writing, math and English skills.

 If you’re able, please donate next Tuesday
and maximize your gift through this generous match.
Every donation of $10 or more counts towards 
online prizes!
Black Friday. Cyber Monday
Post image for Test-Taking Skills Workshop January 20, 2018
Saturday, January 20th from 9am – noon
Founders Room 
Wood’s Memorial Presbyterian Church
Severna Park

The GED, as well as the entrance tests for the NEDP and Community College, have multiple choice questions which can be tricky to maneuver. Deena Fujimoto will break it down to help us mentor our students for these tests.

Please consider attending the workshop if you are currently tutoring a student for the GED / NEDP / Community College or would like to tutor one such student in the future. Also, this workshop is open to both our tutors and our students. 

Be sure to RSVP so we can prepare enough materials:
Susann Felton, sdfelton@gmail.com
See you January 20th!

Post image for Support AACLC Through Workplace Giving

Workplace Giving is a simple way to make tax-deductible donations to local charities through payroll contributions. Please consider supporting the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council through your employer’s workplace giving program.

Post image for Thanksgiving 2017 Message From The Director

As we near Thanksgiving, we want to thank you for helping 223 low-income county adults receive free and individualized reading, writing, math, and English instruction this year. By improving their skills they are gaining jobs, better-paying jobs, acceptance into Anne Arundel Community College’s adult Basic skills classes, GED’s, and an improved quality of life. Your caring, kindness, and generosity made this happen!

Please take a moment to “meet” several of these students and tutor John Carley in this newsletter. Their passion and determination to succeed is inspirational and beautifully illustrates why we do what we do at the Literacy Council.

Also, we have exciting news. AACLC Executive Board member Debby Turner is pledging to match the first $2,500 in online donations on #GivingTuesday, allowing you to double your donation on November 28th. Thank you, Debby!

Kind regards,

r

Lisa Vernon, Executive Director
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council
301-523-6750 (cell)
director@aaclc.org

AACLC staff members pose in group photo

Literacy Council staff, from left to right: Jane Seiss (tutor coordinator), JoAnn Cook (student coordinator), Emily Clement (assessor coordinator), Patti Durst (database coordinator), Lisa Vernon (executive director), Jill Mischo (tutor training coordinator), and Dr. Perinaaz Gandhi (math/pre-GED coordinator). Not present: Susann Felton (math/pre-GED coordinator), Bruce Phillips (database administrator).