Coordinator's Corner
By Cynthia Breeden-Johnson, Program Coordinator
By now you have probably heard the unfortunate budget news. In December, Governor Brown announced that the “Tier 1" trigger and a portion of the "Tier 2" trigger be pulled. This action included a $16 million reduction to state library funding, which essentially eliminated all remaining state funding for the California Library Services Act, Adult Literacy, and the Public Library Foundation. The budget triggers were to serve as a balancing mechanism should $4 billion in anticipated state revenues not materialize, as indeed they did not.
What does this mean for Literacy Plus? This fiscal year the program has lost over $45,000 in funding. To help balance the budget we will be holding a fundraiser, “Shake, Rattle and Read” on March 31st at Stonebrae Country Club. We hope you will be able to join us and help support Literacy Plus. We are currently seeking donations for the silent auction. If have something you can donate or would like to help – please let me know. We need this event to be a success!
In addition, we have had to make some tough decisions and reduce the hours of our Tutor-Learner Coordinators. Starting February 1st, Lindsey will be in the office Monday –Thursday from 9:30 am-11:30 am and Tara on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 am-4:30 pm. To be sure you get the time and attention you deserve, please call in advance to schedule an appointment. By making an appointment, Lindsey and Tara are fully prepared to give you the time you need. You can reach them or leave a message by calling 510-881-7912.
We thank you for your continued support and your dedication to helping make Hayward a more literate community.
|
Computer Learning Lab
Since last April, when Literacy Plus expanded its space to include four new computers, the use of the Computer Learning Lab (CLL) has been as high as 146 hours in a single month. Most of these hours come from scheduled tutoring sessions. We have sessions on Monday evening, Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon and evening, and Thursday afternoon. A Saturday afternoon session has just been added. Space is available, so please call to have a seat saved for you!
We are always looking to expand the times we are able to offer computer sessions. If you are a tutor who would like to volunteer in the CLL, there are several morning and afternoon times when we could use you. Please give us a call.
If you have any questions or would like to attend any of our computer sessions, call Tara at 510-881-7912.
Software Spotlight
One of the programs we have in our Computer Learning Lab is Spell It Deluxe. This is a spelling program that helps the user learn to spell over 4000 words. It is divided into six categories, or levels of difficulty, starting at Grades 1-3 and ending with High School/Adult. It has built-in audio that reads every word out loud. The graphics and sound effects are wonderful and engaging.
Spell It Deluxe covers the basic rules of spelling and commonly misspelled words. Activities are: reviewing word lists, identifying correct spellings, working crossword puzzles, editing misspelled words, filling in missing letters, and testing your skills by participating in a virtual spelling bee. This program allows learners to: read spelling words in context sentences, see words broken into syllables, distinguish between correct and incorrect spellings, and complete, unscramble, and edit words. Spell It Deluxe also offers printable word lists, word search puzzles, crossword puzzles, and certificates.
|
