READ Newsletter - Crawford County READ Program

Crawford County
READ Program
Open a new world
Crawford County Literacy Council, Inc.
Mark your Calendars!
Orientation
Take the first step to become an adult
learner by attending an Orientation
Session. Dates and Locations are listed
below.
Meadville Site: 1-4 pm
January 14, February 11, March 11,
April 15, May 13, June 10
Office: (814) 337-7323
Titusville Site: 2-5 pm
January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6,
May 4, June 1
Office: (814) 827-0212
Spring GED Diploma Classes
East End Elementary School
Day Time Class: Room 107
Registration: February 11, 2015, 1-4 pm
Class Times:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9 am-12 pm
Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm
Class Starts: February 23, 2015
Class Ends: May 7, 2015
Contact: Jodie Deane at (814) 337-7323
January 2015
Color Guard, Veterans Post 2006 present special
Flag program to the GED/Fall Diploma Class
VFW Post 2006 is very special to the Crawford County
READ Program: the Testing Center is a joint venture
between them. This 15-station authorized Pearson VUE®
national testing site is one of the largest in the area. This
year, however, the Post added a second dimension to this
relationship when the Color Guard made a presentation
November 6th to the Fall GED®/Diploma class.
The VFW Post Color Guard told the exciting story of our
American Flag with a focus on Flag Etiquette as outlined in
the Flag Code. An historical account was given about the
Flag tracing its beginnings until now.
After the presentation, the Color Guard joined Mrs. Jodie
Deane and the GED®/Diploma instructors in congratulating
the class, who then received certificates and best wishes for
success.
At the end of the program, Mrs. Kathy Baker, Special
Programs Director, remarked, “The students didn’t want
the Color Guard to leave; they respected them and were
captivated by their love for our country!”
Evening Class: Room 117
Registration: January 20, 2015, 6-9 pm
Class Times: Monday-Thursday, 6-9 pm
Class Starts: January 21, 2015
Class Ends: April 27, 2015
Contact: Mike Swick (814) 336-1121 x123
Titusville High School, Room 110
Registration: January 12, 2015
Class Times
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
5:30-9 pm
Class Starts: January 13, 2015
Class Ends: May 5, 2015
Contact: Doug Gifford at (814) 827-0537
Left to right: Ed Stevenson, Color Guard Commander;
John Deegan, Color Guard Treasurer and Secretary;
Dave Lippert, Color Guard member; Ethan Falvey,
Color Guard member; Pat Malley, Color Guard President
Our Flag - an opportunity to learn, to understand, to appreciate...
David Lippert narrates the story
of Old Glory with a focus
on Flag Etiquette.
Ed Stevenson looks on as John Deegan
shows the proper display of the flag.
On November 6, 2014, the
VFW Post 2006 Color Guard
told the exciting story of our
American Flag to the Fall
GED/Diploma students who
had just completed the class.
They then joined in the
celebration for students who
had completed the fall class.
These are some highlights
in pictures of the event.
Left to right: Pat Malley, Ethan Foley
and John Deegan begin folding the flag.
The folding of Old Glory is now complete.
Ed Stevenson congratulates
Taryne Stevenson,
his granddaughter, who was
among the honorees.
Mrs. Jodie Deane,
GED/Diploma
Coordinator and
Instructor, presents
certificates to
students who
completed the
fall class.
Back row from left to right: Ed Stevenson, Taryne Stevenson, Sophia Profitt, John
Deegan, Dave Lippert, Ethan Falvey, Pat Malley, Zimale Wade, Rachel Jackson, Luke
Mandeville, and Preston Williams. Front row from left to right: Devyn, Aberts, Mason
Brown, Ramon Gonzales, and Kayley Jones.
Create a partnership with READ!
Our Mission
The mission of the READ
Program is to improve
adult literacy and family
literacy by ensuring that
county residents improve
their functional reading,
writing, math, listening
and speaking competencies
so they may better meet
and cope with adult
responsibilities.
Our Vision
Form more partnerships
with businesses and
industries. Provide on-site
instructors for employees.
Assist more learners
in gaining access to
post-secondary education.
Build relationships with
colleges, universities
and technical schools.
Expand Our Family
Literacy Program with
increased childcare
available for parents
who enroll in classes.
Own or subcontract
for vans/buses that will
go into remote areas
of Crawford County and
bring in learners who do
not have transportation.
Increase adult and family
literacy rate by 50%
in Crawford County.
$5000 awarded to READ as the
Palmiero Toyota 2014 Give Back
Program customer selected winner
On December 17th the READ Program was
presented with a $2,500 check from the
Palmiero Toyota 2014 Give Back Program. This amount will be matched
by Toyota Corporate through their Toyota Match Program since the READ
Program is a 501c organization.
READ Program students were actively involved in the Give Back Program
by planning winning strategies. They advertised the importance of the
contest because it would help students who needed transportation to get to
their READ classes and would help provide scholarships to pay for the
GED® test for those who could not afford it. They designed flyers, inviting
all their friends and neighbors to vote in the contest and every day they went
to vote. When they learned they had won, students designed a creative
thank you card that was signed by them and their instructors and presented
to the dealership.
More good news!
In November, the READ Program received
the Harry C. Winslow Foundation grant for
$2,600 to purchase 40 RCA Pro10.1” Touchscreen Tablets PC featuring the
Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) Operating System with USB Keyboard. These
tablets will provide a means for adult basic education students to complete
individualized assignments that will help them build technological skills
that are critical for the 21st century.
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Congratulations to Fall GED®/Diploma Day Class
On November 6th, fall GED®/Diploma Class completed their course work.
This is a fast-moving class of students who assessed at a 9th grade or above
reading level prior to admission into the class. Students were taught how to
reason through Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
They learn complex multiple cognitive skills that will enable them to
complete a high school equivalency. Students who have agreed to the
Crawford Central Graduation requirements will do extended work and be
graded accordingly. Upon completion of course work, they take the GED®
test.
Test results indicate potential for career paths that will lead to employment
sustainability, technical school, college or career development. Students
who complete Crawford Central graduation requirements will receive their
diploma during a special ceremony held in June and will be joined by
students who participated in other evening and day classes during the year.
2014-2015 GED/Diploma Graduation Ceremonies
Crawford Central School District
Titusville School District
Meadville Area Middle School
Titusville High School
Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 pm
Friday, June 5, at 5:00 pm
Up
close
and personal…
behind check
the headlines
New
READa
great community…
it out! at READ
Board of Directors
Joyce Parker, President
Dawn Fronce, Vice President
Pat Campbell, Secretary
Bob McMunigle, Treasurer
Chris Ferry, Solicitor
Directors: Linda Bennett,
Lisa Brightman, Doug
Gifford, Terry Mahoney,
Tom Mailliard
Crawford County
READ Program Staff
Dr. Armendia P. Dixon,
Executive Director
Mrs. Kelli Davis,
Titusville Coordinator
Mrs. Mary Ammann,
Fiscal Administrator
Mrs. Kathy Baker,
Early Childhood Educator
Ms. Miranda Bean,
Early Childhood Aide
Mrs. Jodie Deane,
GED/Diploma Instructor
Test Center Administrator
Mrs. Meg Hallgren, ABE
Instructor
Mrs. Ann Knott, Tutor
Coordinator/Staff Developer
Mrs. Chelsea Lane,
Family Literacy Coordinator
Mrs. Patricia Schutz,
GED/Diploma Instructor
Ms. Jessica Fuller,
GED/Diploma Instructor
Mrs. Kimberly Maloney,
GED/Diploma Instructor
“Hooked on Books” - making a difference
Hooked on Books for Kids is an all-volunteer
group in Washington DC devoted to literacy, the
love of reading and to life-long learning among
children and youth at promise. In October, our
Family Literacy Program received 1000 brand
new books from Hooked on Books for Kids
of Erie and we are excited about the possibilities!
These books fit perfectly into
our program’s many interactive
activities: parents learn how to read to their children while
encouraging their children to respond to the reading. Once
this activity is completed, the child is accompanied by the
parent to shop for a book to take home and include it the
home library.
Family literacy is a unique program that eliminates barriers
for adult learners who would not be able to attend the READ
Program because they must
stay home to care for their
children 8 years old or younger. In this program,
adult learners and their children come to school
together. “It is so beautiful to see the eyes
of children light up as they scan many Disney/
Hyperion books searching for the one they want
to read and even more so when parents read to
their children, their children to them, or they read
together. We are very thankful for the volunteers
in Hooked on Books of Erie, Pennsylvania,” said
Dr. Armendia Dixon, Executive Director.
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25 Ways to Wellness
Amy Carabello from AmeriHealth Caritas hosted a lunch series at the
Crawford County READ Program. All the learners and staff in the READ
Program participated in the program. AmeriHealth Caritas is a national leader
in removing barriers to care for the underserved. They collaborate with local
health care providers to provide breakthrough care programs. By partnering
with the READ Program, they open the doors to healthy changes.
The first class they provided was Heart Health. This program was designed to
help us make healthy heart changes. The class on October 21st focused on 25
Ways to Wellness. Learners and staff alike identified 25 ways to promote easy
and healthy lifestyle choices. Following the discussion, everyone shared a
community lunch. The class on November 18th was on Medication Safety. Amy
explained the high rate of prescription drug abuse in this area and ways we as
consumers can prevent it. She also helped us understand how and when to take
the correct dosage. Again a community lunch followed a question and answer
period. Additional classes will begin in the spring.
Roundtable Update
Our Vision
To create a safe and
supporting learning
environment that will lead to
a pathway for success for all.
Our Mission
Establish a network
of services and programs
that will build relationships
and eliminate barriers
in order to create
a community of 21st
Century Learners.
Communication

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Exhibit writing, speaking
and computer skills
Develop strong partnerships
with stakeholders in
Crawford County and
appropriate other areas
Organize focus groups
representative of clients/
employees
Research And Analysis

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Know avenues of research
regarding the workforce,
especially in Crawford
County
Know how to analyze
data from the research
Know how to apply research
to the implementation plan
Be proficient in computer
skills
Design

Understand and use the
available technology to
create a suitable media
platform for promoting
accessibility to jobs in
Crawford County

Exhibit writing, speaking,
and computer skills
Understand grant writing
Funding Sources

The Crawford County Roundtable
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
published a report in 2013 indicating that our education system is
not doing enough to help adults compete in the global market
place. These findings, in particular, shine a spotlight on a part
of our population that has historically been overlooked and
underserved: the large number of adults with low basic skills.
Adults who have trouble reading, solving problems, doing math,
reading, and using technology, will find the doors of the 21st
century workforce closed to them.
In response to this report, the Crawford County Literacy Council,
Inc. created the Roundtable Committee. Our mission will be to
establish a network of services and programs that will build
relationships and eliminate barriers to create a community of 21 st
Century learners. This network will include business, industry,
education, agency and government collaborators who bridge the
“disconnect” between the skills people have and the skills the
economy needs. We plan to identify already existing programs
and training opportunities, collaborate on making them available
to individuals who need them, strengthen and expand partnerships
with community groups and organizations, and then gather a team
of people - representing non-profit organizations, government
agencies, faith-based groups, educators, and business and industry
employers, as well as other interested persons in our community to work towards the implementation of an action plan.
The future is now - let’s get started!
Action Teams have begun their work in both Meadville and
Titusville. These Action Teams will work together for six months
looking at communication, research, data analysis and design
following the action plan presented by the roundtable.
In a time of very intense economic global competition and
increasing income inequality at home, we must find innovative
and cost-effective ways to help adults gain the education and
credentials they need to participate fully in our economy and
society. If you would like to help us explore the possibilities and
find solutions, we invite you to join us as work together to create
an action plan that will make a difference!
Questions? Contact the Crawford County READ Program,
PO Box 1165, Meadville, PA 16335 or call 814-337-7323
Crawford County Literacy Council, Inc.
PO Box 1165
Meadville, PA 16335
Editor, Joy Link
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Meadville, PA
Permit No. 212
Return Service Requested
In this newsletter you will find
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5th Annual Chocoholic Frolic coming in February - save the date!
Close up: Fall GED®/Diploma Class plus 2015 Class graduation schedule
“Hooked on Books” - making a difference
AmeriHealth Caritas hosts series of “good health” lunches
READ Mission and Vision: how you can help
Insert: Membership Application
Insert: Crawford County Literacy Council Roundtable Update
Insert: Pictures tell the story - VFW Flag Presentation
Check it out!
Help us make our Vision a reality!
Be a supporter! Washer and dryer for Early Childhood Program; toys for the Early Childhood
classroom; boy and girl clothes for infant through 8 years old.
Be a partner! Are you a business, industry, college, university, or technical school? Join us as
we tackle the challenges facing us in our efforts to increase literacy in Crawford County.
Be a tutor! Help another adult develop skills - simple budgeting, improvement of job skills,
preparation for driver’s permit exam, GED® or LPN exams - and that’s just for starters! Want
to know more? Contact Ann Knott, Tutor Coordinator, at 814-337-7323 or email [email protected]
Be a 2014-2015 member! Share in the mission and vision of the READ Program by investing
in the future of our adult students - the future of Crawford County! Check out the Membership
Application enclosed in this newsletter!
Good things are happening at the READ Program! With your support, we will
continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our adult learners!