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THE VOLUNTEER VIEW
  October 2013           Volume 1, Issue 4
From the Volunteer Manager

Hello, Literacy Kansas City Volunteers!

 

I can't believe it's October!  The last nearly nine months that I've been with Literacy Kansas City have gone so quickly - I suppose it's true what they say: time flies when you're having fun.  Things have been very busy here in the office, as many of you know.  We held another successful fundraiser on September 27th - the Literacy for All Luncheon and we're already beginning to gear up for the 2014 Spelling Bee so there is truly never a dull moment around here.

 

I have been spending a significant amount of time contemplating the volunteer management program and would like to continue to make positive changes in an effort to continue to provide support for you, the heart and soul of this organization - our volunteers.  In order for me to do that, I first need to get some information and feedback from all of you.  With the help of two fantastic UMKC students, Heather and Faheem, I've put together a volunteer satisfaction survey online.  You will soon be receiving an invitation in your email account to complete the survey.  Your thoughts are vital to my work  and will help me to identify the areas on which to focus first.  Please take ten or fifteen minutes when you receive the survey to fill it out - it is much appreciated!

 

I hope you enjoy the October edition of the Volunteer View.  There are some great events and workshops coming up so be sure to check the calendar, and as always, many opportunities to volunteer in a variety of capacities.

 

Thank you all so very much for your hard work and dedication to Literacy Kansas City.  We have a truly amazing group of advocates in all of you and your efforts are very much appreciated.

 

Remember that my door is always open.  Feel free to email me with issues or questions at any time!

 

Best,

 

Haley Box

Curriculum Additions
 

Wilson Language Training�

Curriculum Additions for Tutor Use

 

Wilson Just Words�

Wilson Just Words� provides a curriculum for the study of word structure through the six syllable types in English and the most common Latin roots. It is a highly explicit, multisensory decoding and spelling program for students in grades 4-12 and adults who do not require intensive intervention but do require explicit decoding and spelling instruction due to word-level deficits.

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Literacy Kansas City now has available for check-out a variety of Wilson Just Words�

student durables and manipulatives that may help if your student is experiencing challenges with decoding, phonics, building basic vocabulary, and/or spelling.

 

Before checking out this material, please make an appointment with GEARS Instructor, Phil Denver, who will provide a short tutorial on effectively utilizing them with students. You may reach him at pdenver@literacykc.org or 816-604-4021.

 

We now have the following available for checkout:

  • Just Words Sound Cards: Used to drill sounds and teach word structure by manipulating word parts. Sound combinations and consonant and vowel phonemes are printed on one side; keywords and pronunciations are on the reverse.
  • Just Words Word Cards: These flashcards consist of Demonstration Words and nonsense words, and Prefix/Root cards. Demonstration Words are controlled and include a student-friendly definition on the back. Prefix and Latin root cards have a definition and keyword illustration on the back.
  • Just Words Suffix and Syllable Frames: The 20 yellow suffix frames and 4 blank, white syllable frames are dry-erasable, magnetic frames for demonstrating and practicing multisyllabic words and words with suffixes.
  • Just Words Student Durables Pack: Includes a Magnetic Journal with Letter Tiles and a Dry Erase Writing Tablet.
    • Dry Erase Tablet: Used for dictation activities. Syllable Frames are used to write multisyllabic words and also build words with Letter Tiles.
    • Magnetic Journal with Letter Tiles: Used to manipulate word parts for spelling.
McGraw-Hill's Achieving TABE� Success In Reading
Curriculum Additions for Tutor Use

McGraw-Hill's Achieving TABE� Success In Reading
Achieving TABE� Success In Reading is designed to provide complete skill preparation and practice for TABE 9&10 Reading tests for levels E, M, D, and A. This series of books will help students achieve progress through targeted instruction that specifically addresses the TABE 9&10 skills.


Literacy Kansas City now has available for check-out a set of Achieving TABE� Success In Reading textbooks for each level of the test. These can be effective tools in helping you help your student prepare for reassessment tests.

Achieving TABE� Success In Reading workbooks contain the following features:

* TABE 9&10 Correlation Charts
Each text contains a TABE 9&10 Correlation Chart that links each question to targeted skill lessons, enabling instructors and students to build a personalized study plan based on skill level strengths and weaknesses.

* Pre-tests and Post-tests
Each workbook begins with a pre-test and a skills correlation chart to help diagnose strengths and weaknesses and determine TABE readiness.
The format of each pre- and post-test matches that of the actual TABE test.

* Targeted TABE Skill Lessons
Each lesson specifically targets a TABE skill. Students work with the innovative lesson format that provides step-by-step instruction to help insure success.
The Mathematics lessons offer plenty of instruction and practice to help master each TABE skill.

In the Reading and Language workbooks, the lessons are divided into four parts for a graduated approach to learning:

o Introduce clearly defines, explains, and illustrates the skill, and includes examples.
o Practice presents work related to the skill just introduced.
o Apply reinforces the skill through activities and exercises.
o Check Up evaluates student comprehension.

* Unit Reviews and Math Glossary
Unit reviews are divided into two parts: Review, which summarizes unit content, and Assessment, to determine student understanding.
Mathematics texts contain a Glossary of Common Terms to help students with the language of math.

Achieving TABE Success in Reading Readers are coordinated with their respective Reading workbooks, to strengthen skills by applying examples and questions that are pertinent to the skill covered in the workbook.

We encourage you to use a variety of strategies with your student(s). Before checking out this material, please contact me to help you determine the appropriate level of materials for you and your student(s).

Gillian Helm
Director of Programs, Literacy Kansas City
ghelm@literacykc.org / 816-333-9332

 
Tutor Workshops
Tutor workshops are offered to provide support and valuable training to the tutors and any interested volunteer or staff member.  We have some outstanding workshops scheduled for the coming weeks.  Please mark your calendar and make the effort to benefit from the expertise of our fine presenters.  All active tutors are encouraged to attend and participate in two workshops per year.  Your attendance will be greatly appreciated.
  

Dyslexia: Recognizing and Working with the Dyslexic Reader
Back by popular demand!!!  

Tuesday, October 15 6:00-8:00 PM Literacy Kansas City. Liberty Room (Red Cross Bldg)
   
This workshop will provide valuable tools and insights that will help you determine if your learner has problems that maybe related to Dyslexia. This workshop will teach us how to recognize the symptoms of dyslexia and give some valuable teaching tips to help in our work with learners who face these challenges. Ann Kavanagh is our presenter. Ann is a  
Reading Specialist with an academic and professional focus on Dyslexic readers. All are encouraged to attend.

    

Writer's Workshop

Wednesday, November 6.  6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Literacy Kansas City. Kansas City Room (Red Cross Bldg)


This workshop will provide tools and approaches for teaching composition skills to our learners.  The workshop will focus on teaching content, organization and mechanics.  This workshop will support the teaching of writing to all levels of readers.  Susie Swift is our presenter for this workshop.  She is an experienced classroom teacher, teacher trainer and educational administrator.  This workshop will be very beneficial to all tutors and open to all.

  

 In addition to the scheduled workshops, please watch for dates for repeats of the popular Sensitivity Training, Reading Comprehension and ELL workshops.  These will be scheduled for sometime this Fall as well.  

 

Reserve Your Seat Now!

Workshops are filling up quickly so please RSVP for the workshop(s) that you would like to attend by emailing tutorworkshops@literacykc.org.  Please indicate in your email which workshop(s) you plan to attend.  All workshops are offered to Literacy Kansas City tutors and volunteers free of charge.

Suggestions or Questions?

Nancy Clay, Instructional Specialist
(816) 333-9332 x. 103
nclay@literacykc.org

First Thursday Office Hours
with Nancy Clay

Thursday, November 7
Thursday, December 5

Stop by the Literacy Kansas City office between 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.
on the first Thursday of the month to discuss your tutoring experience, 
troubleshoot, or just chat.

If you would like to make an appointment with Nancy for another time and/or location,
please e-mail her at nclay@literacykc.org
 

Mark Your Calendars...


Volunteer Needs
 
  • First Floor Desk Attendant: We are in need of volunteers to staff the first floor desk and buzz in Literacy Kansas City visitors on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 6:15 each week.
  • Front Desk Assistance: greet visitors, answer phones, other basic administrative tasks as needed. Generally scheduled in half day increments.  Current available weekly slots:
    • Tuesdays, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
    • Thursdays, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
    • Fridays, 8:30 - 1:00 p.m.
    • Fridays, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
October

22  Community Outreach Event
Literacy Night - Foreign Language Academy   5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

November

12  Student Assessor 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
     6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

19  Student Assessor  1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
      6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Special Projects

 

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with some special projects and we'd love your help!

  • Paperless 2013 - we need volunteers to help us reduce paper clutter and our carbon footprint!  Volunteers working on this project would help scan paper files into our network drive and organize them digitally.  The end of 2013 is quickly approaching - we need your help to finish on time!
  • Database Conversion - we have begun our conversion to a new database.  Volunteers working on this project would help with data entry. 
Events & Happenings

14  GEARS Program Benefit  6 - 9 p.m.

 

15  Tutor workshop: Dyslexia  6:00 p.m.

 
17  Changing Lives Event  5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 
18  Kansas City Public Library Big Read          Discussion: True Grit  4 - 5 p.m.
 

 

 

Don't see any opportunities you would like to help with?

We always have special projects around the office for which we love to use volunteers.  Let us know if you are interested in donating a few hours to work on one of our current projects!

 

Sign Up Today

To sign up for one or more of the volunteer opportunities listed on this page, please e-mail hbox@literacykc.orgThank you in advance for your help - we truly appreciate your time and dedication to our mission.  We couldn't do it without you!

 

Benefit at The Phoenix


Please join Literacy Kansas City at the Phoenix on Monday, October 14th to raise awareness of adult literacy issues. This event provides an opportunity to sponsor a student in the GEARS (Guided Educational Access to Reading Skills) program. GEARS works with students on literacy prior to their enrollment in college credit classes.

Penn Valley's own Millie Nottingham (Edwards) will be performing. So, come for the fun and the music!

If you cannot attend but would still like to support a student, you can do so by following this link: http://conta.cc/1brNIZO You will also find all the information you need for attending the event!

Thank you for helping our help students!
Watch Your Inbox for the Volunteer Survey
We are conducting a volunteer survey. The primary goal of this survey is to receive feedback from you, the volunteer, regarding Literacy Kansas City's programs and volunteer management program.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and be honest!! This is your opportunity to provide constructive criticism on any processes you feel could be improved, or to point out something you feel we do well. Either way, we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

The survey will be sent out Sunday, October 13th and will only be available until 11:59PM Wednesday, October 16th*
Link Up for Literacy
Share the volunteer tutor experience!
 Invite your friends, neighbors and colleagues to become a Literacy Kansas City tutor.
 
We have learners waiting for a tutor and we need your help spreading the word about this great opportunity.  Talk to your associates, give us their contact information and we will tell them more about opportunities here at Literacy Kansas City.  If one of these referrals participates in Volunteer Orientation, you will receive a Link Up gift bag in recognition of your ongoing support.
 
We are in dire need of tutors to serve our students - be a part of growing the organization to meet the demands of our community, and receive a thank you gift in return!
 

Here is an interesting research study on how volunteering can help improve the chances for gainful employment:
The Executive Summary states:
� volunteering is associated with a 27% higher odds of employment

� results suggest a statistically significant and stable association between volunteering and employment

� the overall association suggests that irrespective of economic conditions, volunteering may add an advantage to the out of work seeking employment.
For Your Information
Attention, Tutors!  Revision to Tutor Requirements
All Literacy Kansas City tutors will now be required to attend one session of Sensitivity Training each year.  Our students come from a variety of social, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; Sensitivity Training, led by GEARS Instructor Phil Denver, helps us to establish positive relationships and interactions with those whose backgrounds and life circumstances may vary from our own.  You will soon be receiving an email with more specific information regarding sensitivity training, as well as dates for the remainder of 2013 and for 2014.  We thank you for your time and dedication to our mission and to your students' success and hope that you will take as much from the Sensitivity Training experience as we have.

Sincerely,

Gillian Helm, Director of Programs
Carrie Coogan, Executive Director

"Three Strikes, You're Out" Policy

Q: What is the "Three Strikes, You're Out" policy?

 

A: Literacy Kansas City adheres to a "Three Strikes, You're Out" policy in regard to student involvement and conduct in our program and we count on our tutors to help us keep track of student infractions. We understand that the lives of our students can be difficult and riddled with many obligations and obstacles. As such, we offer them three chances to discuss their circumstances, receive warnings, and improve before we dismiss them from our program. Even after dismissal, students are welcome to return to our program after six months, a time after which we hope they will return better prepared for success in our program. 

 

Q: What constitutes a "strike"?

A: "Strikes" include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Excessive tardiness (late more than ten minutes more than twice)
  • One no-call, no-show (unexcused absence)
  • Excessive session cancellations (more than two consecutive sessions)
  • Excessive failure to prepare for tutoring session and/or do homework
  • Failure to adhere to the smoke-free/drug-free/alcohol-free policy
  • Misconduct- verbal, physical, emotional, etc.
  • Failure to reassess in a timely manner
  • Disrespect
  • Not sure? Contact us!
Q: How do I report a "strike"?

A: Contact us! Please email us and tell us the name of your student and describe the issue at hand. We will respond shortly with a detailed description of steps taken. Any Literacy Kansas City staff member will be happy to help you deal with any issue that arises with your student, but the following is a list of specific staff you are welcome to contact directly:

Friendly Reminders

 

- Tutors and students should always meet in a public place.

 

- It is our policy that tutors are never to give rides to students. Should an extenuating circumstance arise, tutors must get permission from Literacy Kansas City to give a ride to a student. 

 

- Tutors are required to submit monthly progress reports to Literacy Kansas City. A copy of the progress report can be found online at www.literacykc.org/volunteer.html

 

- Text book requests must be made by the tutor.  Students requesting books will be referred back to their tutor. Please contact Administrative Assistant Kim Rogers (krogers@literacykc.org OR 816-333-9332 x. 108) for text book requests.  All general program students are responsible for purchasing their books - only tutors may check out books.

 

- All volunteers, tutors, and students meeting at the Literacy Kansas City office must sign in upon arrival and sign out when they leave.

 

Volunteerism & Gainful Employment

 

Follow the link below to check out this research study on how volunteering can help improve the chances for gainful employment.  

 

The Executive Summary states:

  • volunteering is associated with a 27% higher odds of employment
  • results suggest a statistically significant and stable association between volunteering and employment
  • the overall association suggests that irrespective of economic conditions, volunteering may add an advantage to the out of work seeking employment.

Check out the study HERE.

Volunteer Summary: September 2013
 

New Tutors Completed Training: 16

 

New Tutors Started Training: 18

 

Tutor Hours Submitted: 450.25

 

Other Volunteer Hours Submitted: 336

 

 

Ideas for the next volunteer newsletter?

E-mail them to hbox@literacykc.org  

Literacy Kansas City Wish List
  • Kleenex/ Tissues
  • Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Products (plates, cups, napkins, paper towels)
  • Canned Soda/ Bottled Water/ Cans of Coffee
  • Individual-sized snack packets (crackers, cookies, chips, etc.)
  • Pencils, spiral notebooks, notebook paper, etc.  (Please no three-ring binders; we have plenty)

If you are able to help with any of these items, please bring them by our office at your convenience. Thank you for all you do!

We're just like you. We're teachers, business executives, parents, retirees, students...you name it. But the one thing we all have in common is our dedication to change. And the more volunteers we have, the bigger impact we can all make. Together. Learn More about what it means to be a volunteer.

HALEY BOX
VOLUNTEER MANAGER
HBOX@LITERACYKC.ORG
(816) 333-9332 x107
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211 W Armour Boulevard, Third Floor, Kansas City MO 64111
(816) 333-9332