Providing English language skills to help people thrive in our community since 1973 |
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Fall Newsletter
October 2021
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Welcome to a new Fall trimester! |
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It's a busy fall 2021 with new faces, new courses and many new adventures! Thank you for supporting our mission for the past 48 years and many more to come as we provide literacy education, tutoring and support to Worcester county. |
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Literacy Academy ESOL Courses
Fall courses are happening now!
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"With perseverance and the support of volunteers like you, we can make our goals a reality." - Claudia, ESOL Student
The Literacy Academy's fall courses are off to a great start! A sincere thank you to all our dedicated and talented teachers. Please refer here on our website for general information about our course offerings. All adults of any age in the Worcester area seeking to improve their English language skills are again welcome to join us virtually or in-person! If you would like to get on our contact list for courses for our upcoming spring trimester that starts January 31st, feel free to email info@lvgw.org, message via WhatsApp).or call the office at 508-754-8056.
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LVGW Intermediate Conversation class wearing some donated masks from ClearMask™
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Meet the new Executive Director Jill Lagana
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Jill began her role as Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester in August. She started her career focused on early childhood education, parent advocacy and quality teacher training. After several years, Jill worked in higher education in various administrative roles, including her most recent one as a program administrator of a lifelong learning program for adults located at Assumption University in Worcester.
Jill holds a MEd degree from Cambridge College and a BA degree from Emmanuel College.
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Her research during her academic career included the efficacy of therapeutic education arts programs and reading assistance therapy programs.
As a resident of Worcester, she is thrilled to collaborating with various community organizations within Worcester and meeting the dozens of supporters of the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester's program. Jill strives to help improve adult literacy by promoting access to local resources and fostering a love of reading.
You can reach Jill at jlagana@lvgw.org
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Luis's favorite courses to teach are: Professional English & Digital Skills, Essay Writing, English Literature and his favorite books are: The Age of Phillis by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
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Luis shared, "When I migrated to the United States from Puerto Rico at ten years old with my family, I began studying and learning English for the first time - and never stopped. Learning English has shaped my experiences and played an integral part in my story. As an educator, I guide underrepresented students to recognize their own strengths and potential as learners while overcoming challenges. For me, story and representation matter, and this speaks to this kind of work about the role of an educator. To see the value of a whole person, because I see myself in people and believe in their potential."
Thank you Luis for encouraging and mentoring students !
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Tutor Spotlight: Jennifer |
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One of dedicated tutors is Jennifer. She is very excited to take on a new tutoring student. Jennifer has volunteered with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester since 2018.
She enjoys tutoring ESL through LVGW and has a passion for teaching about nature and natural history. Her favorite book is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver.
Thank you, Jennifer for volunteering this year!
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Student Spotlight: Poonam |
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We are so excited to have Poonam as a student this fall. She is taking two classes at LVGW, Intermediate Listening and Speaking and English for Parents and Caregivers. We asked Poonam to share her favorite book and fall activities. "My favorite book is Bhagavad Gita which gives me a lot of inspiration in life.
During the fall, I like to go to parks and nature reserves to watch the fall colors. I like spending time with my daughter and feel happy seeing her naughtiness! We are now expecting our second baby and I am looking forward to my due date in November."
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Congratulations New Citizens |
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Congratulations to
Adriano Natalino, Loreta Shkurti, Esmeralda Lico, Hayat Hasan, and Ngoc Hong Nguyen who are among Worcester's newest US citizens! You all worked so hard for this wonderful achievement, and our country is a better place because you're here.
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United Way Day of Caring 2021
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On September 17, 2021 the LVGW staff and volunteers gathered together to participate in the United Way Day of Caring event. Our assignment was to plant bulbs and help to prepare a wooden swing for restoration at a Seven Hills Foundation home located in Holden, MA. Pictured above from right to left is: Amy Stark- volunteer tutor, Jill Lagana- Executive Director, Lena Webb-Program Manager, Jennifer Moore-Tutor, Rafaela Joseph-Admin/Program Assistant and Darrelyn Paskaitz-Teacher. We enjoyed this experience to give back to our community and look forward to participate again next year!
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Zoom Resources for English Learners
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"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
― Frederick Douglass
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