Volunteers Brighten Lives!
Keeping In Touch, Volume 16
Greetings!

Tutor ID Number:

Good Morning Tutors!

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. We remain committed to you and our learners during this difficult time. We anticipate that our office will remain closed through the end of this year. Like many of you, Literacy DuPage staff are working remotely from our homes. We have transitioned all of our Meet & Greet orientations and New Tutor Training sessions to a virtual delivery and continue to match tutors and students. 

It is clear during this challenging and changing time that being able to communicate effectively is paramount. Literacy development plays a critical role in supporting students and their families. With your engagement and commitment, we know that our students continue to have the opportunity to improve their skills and lives. We are grateful for your compassion and generous spirit.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help with tutoring strategies during this time. Be well and take care. 

With gratitude and hope, 

Carol Garcia
Tutor Support Specialist
Light a Spark Through Literacy
Tutor/Student Resource:

The  We Speak NYC v ideos are available to view online free of charge, with no need to register or create an account. Each video has downloadable companion lessons. Learners can practice listening to different speakers and check their comprehension using the resources on the website. Two links provide all the components. The Learn English link has the video menu for Seasons One and Two and practice quizzes. The We Speak NYC link gives tutors resources for pre- and post-viewing, instruction, and pedagogy. 
DuPage County Libraries Update:

Libraries throughout DuPage County have been re-opening to patrons and are providing a range of in-person services. Check with you local library about access and services. Lisle Library shared the following information about their current level of services:

Lisle Library District opened to the public on Monday, July 6th. While our Literacy Room is not in use at this time for one to one tutoring, we do have a literacy computer, including English improvement software, available in the Adult Services area for one hour at a time use by one person. 

Burlington English, Let's Talk English, Lisle Library Literacy Links, News for You Online, and Pronunciation Power 1, 2 are the programs on the literacy computer. Please bring your own headphones or you can purchase earbuds for $1.00 at the Circulation Desk. 

Literacy/English Language Development books, CDs, DVDs, and pre-loaded Playaway Launchpad Kindles are available for check out while visiting the Lisle Library. For more information, contact Jean Demas, Literacy Librarian, [email protected] or call 630-971-1675, x1002.
Peer Tutor Mentor Meetings and In-service Workshops:

Peer Tutor Mentor Meetings and In-Service Workshops are returning virtually in August using the Zoom platform!

Check your email next week for further details on registration.
Online Activity Links:

These are online activities that you may be able to use with your st udent:  

Game Based Lesson Plan


Reading - High Beginning and Above

Can Schools Open Again?

Masks Help People Understand

Chicago Botanic Garden
Accompanying Worksheet
Social Service Resources:

DuPage County Community Services connects citizens with programs that can assist them in many areas, such as financial, housing, and health services. For more information about the vast range of services provided call 630/407-6500 or go the County’s website  https://www.dupageco.org/community/
Back To School Fair:

The annual DuPage County Back to School Fair will be held on August 5, 2020, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Below are flyers in English and Spanish and general information. 

Catholic Charities’ Back to School Fairs help prepare children from low-income households for a new school year by providing a variety of services, including free school supplies! The Back to School Fair will be held as a drive-through this year to maintain safe social distancing. Pre-registration for the Fair will be mandatory, and each participant will be given a time-frame to attend. Questions? Contact Amy Lambert at [email protected]
DuPage County Catholic Charities Assistance Programs:

The Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, supports residents in DuPage County. They provide human and emergency services regardless of immigration status, and work closely with other non-profit agencies and government programs in the community. For information, call 630/495-8088.
  • Homelessness Prevention and Emergency Services are administered. This service can provide travel vouchers, groceries, clothing and furniture vouchers, food, limited financial assistance for paying for prescriptions, and rent/mortgage assistance. 
  • Provides foster care, adoption services, and assistance to women facing unplanned pregnancies
  • Head Start, education, and other childcare programs.
  • Senior volunteer programs such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program.
  • Daybreak Shelter provides shelter, counseling, and transitional housing for the homeless
  • Single mothers and their children can get housing services from Daybreak Shelter. Services help them work towards employment and permanent housing.
  • Money Management Program helps people improve their overall financial health. The program provides budgeting, financial workshops, debt reduction plans, and information on saving plans and programs. Information on local DuPage County non-profit credit as well as mortgage counseling agencies.
LDP Staff Directory, Quick Reference:

  • Carol Garcia, 630.384.9678 | [email protected] 
  • Questions regarding one-on-one, small group or conversation group tutoring: curriculum, materials, tutor support 
  • Laura Wickramasinghe, 630.942.5211 | [email protected]g OR Diana Mendoza, 331.472.7160 | [email protected]
  • Questions regarding learner matches and communication issues with learner
  • Diana Heppner, 630.942.5215 | [email protected] 
  • Questions regarding reporting
  • Lauren Nadolski, 630.318.0058 | [email protected]
  • Questions regarding classroom-based tutoring

For all other questions or concerns, please call us at 630.942.5210 or email us at  [email protected] .
Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Literacy DuPage | 630.942.5210 | [email protected] | www.literacydupage.org