Volume 44 | September 18, 2021
This issue is all about Constitution Day and International Coffee Day!
Greetings, Tutors!

On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Although Constitution Day is on September 17, perhaps we should celebrate it all week long and think of it as the most important document for all Americans. Consider the following: It took Thomas Jefferson 17 days in June of 1776 to pen the Declaration. In contrast, during the hot summer months of 1787 in Philadelphia, it took 55 delegates from 12 states, 116 days of committee meetings, discussion, writing, heated debate, and significant compromise to write the Constitution. 

Within this brief document, the shortest one in the world, with its seven articles and 27 amendments, you will find the glue that has bound our country together for the past 234 years. Let’s recognize the wisdom and vision of those men in Philadelphia. Constitution Day is a time for us to continue the legacy of the signers and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans. 

Did you know October 1 is annually celebrated as International Coffee Day? The unofficial holiday celebrates one of the most popular beverages in the world - coffee.  International Coffee Day helps raise awareness for fair trade coffee and all its coffee growers around the world. If you or your student are java lovers, then what could be more fun than learning about coffee, its origins, cultural practices, and all its economic and health benefits?

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,

Your Tutor Support Specialist
Tutor Engagement

  • Tutoring Reminder: As we post-test learners a follow-up letter is emailed to the assigned tutors which shares the results of their student’s test, offers tutor support, and requests that tutors update and electronically return an attached Achievement/Goals Form. Literacy DuPage is required to report to its funders aggregated learner testing data, achievements/goals, and tutoring hours.  In addition to the post-testing follow-up, tutors will also receive a quarterly request to report hours and provide an update regarding tutoring status. Your attention to these requests is critical to compliance with grants and funders. Thank you in advance for your responsiveness!  
  • We want to hear from YOU! Email Carol your ideas, questions, or opportunities you would like to share with other tutors. Your contribution may be featured in an upcoming issue!
Resources for you & your student
English Conversation Groups
ESL Conversation Groups offer an informal and friendly environment for adults at an intermediate or above level to practice their English listening and speaking skills.

Literacy DuPage currently offers six virtual (Zoom) ESL Conversation Groups and one in-person group. Although the following partner libraries host these groups, they are open to anyone in DuPage County.
Addison Public Library (Mondays, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

Indian Prairie Public Library (Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.)

Itasca Community Library (Wednesdays, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.)

Naperville 95th Street Library (Mondays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

West Chicago Public Library (Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.) **This group meets inside and in-person at the library

Wheaton Public Library (Saturdays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

Woodridge Public Library (Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
Community Resources
The Lisle Library's Literacy/English Language Development Room is open for tutoring on a first-come/first-served basis. There are two computers in this room that have various types of web-based software, such as Burlington English, Clear Pronunciation 2, News for You Online, as well as a link to the Lisle Library's list of websites to help improve English speaking, reading, and writing skills. Microsoft Word and Excel are also available for learners who are working on their computer skills. The Literacy ELD collection also includes many new items to check out that were purchased recently. Please contact Jean Demas, Literacy Librarian, demasj@lislelibrary.org or call 630-971-1675, x1002, for more information.
Metropolitan Family Services and the Wheaton Warrenville Early Childhood Collaborative are hosting a vaccine event on Thursday, September 23. Click here for details.
ACCESS DuPage is hosting a virtual information and discussion session in Spanish about the COVID-19 vaccine. Those vaccinated and unvaccinated are invited to attend. Click here for details.
Below is information about the expanded Federal Government Child Income Tax Credit. Please share with your student and others who can benefit from this information.
Eviction Help Illinois provides free legal aid in response to the eviction crisis. Click here for more information provided in English and Spanish.
Prairie State Legal Services provides free legal information and assistance to those facing eviction. Click here for more information.
Click here and here to learn about how to protect, detect and report Medicare fraud.
Activity Links, Online Links, and Lesson Plans
Below are individual activity links, online links, and lesson plans about Consitution Day and International Coffee Day.
You may be able to use one or more with your student.
Activity Links
Lesson Plans:
Online Links
Need help? Reach out to Carol Garcia today!