Keeping In Touch, Volume 8

Greetings!

Tutor ID Number:

Good Morning Tutors!

We want to recognize you and your contribution before COVID-19 and now during the pandemic.  Tutoring isn’t listed as essential, but you are essential to providing life-changing help and support to your student and their family - past, present, and future time . We know you miss meeting in person, and it has required adaptation to teaching and connection. Hang in there. We will continue to publish Keeping In Touch at least through May. 

I want to hear from you! If you have suggestions or content that you would see in this newsletter, please let me know. 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

Phone:  630.384.9678  | [email protected]

Light a Spark Through Literacy

www.literacydupage.org

Post-Testing Students:

We are exploring if we can conduct some limited BEST-Plus post-testing with students remotely via ZOOM. If your learner is ESL level 5 or 6, has completed a minimum of 30 hours of tutoring this year and has internet access, please let me know. Our staff will contact your student directly to arrange a convenient time to complete the test. This listening and speaking test takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Once completed, the results will be shared with you.  

We are not post-testing ABE students at this time because the test- TABE – is a reading comprehension assessment, which is administered as a pencil and paper test and requires a face-to-face meeting.

COVID-19 Resources:

Suggestions for how to manage anxiety during COVID-19 can be found at

Multi-lingual COVID-19 information. A Harvard University – COVID-19 Fact Sheet; translated in 30+ languages

Currently, it is being reported that COVID-19 most impacts the Hispanic community. Information, in Spanish, about the virus can be found at

New Survey -

Virtual Peer Tutor Mentor Meeting

We have had some requests to host a virtual Peer Tutor Mentor meeting. We want to know if you would participate if we hosted one and what type of meeting would best fit your needs.

You can find this short, 4 question survey at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LC8TBVF

Activity Links:

These are individual activities about emotions and feelings. You may be able to use one or more with your student:  

Emotions and Feelings

Online Activity Links:

Vocabulary crossword puzzle & answers

Reading - High Beginning and above

Asian Giant Hornet

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2005/200507-asian-giant-hornet.html

Reading - Intermediate and above

McDonald’s was founded 72 years. Read this story about McDonald’s humble beginnings.   

DuPage County Relief Resources:

Below are details regarding a COVID-19 relief resource program for county residents. Documented and undocumented residents are eligible. This funding is available only until May 22, 2020.

DuPage County Information and Referral is taking requests for rent, mortgage, utility assistance related to COVID-19: Visit the website at,  dupagecris.org,  or contact DuPage County Information & Referral: 

DuPage County Community Services Details:  Funding available for residents at or below 200% of poverty who have lost income/employment due to COVID-19 to assist with water bills, Gas/Electric bills (note those at or below 150% of poverty will be directed to LIHEAP); Rent, mortgage, association fees, security deposit; Medical assistance (prescriptions, counseling for Medicaid/ACA/Medicare, other insurance payments to maintain insurance coverage) and Basic needs (food, clothing). Also, the following funds are available: Emergency Senior Services funds available to clients 60+ (and Adult Protective Services 18-59) who are identified as having a need related to the COVID-19 situation. Grant funds may be used for but are not limited to: Nutritional needs; personal care & sanitation needs; personal medical care needs; and assistive technology/adaptive devices. No income or assets limitations. Illinois COVID Response Fund or ICRF is available to older adults 55+, caregivers of older adults and persons with disabilities, and relatives raising children (GRG) to purchase EMERGENCY services must be related to the COVID19 crisis. Funds can be used for increased access to emergency food and supplies, interim housing/emergency shelter, health and mental health care services, short term rental/mortgage assistance, and utility assistance. There is no income or assets limitations. This fund is available until 5/22/20.  Individuals should call (630) 407-6500 or 800-942-9412 to be screened.

LDP Staff Directory, Quick Reference:

For all other questions or concerns, please call us at 630.942.5210 or email us at  [email protected] .