Message from Literacy Team
Thoughts from a Virtual Literacy Mentor

Can you believe we are already more than halfway through the fall semester?! Some of you meet with students on Tutorfly and others on Microsoft Teams. We are all learning about how to best use these online tools to connect to students. Read how one mentor is doing so far!

"My name is Lilliana Alvarez and I am a freshman at Fresno State majoring in Civil Engineering. This year, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a Literacy Mentor with ENP. Even though the current times do not allow for us to meet in person, I have found some engaging ways to interact with my students. I use Microsoft Teams to meet with my students on a daily basis. A great tool that I have used is screen sharing. This allows for my students to have access to see my screen and allows for us to interact together. This helps to keep my students engaged during the lessons and allows for us to connect as if we were in person together."

Lilliana is a part of the Scholars in Service (SIS) program at Fresno State. We are thankful for the way SIS has supported Literacy Mentoring throughout the years.
Neighborhood Learning Hubs in Need of Additional Volunteers
Support Fresno students at the various learning hubs across the city! You will engage with students in academics and recreational activities, while staying socially distanced. There is a specific need for volunteers at the Saint Rest Learning Hub (1550 E Rev Chester Riggins Ave), Monday-Friday 8am-4pm!

Sign up at servefresno.org.
Literacy News & Resources
What to Look Out For
Drop a literacy bag off for your student!
We have Literacy bags w/ basic school supplies that you can give to your student(s)! You can pick them up at our downtown office 1719 L St. Please email Jenessa@everyneighborhood.org to let us know to save one for your student(s). You would be the one to arrange the drop off at your student's home. 

Check-In Survey 
We'd like to hear how Virtual Literacy Mentoring is going so far! If you have a moment, please complete this survey.
 
Bless the Staff Coming Up!
In typical years we like to do a "Bless the Staff" breakfast, where we bring breakfast treats for the school teachers/staff... obviously this year is not typical! But most school sites have at least some staff working on campus. So we'd like to make "to-go treat bags" for the staff instead just to let them know they are appreciated. We will email all mentors once we have a confirmed day and time for your school if you'd like to help out.
Read Fresno After School Programs
This semester, 25 Fresno State students are supporting elementary-aged children after school on Zoom with homework help and enrichment activities. Here are pictures from our Read Fresno mentors at The Parks at Fig Garden (Community Housing Works) and Parc Grove (Fresno Housing Authority)!
Literacy Mentor Spotlight
Our Literacy Mentor spotlight this month is Judy Trzepkowski, site lead at Wolters Elementary and member of University Presbyterian Church.
Judy (pictured above working with Leilani) like many of you, was initially nervous about utilizing technology to connect with students this year. But she has done a fantastic job!!
1. How did you first get involved as a Literacy Mentor?
I first learned about the mentoring program through ENP at my church. A fellow member who was tutoring went out of his way to send me information on how to get started. I am so thankful for that!

2. How has it been connecting with your student virtually this year?
I thoroughly enjoy the sessions with the student I was assigned. My little girl has been to every session and always on time. I think the one-on-one contact is so beneficial. She is a delightful girl!

3. Do you have any tips for other mentors working online with students?
One thing that worked early on was making contact with the parent and the teacher for selecting a time slot that worked for all. I was able to come in after the classroom instruction was finished. I think that has really added to the consistency of our sessions.

4. What's your favorite book and/or what's your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite book when I was teaching was reading "Call It Courage" to my class. It's a wonderful story. I have many scriptures that I rely on, but the one that is encouraging for me is John 8:31 "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Here is an interview with our new Executive Director, Andrew Feil, during a September Q&A with University Presbyterian Church of Fresno. Andrew shares about Literacy Mentoring and our partnership in this installment of "Conversations for the Common Good". UPC of Fresno is also home to a Little Free Library.

Thank you Judy & all Virtual Literacy Mentors!
Upcoming Events
Although we cannot gather in person for our traditional holiday appreciation event, we must end the year on a cheery note! Mark your calendars for the morning of December 10th and watch your inboxes for more details as we get closer to the date.