Fiscal Year 2019-2020
Dear Friends,

You may have seen or heard the news that Governor DeWine hopes to begin lifting the Stay At Home order starting May 1. This is very exciting news and a step closer to returning to normalcy.

But it is just the first step.

Please understand: SEEDS OF LITERACY WILL NOT REOPEN MAY 1.

On April 20, the Governor declared traditional K-12 schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. (If you have children, summer has come early for them.) Although not a traditional K-12 school, Seeds' operations often mirror the Cleveland City School District.

WHEN WILL SEEDS REOPEN?
We're not sure yet. But as soon as we are confident it is safe to return to the classrooms, you will be the very first to know! Make sure you check your emails, use our texting system (see below), and talk with tutors during lessons.

We will continue to follow guidance from the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We know, waiting is hard. It's hard for us, too. But it is what MUST BE DONE to protect us all.

In the meantime, please continue to use Tele-tutoring by phone, Video tutoring, and watch our recorded lessons .
TEXTING WITH SEEDS: Super Important Update!
You probably receive text messages from Seeds and our staff. You might have even received this email from a text message.

BAD NEWS: To update our system, you will need to SIGN UP AGAIN after this Wednesday, April 23 when our system resets.

GOOD NEWS: Getting back on the Text list is easy!

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
  1. Click this link to go to our Student Text Program page.
  2. Select East or West (pick the one where you would normally attend class.)
  3. Click "Sign Up" for the one you selected.
  4. Complete the form
  5. Follow the instructions that will be sent to your phone.

Still confused? Melina shows you each step in this short video.
MELINA MADE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS JUST FOR YOU!
We get it...telephone tutoring and video tutoring require might mean trying something new. It may seem like a lot of extra work. Crazy schedules, "access codes", "webinars"...all these weird terms.

Staffer Melina saves the day!

She made short "how to" videos for both video tutoring and tele-tutoring so you can see it is easier than you think! She's pretty awesome.
TELEPHONE TUTORING
(5-minute guide)
VIDEO TUTORING
(5-minute guide)
THEY MISS YOU! Each week, dozens of tutors gather on a video conference to talk about YOU! When you don't call in for telephone tutoring, or don't log in for a video lesson, they worry! Now that Melina has shown you how simple it is to do video and telephone lessons, they hope to see more of you soon.
JOB CLUB LESSONS START THIS WEEK!
WEDNESDAYS AT 11am

Remember our friend Captain Courtney Schoch, the airplane pilot and marathon runner who has run with lions? She sent her friends from the airline to Seeds to answer YOUR questions about jobs -- how to hunt for them, apply for them, explain gaps in your employment history, and more.

Before the epidemic hit, these recruiters reviewed hundreds of resumes and applications from people who wanted to be flight attendants (an entry-level position). They've seen the good and the bad when it comes to applications and they want to share what they've learned with you.

Every Wednesday at 11am, you can log on, just like you would a video lesson, for different presentations on job hunting tips with Recruiters Alina and Bryan.

Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code:
761-866-445
TELE-HEALTH:
Oriana House/Rigel Recovery

If you are struggling with addiction or anxiety during COVID-19, treatment through telehealth is available. Oriana House is offering outpatient group and one-to-one counseling for substance abuse and/or mental health, peer recovery support, and accepts Medicaid. Learn more.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GET ONLINE

  • EveryoneOn offers broadband service to income-eligible families (for example, those that qualify for free or reduced school lunch, or who live in public housing) at a cost of around $10-12 per month (varies from state-to-state). Some states also offer very low-cost laptops or desktops ($100-200).

  • Comcast offers income-eligible families internet access at $10-12 per month. However, they are now offering this low-cost service for free for the next 60 days. internetessentials.com/

  • AT&T is waiving data overage fees to all customers so that families and students can stay connected during the pandemic. They will not terminate service of any customer over the next 60 days. All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program.

  • Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free—including non-Xfinity customers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, click here.
TUTOR SPINE POEM

Tutor's have been submitting spine poems for National Poetry Month, too! Submit yours by emailing a photo to communications@seedsofliteracy.org .
Here's one from Tutor Jodi R.

All we know of love,
One big family,
Unsheltered,
All summer long:
The magic of dreams!
LAST WEEK'S NEWS

  • A special video message from the staff,
  • How to get your $1,200 stimulus check if you don't typically file taxes,
  • Update to WIC program information,
  • Legal Aid Worker Information Line, and more.
APRIL 6 NEWS

  • $1,000 grant for restaurant & fast food employees
  • Who's hiring right now
  • RTA reduced schedule
  • List of contact information for free and low cost internet, SNAP, Housing Rights, and more
  • Spine Poem & Reading Challenge
  • Free App for Math & Reading, and more.
CLICK BUTTONS BELOW FOR
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING AT HOME
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