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What's Happening at The Literacy & Learning Center



Mark your calendars! The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming fundraiser, Celebration of Education, featuring acclaimed author, David Baldacci, on September 30!


This special event promises an inspiring evening in support of TL&LC's vital educational programs. Stay tuned for more details and ticket information, which will be released soon!


Below is a sneak preview of the upcoming movie based on David Baldacci's book.




 


Swingin' Soiree


was a fantastic night of fun and fundraising!


Many thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and made the evening,

and our programs, possible!




Decades of Empowering the Plateau


For over three decades, The Literacy & Learning Center has been a cornerstone of educational support on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. What began in 1993 as a simple, unofficial effort by a handful of volunteers to provide free reading resources for children has blossomed into a comprehensive organization enriching lives and expanding knowledge across all ages. This growth has been sustained primarily by the generous support of local and part-time residents, a testament to the community's commitment given that TL&LC is a grassroots organization, not part of a larger national entity with broader funding reach.




The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community shredding event on August 22, from 9 AM to 12 PM, at Bryson's Plaza. TL&LC is proud to be one of three benefiting organizations, thanks to the Chamber's support!


The public is invited to dispose of sensitive documents in an environmentally friendly way. Participants are encouraged to transport items in plastic bags or bins and keep in mind the following guidelines:


• Items Allowed – Paper products with staples or paper clips, spiral notebooks

• Items Not Allowed – Three-ring binders, cardboard



Scenes from Adventure Camp with Carolyn Middlebrooks and Kara Long (above)

Along with making adventure-realted crafts, students got to explore Highlands on foot including Highlands Fire Department, Highlands Nature Center, the Rec Park, Hudson Library, and Harris Lake.


Craft camp for the younger crowd was a big hit. Students printed with fruit, vegetables, balloons, stencils, stamps, and more... even a rubber fish! Students selected one piece of art from each day, which was matted for the art show. Families were very impressed with the artwork and enjoyed the refreshments.


Scenes from Craft Camp with Carolyn Middlebrooks, including a video of students getting the wiggles out (below)

 
summer camp, movement break, dance, kids

TL&LC Seeks Dedicated Volunteers for School-Year Programs: A Call for Year-Round Support


As the school year approaches, The Literacy & Learning Center is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to support its vital educational programs. While the generosity of the community is immense, there's a particular and ongoing need for individuals who can commit to volunteering throughout the entire school year, especially during the quieter winter months.


The final two sessions of Tinker Time for the summer of 2025 are coming soon!


These engaging workshops tailored for preschoolers and their parents, organized and led by Carolyn Middlebrooks, Pre-K Director, aim to empower parents by demonstrating inventive ways to utilize everyday household items for their children's educational benefit. These sessions will showcase practical activities that parents can seamlessly incorporate into their daily routines, fostering a rich learning environment at home.


FREE! No registration is required.


August 6

August 13


11 am - Noon


TL&LC is pleased to offer a nurturing and comprehensive learning environment for children needing Pre-K education. Through a play-based and child-centered approach, young learners will engage in activities that enhance their language and literacy skills, develop mathematical and scientific thinking, nurture social-emotional well-being, and promote physical growth. 


The first day of the school year is Monday, August 25!


To ensure your child's spot in our free Pre-K program for the 2025-26 school year, apply now.


  • Potential students will then be invited to a play date for observation and assessment. 


  • Students must be 3 or 4 years old and must be fully potty trained. 


Pre-K open house (for registered students only) will be August 21 from 5 - 6 pm.


To learn more or to apply for your child, contact Carolyn Middlebrooks at 828-526-0863 or CMiddlebrooks@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org.

After-School registration is open for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade!


Children in grades K - 3 meet Monday through Thursday for homework assistance and engaging educational activities. These activities are available in part thanks to partnerships with other local nonprofits, including The Bascom, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Biological Foundation, International Friendship Center, and Hudson Library.


Students in grades 4-8 meet Monday through Thursday for assistance with homework, papers, research, and overall comprehension of the student's curriculum. 



 

Starting Monday, June 2, from 6:30 to 7:30, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes will be offered virtually via Zoom. This transition is designed to increase accessibility and make it easier for more learners to participate from the comfort of their own homes. To join the class, please visit TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org/esl and follow the Zoom link provided.



 
 
 
IN THE NEWS


TREMENDOUS SENSE OF CONNECTION

The Laurel Magazine


TINKER TIME SPARKS BIG LEARNING

The Laurel Magazine


'MAY PEACE PREVAIL'

Highlands Newspaper


'MAY PEACE PREVAIL'

The Highlander


 

SOLD OUT!

SWING' GOOD TIME!

TINKER TIME

To learn more about The Literacy & Learning Center, visit www.theliteracyandlearningcenter.org
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