What's Happening at The Literacy & Learning Center

You still have time, but the clock is ticking! Make your bids today for a wide range of exciting experiences and unique items. The online auction closes today, Tuesday, June 4 at noon!
TL&LC's spring fundraiser, Swingin' Soiree, was a resounding success! Held at The Farm by Old Edwards, the event brought together the community for a night of delicious food, infectious music, and spirited dancing. The dance floor was packed with enthusiastic attendees showcasing their Carolina Shag moves, all under the spell of the fantastic live music.

This tremendous success wouldn't have been possible without the community's dedication. Everyone played a vital part, from generous sponsors to enthusiastic attendees and the tireless efforts of all those who pitched in. The Swingin' Soiree exemplified the spirit of Highlands — a community that rallies together for a worthy cause while having a whole lot of fun in the process.
Summer is a time for carefree days, family adventures, and much-needed relaxation. But for parents, it can also mean a quiet worry — the dreaded "summer slide." This refers to the potential learning loss students experience during the break from structured schooling.

Don't fret! The good news is that the summer slide can be prevented without turning your home into a classroom. Try some of these fun and engaging ways to keep your child's mind active, whether you're at home or on vacation.
Remembering David La Cagnina, a longtime supporter, volunteer, and friend of The Literacy & Learning Center. Thank you for your dedication and kindness which has left an indelible mark on our organization and the lives of those we serve.

“Listening is an act of community, which takes space, time and silence.

Reading is a means of listening. Reading is not as passive as hearing or viewing. It’s an act: you do it. You read at your pace, your own speed, not the ceaseless, incoherent, gabbling, shout rush of the media. You take in what you can and want to take in, not what they shove at you fast and hard and loud in order to overwhelm and control you. Reading a story, you may be told something, but you’re not being sold anything. And though you’re usually alone when you read, you are in communion with another mind. You aren’t being brainwashed or co-opted or used; you’ve joined in an act of the imagination. […]

Words are what matter. The sharing of words. The activation of imagination through the reading of words.”

The Literacy and Learning Center is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as an Assistant Pre-K Teacher. This position is ideal for someone who possesses excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish, has a warm and nurturing personality, and is committed to fostering the growth and development of young children.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced GED (General Education Development) Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for adult education, a strong background in GED instruction, and the ability to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

This new in-person course will be offered once a week for three months with the opportunity to extend based on performance and program needs.
May in Highlands is Bee Kind month, an initiative launched by the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation in partnership with the Counseling Center. Bee Kind embodies the belief that "Mental Health Begins with Kindness." Throughout the month, the initiative works to open conversations and reduce stigmas surrounding mental health for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This year, our After-school Enrichment students participated in a creative initiative, coloring vibrant bees – symbolic of kindness and empathy. Their colorful artworks were proudly displayed at the Hudson Library, reminding the community of the importance of mental well-being and the power of support. This initiative fostered understanding and spread a message of hope and compassion, highlighting the positive impact a kind community can have on mental health.

CHEF CAMP
with Marlene Fairchild | 5 - 8th Graders | July 22 - 26 | 10 am - 1 pm

DIGITAL LEADERSHIP CAMP
with Rebekkah Watkins | 4 - 6th Graders | July 29 - Aug 2 | 1 - 4 pm

ADVENTURE CAMP
with Allisha Mason | 1st - 3rd Graders | August 5 - 9 | 9 am - 12 pm

GETTING READY for KINDERGARTEN CAMP
with Carolyn Middlebrooks | Kindergarteners | Aug 5 - 9 | 9 am - 12 pm
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. 

Pre-enrollment applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. To ensure your child's spot in our free pre-K program, apply now.
Saturday, May 18th, TL&LC hosted its second assessment day for pre-K applicants. It was a fun and engaging experience for all the hopeful young learners!

During the assessment, our team observed the children's developmental progress and readiness for pre-K. This included exploring their skills in:
  • Shape and Color Recognition: Identifying basic shapes and colors
  • Number and Letter Recognition: Recognizing numbers and letters
  • Counting Skills: Demonstrating an understanding of basic counting concepts
  • Fine Motor Skills: Using pencils and scissors correctly
  • Following Directions: Ability to listen and follow instructions

Individual future assessment dates will be scheduled on a rolling basis as student applications are received. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of bright minds to the TL&LC community!
The Literacy & Learning Center's monthly program, Tinker Time for Tots, tailored to preschoolers and their caregivers focused on pattern recognition for the May learning activities. These sessions aim to empower parents by demonstrating inventive ways to utilize everyday household items for their children's educational benefit. Both caregiver and child learn practical activities that can be seamlessly incorporated into their daily routines, fostering a rich learning environment at home.

Above, Emmily and Piper enjoy placing colored bears on their matching paper bears!
The last dates for this limited series tailored to preschoolers and their caregivers — Tinker Time for Tots — are coming up! June will bring the final event for tots, and the finale in August will be specifically for parents to teach them how to incorporate daily learning on their own and keep the education growing!

Studies have shown the years leading up to Kindergarten are critical to a child's future success. These early years directly impact scores throughout a child's education and, at the core, build a lifelong love of learning. Because a child's first teacher is their parent, TL&LC's monthly sessions will showcase practical activities that parents can seamlessly incorporate into daily routines. This understanding fosters a rich learning environment at home, fostering a child's growth in language and literacy and overall social and emotional health.

Letter Recognition
Friday, June 14
10 am

  • Letter Matching: Placing lettered objects and stickers in and on corresponding letter bases
  • Letter Tracing: Tracing letters with paint-dipped cotton swabs
You can help shape the future of TL&LC's pre-K program by contributing to our Amazon registry. Visit the link below to explore the items and make a meaningful difference in their education. In particular, the items that are currently at the top of our list include:







However, every purchase, big or small, brings us closer to providing a nurturing environment for these children. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to their bright futures.
IN THE NEWS