Updates from TL&LC!

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What's Happening at The Literacy & Learning Center

Tom "Teeter" Smith, longtime supporter of The Literacy & Learning Center, passed away on February 4, 2025. He will be deeply missed.

Tom and his wife, Kay, first moved to Highlands in 1968 when he accepted the position of Head Golf Professional and General Manager at Highlands Country Club. He worked alongside his father-in-law in this role before relocating after 12 years. Upon retirement, Tom and Kay returned to Highlands, where they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and hosting friends.

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On February 6, the Highlands Rotary Club hosted a Bingo Tournament, bringing together community members for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and philanthropy. Rotary Bingo Nights, held to support local nonprofit organizations, was a tremendous success, raising essential funds for programs that make a lasting impact in Highlands and beyond.

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Bridging Generations: TL&LC After-School Program Connects Students and Seniors

The Literacy & Learning Center’s After-school program launched a heartwarming new initiative on Friday, February 21, connecting students with residents of the Eckerd Living Center for a series of monthly intergenerational activity days. The inaugural event saw students from Highlands School bussed to the Eckerd Living Center, where they shared an afternoon of laughter, stories, and creativity with the residents.

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Macon County residents, enroll your child for FREE BOOKS through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library!

How it Works:

Enroll at TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org/youth
In 8 – 12 weeks, your child will receive their first book in the mail, “The Little Engine that Could.”
Books arrive in the mail monthly until your child’s 5^th birthday
The month your child turns 5 they will receive “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!”
Plus special birthday and graduation messages from Dolly!

¡Residentes del condado de Macon, inscriba a su hijo para recibir LIBROS GRATIS a través de la Biblioteca de imaginación de Dolly Parton!

Cómo funciona:

• Inscríbase en TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org/youth

• En 8 a 12 semanas, su hijo recibirá su primer libro por correo, “La pequeña locomotora que pudo”.

• Los libros llegan por correo mensualmente hasta que su hijo cumpla 5 años.

• El mes que su hijo cumpla 5 años recibirá “¡Cuidado con el jardín de infantes, aquí voy!”

• ¡Además, mensajes especiales de cumpleaños y graduación de Dolly!

For questions, contact Caroline Cox, Programs Manager, at 828-526-0863 or CCox@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org.

TL&LC Seeks Volunteers to Empower Learners of All Ages

The Literacy & Learning Center seeks dedicated volunteers to support its vital literacy programs for youth and adults. We currently need individuals willing to share their time and talents in two key areas: individual tutoring and after-school group support.

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In March, we will begin a unit on community helpers. As part of this unit, guest speakers will talk about their jobs in a variety of fields. The end of the unit will include a celebration of the publication of the class book, When I Grow Up to be Big Me.

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.

To ensure your child's spot in our free pre-K program for the 2024-25 school year, apply beginning March 21.

To register, visit theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/pre-k to download the application form. Please complete and return to Carolyn Middlebrooks, Pre-K Director, at CMiddlebrooks@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org. For questions, call 828-526-0863.
Potential students will then be invited to a play date in early May for observation and assessment.
Students must be 3 (turning 4 by January 1, 2026) or older and must be fully potty trained.

To learn more or to apply for your child, contact Carolyn Middlebrooks at 828-626-0863 or CMiddlebrooks@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org.

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We're making plans for Summer Camp!

Summer Camp Interest Form - Do you know someone who wants to lead a summer camp? Proposals are due by March 14.

Summer Camp Registration will open at the beginning of April. Please visit our website at TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org/Youth to register and learn more.