What's Happening at The Literacy & Learning Center
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Mark Your Calendars for Celebration of Education with Shelby Van Pelt!
Calling all book lovers and education advocates! The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to announce its fall fundraiser, featuring Shelby Van Pelt, the acclaimed author of the Instant New York Times Bestseller "Remarkably Bright Creature."
Sunday, September 15
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club
Stay tuned for additional details and ticket information!
Get ready to be enthralled by Van Pelt's heartwarming and thought-provoking insights on education, literacy, and her personal writing journey. Her book, 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' narrates the story of a widow's unique friendship with an octopus while she searches for answers about her son's disappearance. This unique and creative story is a beautifully written tale of loss, resilience, and unexpected connections that can spark joy and hope even in the darkest times. Van Pelt's elegant prose brings the characters and the aquarium setting to life, making 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
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School's Out, Learning's In: Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Play-Based Learning
Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and a break from the classroom routine. But don't let those carefree days fool you – summer is also a prime opportunity for kids to keep their minds active and engaged!
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The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Macon County Chapter, which is funded by The Literacy & Learning Center, sends age-appropriate books to children in Macon County at no cost to the family every month from birth until the child's fifth birthday. The Imagination Library is an outstanding program that helps children develop a life-long love of reading. It is a testament to Dolly Parton's generosity and commitment to helping children and to the kind donors of Macon County.
The Literacy & Learning Center is excited to announce that the Dollywood Foundation has just launched a new 100% Bilingual English/Spanish Imagination Library Book Collection in North Carolina.
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On June 6, Caroline Cox, TL&LC's Programs Manager, and Carolyn Middlebrooks, Pre-K Director, attended the Volunteer Fair hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and held at the Rec Park. This annual event facilitates local non-profit organizations search for volunteers and volunteers search for meaningful opportunities. Held at the beginning of each year's "season," the event provides an opportunity for part-time residents to learn more about the range of 501(c)3s and start the process of getting involved.
Caroline and Carolyn were assisted by two star students from our after-school program, Noah and Jamie.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Caroline Cox at CCox@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or 828-526-0863.
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A few spots from our Swingin' Soiree auction are still available! Join Avary for an intimate discussion and indulge in refreshments served with warmth and hospitality.
Step into the enchanting world of Avary Doubleday's memoir, "Daughter of the Dawn," with an exclusive "author talk" hosted in the author's charming home. Immerse yourself in Avary's captivating stories and insights as she reflects on her family's courageous journey to Hilton Head Island in the 1950s when modern amenities were scarce.
September 29
4 pm
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Spring on the plateau brings the arrival of the annual Motoring Festival. As it has for many years, The Literacy & Learning Center proudly hosted the culminating gala.
Thanks to your participation, the HMF raised funds for three local charities that play a vital role in our community: REACH of Macon County, the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, and The Literacy & Learning Center. These organizations provide critical services that empower individuals and foster a vibrant future for our region.
The HMF Gala is more than just a car show; it's a testament to the spirit of giving that defines Highlands. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we celebrate our love for classic cars and continue supporting the causes that strengthen our community!
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Jane Jerry, TL&LC's board chair, shares:
I’ve learned that our community loves to read and wants to ensure all children grow up loving to read. Our community also understands the critical importance of early childhood education.
Our literacy programs reach all ages—childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. They provide educational cornerstones and the foundation for successful livelihoods.
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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.
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Join us for another season of enriching and exciting summer camps! Our camps provide a fun and engaging environment where kids explore new skills, expand their knowledge, and make lasting memories.
TL&LC needs your help to make this summer unforgettable! We're seeking donations of essential supplies to fuel our creative camp activities.
Here's how you can make a difference:
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Shop our Amazon Wishlist! We've created an Amazon Registry with the specific supplies needed for our summer camps (Summer Camps 2024). From arts and crafts materials to science experiment kits, your purchase will directly impact the learning experience of our campers.
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Join us as a volunteer camp leader! For more information about volunteering, please contact Caroline Cox, Program Manager, at ccox@theliteracyandlearningcenter.org.
To register for camp, please click the link below!
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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
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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.
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Individual 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! | |
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It's a wrap! The Literacy & Learning Center's special program, Tinker Time for Tots, tailored to preschoolers and their caregivers, ended last month with a focus on letter recognition. The morning included activities such as placing lettered objects and stickers in and on corresponding letter bases.
These sessions aimed to empower parents by demonstrating inventive ways to utilize everyday household items for their children's educational benefit. Both caregiver and child learned practical activities that can be seamlessly incorporated into their daily routines, fostering a rich learning environment at home.
Above, Merrit and Patterson enjoy tracing letters with a cotton swab and paint!
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Is your little one starting kindergarten soon? Maybe they're just a year away? The Literacy & Learning Center is here to help. As a follow-up to the special series for caregivers and their toddlers, Tinker Time for Tots, which showcased practical activities that parents can seamlessly incorporate into daily routines, TL&LC will host Ready, Set, Learn! A Parent's Guide. This free one-hour workshop is packed with fun and practical tips that you can start using right away to get your child ready for school success, no matter their age.
While this event is primarily designed for parents of incoming kindergartners, we want to emphasize that all parents with young children are welcome.
Ready, Set, Learn! A Parent's Guide
Thursday, August 1
10 am
Fun and practical tips for you to share with your children include a wide range of skill areas such as:
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Independence: Encourage self-care skills like dressing and using the restroom
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Literacy Fundamentals: Spark a love of reading with daily story time and learning letter sounds
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Social Skills: Play dates, following directions, and taking turns are essential for school success
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Math Readiness: Counting, sorting, and recognizing shapes are key building blocks
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Cognitive Development: Encourage open-ended play and creative expression
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The pre-K classroom is set up and ready for students! We have only a few supply items still needed.
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:
Magnetic Tiles
Your generous donations have brought us so close to providing a nurturing environment for these children. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to their bright futures.
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