April 2019 Newsletter
Tutor Spotlight: Wendy Gaffney
Wendy Gaffney began volunteering with Reading Connections a few years ago after retiring from teaching. Her experience teaching ESOL classes and her compassion for her students make her an ideal tutor. She teaches multiple groups each week, including on-site classes at Horizon Tool. 

Wendy is the kind of tutor that every student hopes for. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her genuine kindness toward her students is inspiring. Tania, a student in her advanced ESOL class agrees, "She has an ability to lead the class with goals and focus. We learn a lot and we also have fun because she has a very good energy."

Her student Jorge shared that he has greatly improved his English since attending Wendy’s class. He appreciates Wendy’s patience and careful attention to what and how she teaches. Jorge said, “My classmates and I enjoy every English class and we keep improving our knowledge of the language.” 

Attend Our Book Launch Event
Sunday, April 14
2 pm-4 pm

Scuppernong Books
304 S. Elm Street
Greensboro

Please join us as we celebrate the launch of Why Ducks Sleep on One Leg . With translations in English, Rhade, and Koho, this children's book highlights the vibrancy and diversity of our community.

Enjoy a multilingual storytime, followed by a book discussion for adults, crafts for the children, and light refreshments.
High Numbers Attend Our Family Literacy Classes
in High Point
The Family Literacy Program at Oak Hill Elementary started March 7—with great success! With 35 families enrolled in the program, we are experiencing the highest attendance we have ever seen at Oak Hill.

Families from Pakistan, Mexico, Eritrea, Honduras, Burma, Ecuador, Sudan, and El Salvador, along with several families from the United States, come together two times each week to share a meal, read a children’s book, and participate in literacy activities together. In the adult classes, parents engage in conversation about parenting strategies and how to best support their children’s literacy development, while improving their own reading and writing skills at the same time. In the child classes, children participate in story time, develop their reading skills, receive homework help, and make new friends while engaging in crafts, STEM activities, and more.

Our High Point Breakfast is Less Than Two Weeks Away--RSVP Now!
If you cannot attend our High Point Breakfast, please consider attending our Greensboro event on May 2 at the Greensboro Country Club. Click here to register for either breakfast or email us and let us know which event you want to attend.
We Need Tutors and Students For Photographs
We are excited to announce that we are updating our website and marketing materials. We have hired a photographer to help us generate an impressive collection of student and volunteer photos to be used in print materials and on social media.

If you are interested in having your photo taken on April 8 in Greensboro or April 9 in High Point, please contact your coordinator or email us and let us know. Be sure to wear something colorful and bring your best smile!
Welcome to Our New ESOL Coordinator
We are thrilled to welcome Anna Sibley as our new ESOL Coordinator. Anna is originally from Raleigh, NC and came to Greensboro for a Masters in Public Health program at UNC-Greensboro. After graduating, she was an AmeriCorps member for two years, serving in refugee resettlement. Anna is excited to be an ESOL Coordinator because of the focus of empowering immigrants and refugees. You can reach Anna through email at asibley@readingconnections.org or call the office at (336) 230-2223.

Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation Awards Grant
Reading Connections is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation. This award will be used to fund Workforce Literacy classes for our s tudents. Workforce Literacy contributes to our area’s economic development efforts by supporting local manufacturers and employers with a trained and skilled workforce. These classes help students gain the lifelong skills and economic independence they need to continue being productive citizens in our community. We are thankful for the generosity and support of the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation.
Join the Reading Connections Staff
We are currently interviewing candidates for the position of Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator. This is a full-time position that requires candidates to work in the Greensboro and High Point offices as well as the Greensboro Detention Center. Click here to read a full job description and apply.
Tutor Training Schedule