Updated: August 2022

Dear Literacy Council Students, Volunteers & Supporters,

The Literacy Council’s office is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Our staff and office volunteers are working in the office on a regular schedule. We recommend calling ahead or sending an email to make an appointment so we can make sure someone is available to assist you.

Masks are recommended to be worn inside the Literacy Council and C. Burr Artz Library.

Please review the following updates to our programs for the latest information. Contact information is listed below.

New Students:

• Intakes and assessments are being conducted remotely for prospective students who are then placed into classes or tutoring, or referred to FCC based on the results and their unique circumstances and needs.  Please refer any prospective students to the contact information below.

Tutoring Program:

• Based on current guidelines and recommendations on social distancing and masking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Maryland and Frederick County Government and Health Information, conditions have improved where tutors and students can now consider meeting in person (in public places only), or a combination of in person and remote.
• Tutors and students should decide together whether to meet in person based on everyone’s individual situations.
• Use caution and consider factors such as: whether all parties are vaccinated, incomplete vaccination rates (including family members and children); continuing emergence of new variants and the possibility of asymptomatic carriers; and depending on meeting location, the benefits of meeting outdoors versus indoors and wearing of masks to allow for social distancing. Note: the county’s vaccination rate for individuals 12 years old and older is rising, but we need to continue to protect individuals, children and other family members who may still not be vaccinated and/or who may be at higher risk.
• Be aware of, and sensitive to the needs of student(s) when discussing whether meeting in person is possible. Students may need to continue to meet remotely due to childcare, transportation and job challenges. If this is the case and tutors or students are unable to continue working together remotely, please contact your coordinator (see contact information below).
• Continue using online tools such as WhatsApp, Skype, Google Hangout or simply by telephone if you are unable to meet in person. See the Tools and Platforms information on our LCFC COVID-19 Updates page which includes multiple resources.
• Beginning the week of September 13, 2022, 1-2 Study Rooms and the Classroom are available for individual and small group tutoring, and can be scheduled in advance by contacting the office at (301) 600-2066 or by email at info@frederickliteracy.org. The classroom is also being used for some classes during the week.
• Lobby pickup of teaching and learning materials from our lending library is available for students and tutors in our lobby M-F between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except for Frederick County/FCPL holiday or weather closures).  Enter through our side entrance or the double front doors of the FCPL Administrative Entrance.  Contact your coordinator in advance by email to request materials. (Scroll to the bottom for contact information)
• Tutors, please contact your volunteer coordinator directly if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with them.
• To make an appointment to come to the office, please send an email in advance to info@frederickliteracy.org with the requested date and time of your appointment and the purpose of your visit.  Please wait until you receive confirmation prior to coming to the office so that we can make sure we are able to assist you. We are monitoring this email daily.
• Tutor updates will be sent monthly and you are invited to join online Tutor Chats!
• Updates which will be posted on our LCFC COVID-19 Updates page and sent by email: https://www.frederickliteracy.org/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
• Thank you to our tutors for being a trusted resource. Please help our students learn how to access vaccine and critical information by sharing the information below or referring inquirers to Frederick County Public Health resources.

Class Program:

• Classes are being conducted both  in person and remotely, depending on the specific class.  Check the latest Class Schedule HERE. Students can inquire about class registration by sending an email to info@frederickliteracy.org.

Volunteer Information Sessions/Tutor Training Workshops:

• Volunteer Information Sessions and Tutor Training Workshops (for new volunteers and prospective tutors): are all being conducted online. Register HERE.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Telephone: (301) 600-2066

If you reach the voicemail, that means we are either on the phone or out of the office. Please leave a voicemail and we will respond as soon as possible.  Messages are checked each day.

Email: info@frederickliteracy.org OR if you are already working with a volunteer coordinator, you can email them directly.

Prospective students should be advised to send an email to this general info@frederickliteracy.org address and an appointment will be made to conduct their intake and assessment process.

Volunteer Coordinators (tutoring program):

Holly Bohman: hbohman@frederickliteracy.org

Lynn Bruton: lbruton@frederickliteracy.org

Alix Cooney: acooney@frederickliteracy.org

Catherine Coundjeris: ccoundjeris@frederickliteracy.org

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources:

Find Vaccinations in Maryland, call 1-855-MDGOVAX or: https://covidvax.maryland.gov

Frederick County COVID-19 Dashboard: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8094/COVID-19-in-Frederick-County

Frederick County Vaccination Information

As with all age groups, vaccines are free and insurance is not required. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the Frederick County Health Department’s online vaccine hub.

New online clinic request form – please share this with your students and communities you represent to request a local clinic.

Vaccination Appointments: List is updated every Monday: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/629/COVID-19-Vaccine

Free Vaccine Rides: Call 211 or more information: https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/rideunited

Download the Ride United Flyer – English

Download the Ride United Flyer – Español

Live or work in Frederick County? Two ways to get vaccinated!! Print the flyers in English and Spanish below.

Complete the Vaccine Interest Form and set up text alerts:

• Flyer: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Frederick County
• Panfleto: Información Sobre La Vacuna del COVID-19 para el Condado de Frederick

COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years old will be available in a variety of ways:

• Frederick County Public School (FCPS) elementary schools, appointments required.
• FCPS will be announcing the locations and dates of the clinics.
• Students do not have to attend the school where vaccination clinics are being held.
• FCPS will send out details about these clinics through Find Out First: http://www.fcps.org/fof.
• More will be posted on FrederickCountyMD.gov/CovidVaccine.

• Other vaccine clinic options are listed at https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/clinic/search or https://www.vaccines.gov/.
• All children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive their COVID-19 vaccination, including at school clinics. Vaccines are free and insurance is not required. COVID-19 vaccine is not authorized for children four years old and younger at this time.
• The COVID-19 vaccine dose for children 5-11 years old is different from the dose for people 12 years and older. For safety reasons, vaccinations for children 5-11 years old will not be administered at clinics for people 12 years and older, and vaccinations for people 12 years and older will not be administered at clinics for children 5-11 years old.
• For help scheduling an appointment, call 855-MDGoVax or 855-634-6829 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

Call 211 Maryland or 866-411-6803 to reach the local 211 center in Frederick, MD for questions about COVID-19 and to find mental health and health resources

Feeding Frederick: Flyer in English & Spanish. Committed to combatting food insecurity throughout Frederick County by bringing awareness to free food provided by a network of nonprofits and government providers in one easy to use map: Food Resource App

Maryland Hunger Solutions: https://www.mdhungersolutions.org/

 This nonprofit is expanding its outreach to Frederick County to help residents apply for SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program).  Refer to this flyer in English and Spanish to learn more. Please share with your student(s) if this is applicable to them!

The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs: https://thereligiouscoalition.org/need-help/rental-assistance-program/

• Rental Assistance Flyer – English
• Rental Assistance Flyer – Spanish

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information:

CDC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

CDC (Spanish language site)

CDC (Chinese language site)

Maryland Department of Health

Governor Larry Hogan updates

Frederick County Government updates

Frederick County Joint Information Center (JIC)

Frederick County Public Schools: Latest updates on resources for learning, technology and meals.

COVID-19 quizzes below in English and Spanish

Futuro Sólido shares quizzes in English and Spanish to counteract hysteria and promote smart decisions that will protect employees, the workplace, and our community.

English quizzes:

https://app.quizzify.com/demos/coronavirus-quiz

https://app.quizzify.com/demos/coronaquiz-advanced

Spanish quizzes:

https://app.quizzify.com/es/demos/coronavirus-quiz

https://app.quizzify.com/es/demos/coronaquiz-advanced

Tools and Platforms 

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is an easy-to-join way to conduct video calls between instructors and learners. Google is now rolling out free access to the advanced Hangouts video-conference capabilities for education customers until July 1. Click here to learn more.

Skype

Similar to Zoom or other software, Skype is an easy way for instructors and leaners to communicate. You can download and access Skype for free.

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are some of the more popular, free tools to explore for helping programs continue communication between administrators, instructors, and learners.

WhatsApp

Fast, simple, secure messaging and calling app for free^*, available on iPhone and Android phones, Macs or PCs all over the world. *Charges may apply, check local rates.  https://www.whatsapp.com/

Zoom

A web-based software that allows groups to communicate via phone and/or video. A webinar version also allows users to share their screens, allowing programs to show documents needed during instruction. During the pandemic, for the free, basic version of Zoom, the 40-minute time limit has been lifted. Apply online at  https://zoom.us/pricing.

Tutorials on using Online Platforms

Zoom tutorials (YouTube)
Khan Academy (webinar – PA Adult Education Resources)
USA Learns (webinar- PA Adult Education Resources)
Google Classroom (website)
Google Classroom (YouTube)
Google Hangouts (YouTube)

Basic Computer Skills Tutorials on GCF Learn Free

Tips for Providing Instruction from a Distance

Regardless of what platform or online instruction you provide, some additional tips for conducting learning include:

• Keep in regular contact with learners. This can be done through phone, text, or email. Keeping in contact to remind learners about lessons or to make sure they’re engaged is important.
• Using a tool such as Zoom, Skype, etc. so that instructors and learners can meet “face-to-face” is best. Most of these tools also allow you to share documents or curricula you want the learner to focus on.
• Stay on your current lesson plans as much as possible for consistency.

• Use texting for a supplement to instruction
  • Send a short text that the learner can read and respond to
  • Send vocabulary words
• Use supplemental instructional resources (such as those listed in this document) to keep learners engaged and practicing while learning from a distance
• Use teleconference or phone conference systems (or simply phone calls) to practice conversation groups, especially for ESL learners

English as a Second Language Resources

You’ll find beginner to advanced activities here, or you can use the shortcuts listed below. Pick a few activities that are appropriate for your student’s level, and send them the links via text or email.

Memory Games

Listening

Vocabulary

Reading

English with Numeracy

• News for YouOnline—FREE access to a weekly publication for adult learners that uses current event articles and human interest stories to engage learners’ interest while building skills in reading, comprehension, and vocabulary. Use the courtesy password 22667F through June 30, 2020, to access News for You Online at https://www.newreaderspress.com/news-for-you-online. News for You Online includes a Tips for Teachers section where instructors can find the video How to Use News for You Online and other helpful resources. There are several articles related to COVID-19 with more being added in the coming weeks.
• Learning Upgrade—Free 4-month pilots available for an app that provides over 900 English and math CCRS-aligned lessons to help accelerate growth in literacy, ESL, ABE, and HSE classes. Special expansion packages available for providers with a current Learning Upgrade license.
• DuoLingo is a language learning app that can be downloaded on a smartphone for additional learning time.
• CrowdED Learning:CrowdED Learning provides free learning tools that reduce barriers for adult learners’ education and employment while promoting persistence and lifelong learning in the digital age.LINCS Learner Center:The Learner Center links to federally-funded resources for learners. It is organized around goals such as “Learn to Read” or “Learn English.” All resources are free, online, and ready for adult learners to engage with at any time.USA Learns:USA Learns is a free website to help adults learn English online.
• Literacy Council of Frederick County page dedicated to online teaching and learning resources

Resources for Helping Learners Access the Internet

EveryoneOn offers broadband service to income-eligible families (for example, those that qualify for free or reduced school lunch, or who live in public housing) at a cost of around $10-12 per month (varies from state-to-state). Some states also offer very low-cost laptops or desktops ($100-200).

Several internet providers are offering discounts or free internet services during the time of the pandemic:

Comcast offers income-eligible families internet access at $10-12 per month. internetessentials.com/

AT&T Check the website for specific details. AT&T program

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free—including non-Xfinity customers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, click here.

Verizon Visit verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus for information about Verizon’s services during the pandemic.

With appreciation,

Your Literacy Council Staff & Volunteer Team!

The post Coronavirus & COVID-19 Updates appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.

If you’re a regular visitor to the Literacy Council’s website, you’re probably surprised by its brand-new look. We hope you’re finding the site is more responsive, more informative, and more visually representative of the important services our organization provides.

Time for an update
The idea to completely revamp the site came about two years ago, initiated by concerns that the current version was not mobile device-friendly, didn’t show up readily in searches, and was hard to maintain. In September 2015, public relations professional Scott Grove donated his time and expertise to lead a successful discovery session, during which we determined our needs and expectations for an improved web presence.

Grant makes it possible
In August 2016, we submitted a Capacity Building Grant proposal to the Ausherman Family Foundation. Our request was for funding to hire professionals to create a modern website that would more effectively reach and engage adults in Frederick County in need of literacy services, recruit new volunteer tutors, and better serve and interact with our adult learners, volunteers, and donors. The Ausherman Family Foundation came through with the funding to do just that.

Professional services
The grant has covered website design and construction by Jean Peterson Design, video production by Digital Bard, and photography by C. Kurt Holter. Key Literacy Council staff and volunteers working on the project are Executive Director Laurie Fisher, Board Director/President Emeritus Caroline Gaver, Board Vice President Catherine Cox, and volunteer Marita Loose.

Easier to update
At a day-long training session before the big launch, selected staff and volunteers learned how to enter and manage web content behind the scenes. This capability will enable us to assure that the most current information is readily available.

Thank you!
We are indebted to the Ausherman Family Foundation for their generosity and to the creative professionals who worked so diligently (and patiently) with us throughout this process. We’re also grateful to the many adult learners and volunteers who offered helpful feedback and participated in interviews and photography sessions

We welcome your thoughts
Please tell us what you think of the new website! Call the Literacy Council office at 301-600-2066 or email info@frederickliteracy.org.

The post Welcome to Our New Website! appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.

We’ve been teaching adults to read and write, and to speak English, for more than half a century now, and we’re proud of the way we’ve been able to help our students make big changes in their lives. But there are so many more people who could use our help!

Our new website is intended to extend our reach farther into the Frederick County community. We think it will make it easier for potential students to understand how we can help them. We hope it will encourage community members to consider tutoring or volunteering with us in some other way.

This website is only one of the initiatives the Literacy Council has undertaken in recent years to expand our work in the community. (We may be venerable, but we are definitely not standing still.)

Let’s begin with one of the most exciting recent developments: our new alliance with Frederick Community College’s Adult Education program. FCC has long been a friend. They have recommended our services to their students, and we have been proud when our students were ready to enroll in an FCC class.

Now FCC and the Literacy Council are developing even better ways to work together to serve the needs of adults challenged with low literacy skills. The shared initiative is to provide individualized or small group tutoring support to people who are unable to qualify for classes at FCC; provide additional tutoring support to students already enrolled in the adult education program at FCC; develop workplace literacy programs for small groups of employees; and coordinate with other social service providers in support of clients that they refer.

We can do so much more when we’re working with a great partner!

The post New Alliance with Frederick Community College appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.

The Literacy Council’s basic mode of teaching has been – and continues to be – one-on-one tutoring. This ensures that a student’s particular needs can be met. Can she read English but not speak it, or the other way around? Is he literate in his own language, or does he need to start with the alphabet? Does she want help studying to get a driver’s license or take the citizenship test? The student-tutor pair can linger over lessons that seem difficult, and focus on material that is relevant to the student’s situation.

But these days we offer a variety of classes as well. Take a look at our spring schedule: There are a number of conversation classes for learners of English, including a class led by the students themselves and two classes at senior centers. There are writing classes at different levels and a beginning computer literacy class. Employees at Ayse Meze Lounge and Pistarro’s have just finished this spring’s English class offered through our Workplace Literacy Program. And a new classic literature program is just getting under way.

Do you know someone who might be interested in one of our classes? Do you know someone who might want to teach?

The post Spring Schedule Includes a Variety of Classes appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.