In honor of "Heart Month," Reading Connections is excited to launch a month-long health literacy initiative in February, and we need you on board! We consistently hear and see how poor health and lack of health literacy affect members of the Reading Connections community, and have for years incorporated health literacy into programming. In February, we want every learner, whether in a small group or meeting one on one with a tutor, approaching literacy through the lens of their personal health.
What is health literacy? According to the USDHHS, it's "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." It's filling out forms, speaking to medical professionals, managing one's own diet, or understanding prescription labels, among much else.
In order to best be able to support you and your learners, we're asking all tutors and instructors to check out this short survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YTRXMZ6) and sit with learners to complete it either online or printed out. We have hard copies available in our office. In addition to giving us some general information about health concerns, this is intended to start a meaningful conversation between tutors and the learner(s) with whom they work about particular health needs. Health is many things, and we hope that this survey will help us to determine what it means for each individual at Reading Connections and what they can begin to do to be healthier.
Throughout February, we'll have plenty of resources available online and in the office, and will have weekly workshops and events to promote health. Though some dates are still to be determined, we'll be hosting a cooking and nutrition class with the USDA's "Recipe for Success" program on Thursday, February 9th, at 5:30pm. Also, back by popular demand from last year, we'll be learning simple yoga and stress relief techniques with Audrey Stephens, owner of Free Spirits Yoga in downtown Greensboro, on the evening of Thursday, February 16th. More details will follow. Be sure to check out the Tutor Resource section for helpful information in planning lessons based on health literacy.
December was a busy month for the family literacy program. It marked the last Motheread classes for the year at Oak Hill Elementary School in High Point. Principal Patrice Foust and Principal intern Charnelle Newkirk were both on hand to recognize parent achievement. Each parent who completed the program received an incentive check for $50.00 and a certificate of completion. Thanks to Mrs. Faison for welcoming Reading Connections into the school and for hosting the Monday night family meals.
Also in December, children at the Family Literacy Academy of Guilford County operating at Hunter Elementary School received books in tote bags and a special "reading buddy pillow" to take home, just a few of the incentives of the program. The event was a mid-year celebration of all the parents' achievements who are attending the Motheread/Fatheread literacy classes at the school. The Academy is supported by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the Volunteer USA Foundation.
Reading Connections needs more friends; that is Facebook friends. You can keep up with exciting things happening and be encouraged by stories shared on the Reading Connections' Facebook page. More and more funders want to know that we have community support through social media. Help us reach our goal of 3,000 Facebook followers by June 30th! Click on the Facebook logo and like us. Ask your friends to like us too!
The High Point Office would like to recognize Toni Russell as our Tutor of the Month! Toni has worked with Reading Connections as a math instructor since August of 2008. Toni works really hard with Reading Connections' staff to make sure that all the students in the class are getting exactly what they need. She is always open to trying new things and recently two of the students her in class qualified to take the math section of the GED exam. Thank you, Toni, for all that you do for Reading Connections' students, and we are so appreciative of your time and dedication to our organization!
Integrating Health Literacy into Adult Education (from the Harvard School of Public Health) is a helpful site designed for tutors who are interested in integrating health literacy skills into their current adult education instruction. It was developed as part of the Study Circles series and provides tools for the development of health literacy units, lessons and evaluation plans. The goal is to prepare tutors to help their students develop basic skills needed for accessing health-related services and for navigating health care systems. These skills include filling out forms, reading signs, and interpreting rights and responsibilities.
The Student Leadership Fellows Program is a ten-week program supported by a Future Fund grant through the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. This program developed by Reading Connections will provide an opportunity for adult literacy students who have a commitment to civic and community concerns and challenges. The program experience includes:
· Learning leadership and public speaking skills to be able to impact their community · Learning from past leaders in Greensboro through speakers and field trips · Volunteering in the community and learning how to lead others to do the same · Encouraging others to be leaders and responsible citizens
All students are welcome to apply. Applications are available at Reading Connections' office or on Reading Connections' website (www.readingconnections.org). They are due on January 31, 2012. Tutors are welcome to help students complete the application. Only 10 students will be selected to participate in the program so please encourage your student to apply early.
Our Family Literacy Program at Oak Hill Elementary School is starting an ESOL Computer Class and 8 volunteers are needed to run the childcare portion of the program. The program will be on Monday nights from 6:00-7:30pm starting January 23rd and ending on May 7th. Volunteers will be responsible for helping the older children with their homework, leading reading activities, and creating a fun environment for the children while their parents are in class. We are trying to secure all 8 volunteers by Monday, January 16th so please get in touch with Kyri Murdough (336-884-7323, kmurdough@readingconnections.org) as soon as possible if you're interested.
Tutor Credentialing Coaches Needed
We are still in need of 3-4 Credentialing Coaches at each of our offices (in Greensboro and High Point). Part of our tutor support system is an initial credentialing visit in which a coach observes a lesson and provides constructive feedback to help new tutors get off to a strong start. We are looking for experienced volunteer tutors who would be able to conduct 1 credentialing visit per week. To become part of our amazing tutor support team, contact Beth Larson in Greensboro (230-2223, blarson@readingconnections.org) or Kyri Murdough in High Point (884-7323, kmurdough@readingconnections.org).
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In honor of "Heart Month," Reading Connections is excited to launch a month-long health literacy initiative in February, and we need you on board! We consistently hear and see how poor health and lack of health literacy affect members of the Reading Connections community, and have for years incorporated health literacy into programming. In February, we want every learner, whether in a small group or meeting one on one with a tutor, approaching literacy through the lens of their personal health. 
The High Point Office would like to recognize Toni Russell as our Tutor of the Month! Toni has worked with Reading Connections as a math instructor since August of 2008. Toni works really hard with Reading Connections' staff to make sure that all the students in the class are getting exactly what they need. She is always open to trying new things and recently two of the students her in class qualified to take the math section of the GED exam. Thank you, Toni, for all that you do for Reading Connections' students, and we are so appreciative of your time and dedication to our organization! 
The Student Leadership Fellows Program is a ten-week program supported by a Future Fund grant through the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. This program developed by Reading Connections will provide an opportunity for adult literacy students who have a commitment to civic and community concerns and challenges. The program experience includes: