Bob Burger      - Chair
              Robbin Henson   - Acting Librarian
              Ellie Scholz    - Secretary
              Fram Nichols    - Placement
              Robbin Henson   - Records
              Liz Koester     - RCC/CASAS Coordinator
              Bob Burger      - Acting Treasurer

TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE
Notes from the Chair Secretary's Message Calendar Placement Report Library Notes	CASAS Assessments Records Report Sudoku Challenge Helpful Websites Abbreviations Dictionary

Dear Volunteers and Friends,

   Here we are, winding up another year already.  The summer season was very good for the Literacy Council.  We joined forces with Hispanic Learning and Resource Center, a nonprofit computer literacy organization founded by Gloria Work.

   Gloria, an immigrant from Dominican Republic, has spent years creating programs and volunteering her time to provide opportunities for advancement for our Hispanic residents.  Twelve students enrolled in the summer computer classes and nine completed the eight-week training with near-perfect attendance.

   We will soon have to start looking in earnest for a new Council office site as the building we are currently stationed in is up for sale.  Rogue Federal Credit Union owns the property and they have very generously donated space to our program for several years.  We extend a big thank you to Christi Haines and Steve Patterson for their wonderful support.

   Have a great time enjoying all the approaching holidays.

Bob Burger, Chair

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   At our Council meeting (Sept. 17), Jean Edwards from the Southern Oregon Goodwill was our guest speaker.  She runs a program that helps the struggling, single and two-parent families on the road to success.

   Classes and one-on-one counseling include developing family goals, budgeting, career development, household organization, skills parenting.

   Southern Oregon Goodwill provides job training to people with barriers to employment.  Currently, they are reaching about 46 families.

   Southern Oregon Goodwill is a non-profit organization.  It is supported by donations and grants.  Call 772-3300 to learn more.  If you know of a family that could benefit from a little guidance and direction on the path to success, please pass on the number.  The address is 11 West Jackson Street, Medford.

Ellie Scholz, Secretary

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   Two new tutor applicants need training. The Thai student applicant, Uvadee Arjrashkij, wants to apply for citizenship. Joan Symmank will be asked to take this student. Fabiola Lopez will be with Hester Kobayashi.

   Walda Reeder has reported Jen-her Chi has gone to work and is no longer tutoring her.  Yan Mai and Zhong Li both have appointments in Portland for their citizenship interviews and don't expect to resume tutoring them.  They are buying their own home and working 40+ hours a week.  Until March, Walda will be busy visiting with her daughter until January, then traveling to Thailand in February.  When Walda returns, she plans on picking up another student to tutor.

   This summer, Joe Suste reported that Richard Schroeder is no longer interested in being tutored so he is being dropped from the program.  Joe plans on taking a little time off from tutoring, re-energizing himself to take on the next student.

   John Patton also lost Francisco Flores over the summer.  John will be taking a break from tutoring as well.

   Hester Kobayashi dropped Martha Ramirez as she wasn't keeping appointments or returning calls.

   Bob Burger is still waiting to hear from Alma but has been busy with his computer classes and Literacy Business.

Fram Nichols, placement coordinator

Call Fram (857-2824) or the Literacy Office (245-8699) for further details.

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   Troy Hickman of the Oregon Literacy will be donating 15 old TELT manuals to our library.  They will be used in a seminar this summer to train more tutors.

   Our library is STILL in woeful need of loving attention.  If anyone out there loves to organize and keep good records and enjoy books - this is the position for you.  For only a few hours a month, you will be filling a great need for us in the Literacy Council since Sara's resignation.  Please contact Bob Burger on Friday mid-mornings if you are interested.

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CASAS TESTING (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System)

Hey Tutors!

   Here's another reminder that all students need to be tested twice yearly or they will be dropped from the Literacy Council program.

   When ABE and ESL students first enter the program they take a Sorter Test to determine their reading level.  Afterward, follow-up tests are given to evaluate their progress.  They should be tested once before the end of November and again before the end of May.  These are not pass/fail tests.  There's no cramming required.  Results will be sent to you to assist in reaching your instructional goals.

   Testing is offered, free of charge, by RCC.  They are given at the campus building at 117 So. Central in downtown Medford.  You may call or write us for the schedule.

   If your student hasn't been assessed during the past six months, please inform him/her of this schedule.  We will provide you with the information needed to reserve a space.

   If it is impossible to work with RCC's schedule, please call our office (245-8699) and we will make other arrangements.

   These assessments are crucial for our State funding - and a great benefit for you and your student.

Thanks for your attention!

Liz Koester
Progress Tracking Administrator (TOPS)
Literacy Council of Jackson County

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REMINDER!!!!
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PURPLE SHEETS FOR THE 2007-2008 TUTORING YEAR ON ANY NEW STUDENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!   THANKS!!!  Robbin

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