Happy Colorado Day, everyone! Our beautiful state has its 143rd birthday today. I hope you get to do something fun and state-specific to mark the occasion. If you're downtown or headed that way, History Colorado is having a block party today!
As the calendar page has turned and it's now August, it's time to report your tutoring time and activity for JULY. Click here to go to the reporting survey.
If ever you want to refer back to one of these monthly updates but you can't find it in your email, bookmark this site: http://cresltutors.blogspot.com/
I've been cross-posting these monthly missives there for prosperity and for access by all whose email platforms send my messages into the junk mail folder or just somewhere into the ether, never to be read.
News and Updates:
I had a program review meeting with the people from the state refugee office last week. Overall, they're quite impressed with the work all of you are doing. They really didn't understand how complex this program is--and how thorough we are in trying to support the in-home students. The state folks were especially impressed with how detailed your monthly reporting is and the level of investment we all make in each individual in-home student. Thanks for being such superstars! Your efforts really shone brightly when they were explained to our funder. Kudos!
Personal update
I'm deep in the throes of a recurrence of shingles. Please be patient as the best treatment for this is rest so my attendance at work is expected to be spotty for a couple of weeks. I have a good supply of L-lysine on medication on hand, but resting the body and nervous system are what I was primarily prescribed. And in case you didn't know--yes, shingles can come back (in my case, multiple times).
Vacation, sort of
My in-laws will be visiting the last week of this month and I'll be off from work that entire week. As a result, you will likely get the August reporting survey a day or two late, possibly as late as September 3.
Colorado Public Radio
Did you catch us on the radio last week? Our work in the English program at Emily Griffith Technical College was featured on CPR twice in July. The story was originally intended to be part of a digital, online-only series, but the material was so compelling, the editors decided to go ahead and produce an on-air story. The digital (website) story is longer and a little different than the audio version; you can access both here. To hear the audio (and me), click the orange "listen now" button at the top right of the screen.
RTD discount program
RTD has launched a new discounted fare program for low-income area residents. Click for an excellent explainer from CPR. The process to apply is complicated, though. If you feel comfortable helping your student with this, please give it a try. Refugees who qualify can also ask their case manager for help, but if they aren't receiving services anymore, they may have trouble getting in for an appointment. The staff at the Denver Public Library can also lend a hand. More information is here.
Paraprofessional pathways class
If your student is interested in working as a paraprofessional classroom aide, Spring Institute is offering a preparation class. Students will learn workplace skills, understand US school culture, prepare for the ACT WorkKeys test, build a resume,and prepare for interviews. This class is only open to those with refugee, asylee, or SIV status living in the US for five years or less. The class is free and meets for 12 weeks. See the attached flyer for more details and registration information.
English classes around town
There are many options available for students who would like to transition out of in-home tutoring and into a classroom for English instruction. Many of these options are free or almost free, and some are funded through the same channels that provide free classes at Emily Griffith. Most locations are currently enrolling adult students for the fall term. If you would like information about classes to share with your student, please let me know. It will be most helpful if you remind me what neighborhood your student lives in so I can send the most relevant information. Classes begin later in August and are offered by Spring Institute, Adams County Schools, Focus Points, Learning Source, Project Worthmore, Littleton Library, Community College of Aurora, Jeffco Adult Ed, and more. Some are also offering citizenship preparation classes and GED prep. Emily Griffith has free English class options both in the morning and afternoon.
Lifeskills and more at Village Exchange Center
The Village Exchange Center is a shared community space serving primarily immigrants and refugees with a broad range of activities and supports. Coming up this month are free computer and financial literacy classes. VEC is located on the corner of Havana St. and 16th Ave. in Aurora. There are two flyers attached to this message with more information.
Want to sort some beads?
Shingles or not, this Saturday I'll be working on a project at the A Little Something studio. We need more volunteers to get through this overwhelming task. No special skills are required, just patience and a good eye for color. A sense of humor helps. We'll be in the basement of the Village Exchange Center. Please come and help if you have time, feel willing, and this kind of task doesn't make you crazy. Click here for all of the details.
Taste of the Middle East
If sorting beads doesn't sound like the most thrilling way to spend this Saturday, then you might want to head over to the Taste of the Middle East festival in Centennial. All of the details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/801100653624578/
(When the Facebook pop-up comes on, just click "no thanks" and it will go away.)
Taste of Ethiopia
If the Middle East isn't to your taste, well, head on out to the Taste of Ethiopia Festival. This event is also on Saturday, August 3. Did you know that more than 30,000 Ethiopians live in the Denver area? This cultural event is spectacular and well attended. More information is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/15555-e-53rd-ave-denver-co-80239/taste-of-ethiopia-festival-2019/2317738308258193/
(When the Facebook pop-up comes on, just click "no thanks" and it will go away.)
African Festival
If you're not all festivaled out, there's even more to taste. The end of August brings the Colorado Taste of Africa Festival.
I think that's it for this month. Please don't forget to report your hours!!
Here is the unmasked link for reporting:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxKw23ZjdHmtY7MuwdpXwQq5TaiHKRdvFdhBk5h3pg33u5eg/viewform
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