​As the weather warms, the days become longer and the sun shines brighter, students begin to experience the “Spring Slump.” The end of the school year is in sight and students begin to day dream about playing outside all day. End of year testing becomes a stressor and students may lose interest in learning and in challenging themselves in the classroom.
 
Don’t worry, we have the perfect antidote. Our Spring Enrichment Clubs! These programs are specifically designed to engage students in learning. We create opportunities for students to see the value in literacy and connect it to their interests. A student in our upcoming Mars Explorer Club at the Kindergarten through 5th grade levels can expect to practice their reading, writing, thinking, speaking and listening skills by designing a plan to colonize mars! They will research the geology of Mars and the planet’s atmosphere using traditional texts and IPADS. They will work with professional writers in the valley to explore how to put their thoughts down on paper and they will complete engineering and science projects to help them explore and apply the knowledge they’ve gained.
 
If your child cannot attend one of our enrichment clubs there are plenty of opportunities to involve your children in learning outside of school and afterschool programs. Study gravity through traditional and online texts and then take a ride on the Mountain Coaster at Snow King Mountain Resort and discuss how the theory of gravity is put into practice. For additional benefits, try to design your own gravity based ride!
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If you have children under the age of five, try sensory play indoors and out. Learn about your five senses as a family using traditional texts or online apps. Check out a few “touch and feel” books from the library. Explore the inside of your home using your senses. What does it smell like? Then take a walk into your backyard or the local park and explore. Compare the two settings.
 
By providing our students and children opportunities to read and then apply and explore the concepts they read about, we allow them to see the value of reading and learning. When students understand the value of learning they are more apt to “push through the spring slump” and finish the school year strong!
 
Haven’t signed up for our Spring Afterschool Clubs yet? Click this link to apply! Applications close on March 9th, 2017 

Jackson Hole News & Guide
POSTED: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 4:30 AM
By Kylie Mohr | 0 comments
Teton Literacy Center staff refused to let $200,000 in state budget cuts last year derail them from their mission: helping valley children and families become literate.

A year after swallowing these cuts — almost a third of the nonprofit’s total funding — the center is thriving, but never completely out of the clear.

“We were first on the chopping block, so it’s an interesting perspective,” Executive Director Laura Soltau said. “We never wanted to shut our doors or reduce our programs, and I’m just amazed by the support of the community. We’re lucky that we live in this small town. Everyone is so generous.”

Teton Literacy Center is a family literacy center with enrichment, tutoring, parent and early childhood opportunities for preschool through high school aged children and their families. It’s the only free after-school, summer, tutoring and family resource in the county.

Soltau said that when times get tough, systems of care — the umbrella of human and social services — tend to be the first to get cut, causing “everyone to panic.”

Teton Literacy Center is the only family literacy center left in Wyoming — the eight other sites disappeared last year due to budget cuts for family literacy centers.

As Teton County School District faces upcoming budget cuts from the Wyoming Legislature, the importance of education programs like the literacy center continues. Last year, district officials estimated that the literacy center saved them $800,000 a year.
“Budget cuts are the new normal,” Soltau said. “But some of the most powerful donations are the smaller gifts we see, coming from people who interact with literacy efforts every day like teachers and parents.”

When it looked like the literacy center needed help to stay afloat, community members stepped up as volunteers and as donors. On Feb. 23, the literacy center’s Pop Quiz Challenge and Dinner Fundraiser raised a total of $111,750 — a combination of $66,000 in donations, $20,750 in ticket sales and sponsors and a $25,000 match by an anonymous donor on the condition that event guests raised more than $50,000 by the end of the night.

The literacy center also just completed a $1 million sustainability campaign that will allow programs to continue for the next five years — enough time to finalize sustainable funding sources for the future.
Community members who recognize the importance of reading are integral to Teton Literacy Center’s continual success.

Paul Hansen, a conservation consultant, has volunteered as a tutor for eight years.
“I first got involved because I was keenly aware that our students in the United States are falling behind other countries,” Hansen said. “For an hour or two a week, I could directly help out with that.”
Hansen said the tutoring is rewarding because “it builds relationships.” One student he tutored for three years is graduating from University of Wyoming this year. They keep in touch and visit when the student comes home over the holidays.

Teachers find this kind of mentorship extremely valuable to help fill gaps that can occur during the day in the classroom.

“I support the Teton Literacy Center because this organization provides children ‘reading mentors’ — the kind of mentors teachers cannot be because our attention is divided among 20 or 25 students at the same time; and the kind of mentors parents cannot be because few are trained reading specialists,” said Libby Crews Wood, a fourth-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School. “Growing readers need big doses of time, attention and expertise. Teton Literacy staff and volunteers provide all three.”
In addition to the generosity of volunteers, the fundraiser Jackson’s Got Talent has also tremendously helped the Teton Literacy Center. In November of 2016, event organizers say they raised a little more than $100,000. Co-chairman Christine Watson said that at the time, the fundraiser shone light on how much in need the literacy center was.

“Some people didn’t know that Teton Literacy Center had a budget cut, or that our center here is the only remaining program in the entire state of Wyoming,” Watson said. After finding that out, Watson said one generous donor doubled her donation.

“At that moment, it gave her an awareness and a realization that we need to continue this program to increase literacy.”

Watson knows firsthand the positive impact the center can have. Her son, a fourth grader now, didn’t especially like to read as a child.

“When he was in first and second grade, he didn’t have the confidence in reading and he didn’t have any desire to read,” Watson said. “Reading was almost a punishment to him.”

Watson thought the literacy center might make reading a more engaging pastime. She said the center has had a huge impact on her son.
“He started building that confidence and cultivating that culture of reading,” Watson said. “Now, he doesn’t want to stop reading — even if it’s time to go to bed or time to go to dinner.”
Despite widespread support, being a nonprofit in Jackson can be tough. According to the Jackson Hole Community Foundation, there are 221 nonprofits in the valley — saturating the landscape for those with money to give.

“The community has stood up and really helped the literacy center make up for their cuts,” Hansen said. “But what happens when you get a couple years out and get donor fatigue? There are a lot of generous people here but there are lots of groups looking for that money. It’s never easy and it’s never something you can take for granted.”

Teton Literacy Center is still in need of resources. Although the county is seeing an increase in the percentage of students reading at grade level — from 65 percent two years ago to 79 percent last year — Soltau said those who are behind just keep getting farther behind.

“We’re seeing an increase in the intensity of need,” she said. As older students progress through the grades, deficits can increase and make it harder to catch up — especially when the loss compounds over summer break.

Interested donors can sponsor a reader for a year at $1,200, for a semester at $600 or for a quarter at $300.

Luckily for Teton Literacy Center, Jacksonites value education.

“It’s obviously a critical benefit to our society,” Hansen said. “Every dollar we spend on early childhood education is really well spent in terms of the return we get as a society from a lifetime of someone who can read.”
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Contact Kylie Mohr at 732-7079, schools@jhnewsandguide.com or @JHNGschools.

Community Rallies Behind Teton Literacy Center. Thank you! TLC Raises over $110,000 in two days!

On February 23rd over 150 people gathered at Hotel Terra to support Teton Literacy Center programs and students. The annual Sponsor a Reader Pop Quiz Challenge Dinner proved to be an exciting night when a $25,000 challenge grant was announced just a day before the event. The challenge grant asked TLC staff, board, and event guests to raise $50,000 by the end of the event. It was an ambitious goal, but the community stepped up. Generous community members contributed over $66,000 in donations in just 48 hours! Combined with the $25,000 challenge grant and $20,750 in ticket sales and sponsorships, the event raised $111,750 to support programs! In addition to record breaking funds raised, the evening also proved to be a tight race between the three competing teams. First Interstate Bank took home the win, with Jackson Hole News and Guide and Fine Dining close on their tail.

The evening was a perfect representation of the community support that TLC has felt over the past year since state funding was cut in February 2016.

Our community has rallied around TLC to complete a $1 million Sustainability Campaign that allows TLC’s critical services and programs to continue for the next 5 years. This allows our Board and Staff time to map out long term funding solutions and ensure that our services remain intact. 

“The generosity of this community has blown us all away. Our supporters have ensured that TLC not only survived this past year, but instead that we continue thriving with high quality programs and services,” commented Soltau. “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who made this campaign and the Sponsor a Reader event such a huge success.” Sponsors included First Interstate Bank, Fine Dining, and Jackson Hole News and Guide. Over 131 community members, foundations, and businesses have stepped up to Sponsor a Reader over the past year.
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

 Even if your child is able to read on his or her own, reading together is still very important. Some popular children's books, like Harry Potter, are at a middle-school reading level. This makes them tough for young readers to tackle on their own, but great for read-alouds!

One of our tutoring students, Ariana, has been very excited to listen to the BFG. She hasn't seen the movie yet, but she is loving the book. Ariana is also learning some great vocabulary words, which she enjoys acting out. Check out the summary she wrote this week! 

For more reasons on why reading aloud is important, check out the infographic below. We borrowed it from http://www2.readaloud.org/

Jackson’s Got Talent brought guests to their feet with standing ovations for every talent act. Guests left mesmerized by the inspiring talent in our community.  The event raised over $104,000 in funds for Teton Literacy Center programs. 190 guests, 30 talent participants, 20 volunteers, and 13 sponsors came together to put on an unforgettable show.

The evening started with a packed house at the Pinky G Pizzeria’s Preshow.  The musical talent included KD Karns, Georgia Evans Wilson and Malie Curran. KD Karns took home an America’s Got Talent Fast Pass for raising the most money for TLC through votes.  Pinky G’s supported financially as well, donating 20% of their sales for the day to TLC.  Shortly following the Pinky G’s event, Bella Gwilliam, Adele Erickson, and Emma Oesch wowed event guests upstairs in the Rose at the Pink Garter Theater.  The dinner entertainment was a show in itself!  

The main show started in the Pink Garter Theater with Alex Muromcew energizing the crowd through Beastie Boys music and unbelievable yo-yo tricks.  The purpose for the evening was set from the start.  Laura Soltau, Executive Director of Teton Literacy Center, provided program information and highlighted state funding short falls, reminding the crowd of the urgency and critical need for their donations and support.  The night continued with 12 acts showcasing talent of all varieties, including vocalists, musicians, stunt bikers, and dancers. Seven-year old, Charlie Von Maur-Newcomb won over the crowd with his rendition of Mac Davis’ “It’s Hard to Be Humble.” Charlie took home the People’s Choice Award receiving a total of 2,424 votes. Robbie Pfunder caused the entire audience to hold their breath as he jumped his bike on platforms and rails.  Addison Hinkley received Judge’s Choice Award for her attitude-filled performance, singing “Respect.”  Throughout the evening 10 Fast Passes to America’s Got Talent were distributed.
“The event blew us away. We were able to raise over $100,000 for literacy programs and introduce our organization to a new audience. On top of that, every guest and talent participant left with a smile,” commented Laura Soltau.  “The final act was followed by the crowd chanting for ‘One more song!’”
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Teton Literacy Center is incredibly grateful to the Jackson’s Got Talent Committee, event volunteers, and talent participants who made this evening a success.  It was truly a community effort.  This community support will continue over Thanksgiving as Amangani will donate a portion of their Thanksgiving proceeds to TLC.

At Teton Literacy, we value the importance of continual professional development. Our staff regularly attends workshops, trainings, and conferences related to a multitude of topics. 

In September, our staff participated in the following:

• Adam Seery attended the Techbridge STEM conference in Casper, WY.
• Adam Seery and Krista Hollis attended the Wilson Reading Systems Training in Jackson, WY. 

This month, our staff will be participating in the following: 

• Kristin Livingstone and Krista Hollis will be presenting at and attending the WYAA Annual Conference in Cheyenne, WY.
• Jade Bowden will be attending the Orton Gillingham Training in Denver, CO. 
• Jade Bowden is taking a course on Hearing Science through CU-Boulder, which began in September and will finish in December. 

Beyond this, our entire staff has partnered with the University of Wyoming to engage in monthly professional development sessions. This partnership is designed to promote mutual opportunities for learning between TLC and the University, while also affording TLC staff with the feedback necessary to improve our programs and better our teaching styles.

Interested in learning more? Check out the three articles we will be delving into at our professional development meeting this afternoon.

Comment with your own opinions! What PD opportunities do you think we need here at TLC? How would you like to get involved? 

Antonina was nominated to work with a tutor when she was in sixth grade. She came into the program to gain content reading skills as she entered middle school. Her tutor was crucial to Antonina’s success and ensured she maintained her enthusiasm and willingness to read, while also helping her improve her ability to read high level academic material. Antonina successfully moved through middle school to high school.
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As a high school students, Antonina has now chosen to support younger students in the same way by volunteering as tutor at TLC. This year she worked with a Kindergarten student. Her time and dedication to TLC helped Esmerelda learn her sight words, work on decoding beginning texts, and gain the comprehension skills to understand the stories she read. We are so lucky to have Antonina with us this year. Thanks to all our volunteers for helping us achieve our mission. ​

POSTED: WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 4:30 AM
By Isa Jones | 
PHOTO: BRADLY J. BONER / NEWS&GUIDE
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Roxy was laying on her back, her belly exposed and her eyes half open. She had a faint smile and let her long legs touch 9-year-old Sebastian Hernandez. The youngster barely noticed. He was too focused on the book he was reading aloud — about a dog that decided to run away from home and become a wild dog.

“This is pretty fun,” he said after finishing the book and giving Roxy — a Sheltie/Australian shepherd mix — a vigorous belly rub.

Sebastian was at Teton Literacy Center — he’s been attending for three years now — to improve his reading and writing skills. As part of the summer sessions the center decided to work with Teton County Pet Partners and provide therapy dogs for the children to read to.
“Pet Partners has been really fantastic,” program manager Kristin Livingstone said.
The idea to have therapy dogs assist young readers came after a donation of dog-friendly books was made to the center.

“They are written for dogs to listen to, in tone and content,” Livingstone said. “Like, one of the stories is about being a wild dog or a burglar coming to the door. It gives the kids an authentic reason to use expression while reading, and pre-read the story to read it fluently while reading to the pet.”
Pet Partners was immediately on board.

“It helps kids really learn to read,” said Kelly Chadwick, administrative coordinator for Pet Partners. “When they’re reading out loud to an animal, it makes a huge difference. It lowers inhibitions and there’s no pressure — the dog is their friend.”

In another corner of the center, fifth grader Melanie Hierro was reading a book about summer camp to a snoozing Labradoodle named Tracy. Melanie said she likes reading picture books and chapter books, but she clearly likes dogs even more. As soon as the last word came out of her mouth, the book was on the ground and her hands were furiously petting Tracy.

Pet Partners brings three dogs every week during the summer sessions — four in July and two in August. The kids rotate through the dogs, each reading one or two books to the pups.

The afternoon of July 6 was the first go-round, and every kid, and dog, had a smile.

Pet Partners is part of a national organization that opened here back in the 1990s, Chadwick said. There are 42 teams of pets and their humans that provide therapy in the valley at places such as St. John’s Medical Center, MorningStar Assisted Living Center and C-Bar-V Ranch.

“We’re hoping it’s such a success that we can continue it through the school year,” Chadwick said.
Livingstone said she isn’t sure what the future of the partnership will look like, but the first day was certainly a good sign.

“The dogs aren’t judging them or correcting them,” Livingstone said. “They are sitting there and giving them love, which inspires confidence in the kids.”
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Contact Isa Jones at 732-7062 or entertainment@jhnewsandguide.com.

New literacy program builds skills by reading to a furry friend (Jackson, Wyo.) -

​ Teton Literacy Center (TLC) has teamed up with Teton County Pet Partners (TCPP), for a collaborative educational effort, “Reading to Dogs.”

TCPP animal therapy teams, consisting of trainers and dogs, will be available for students to practice their reading fluency every Wednesday during regularly scheduled summer programming.
"Students are invited to read a series of books written specifically for dogs to listen to. Dogs provide a great opportunity for students to build literacy skills and confidence by reading aloud with an avid listener and new friend," stated the organization in a news release.

TLC’s Enrichment Program offers free summer camps to exiting Kindergarten through Eighth graders in Teton County through the 21st Century Learning Center Grant. Through partnerships like the one with Teton County Pet Partners, TLC is able to offer students authentic learning experiences in their own town.

"We are excited by this collaboration and know our students are looking forward to reading to a new friend," said TLC.

For more information on afterschool and summer programs at Teton Literacy Center, visit www.tetonliteracy.org or call Program Manager, Kristin Livingstone at307-733-9242.
For more information about Teton County Pet Partners, visitwww.tcpetpartners.org, email us at info@tcpetpartners.org or call Administrative Assistant, Kelly Chadwick at 307-690-8532.

Reposted from http://buckrail.com/197771795690946560/new-literacy-program-builds-skills-by-reading-to-a-furry-friend