Archives

Free ESL Classes — New Locations and Times!

Date: March 8, 2019
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

We now have 11 locations in Northern Pinellas County for LCUP’s English Conversation Classes, with a total of 18 classes available each week.  These classes have a variety of educational opportunities: some provide basic phonics and grammar instruction, while others are designed for more intermediate students.  The strength of all of these informal classes is to give our adult students a chance to visit with each other and tutors and practice their English language skills. 

There is no cost, so please attend many of the classes to see what interests you most.

Ahora tenemos 11 ubicaciones en el condado de Pinellas Norte para las clases de conversación en inglés de LCUP, con un total de 18 clases disponibles cada semana. Estas clases tienen una variedad de oportunidades educativas: algunas proporcionan instrucción básica de fonética y gramática, mientras que otras están diseñadas para estudiantes más intermedios. La fortaleza de todas estas clases informales es darles a nuestros estudiantes adultos la oportunidad de visitar a los tutores y a los tutores y practicar sus habilidades en el idioma inglés. No hay costo, así que por favor asista a muchas de las clases para ver qué es lo que más le interesa. Haga clic en “LEER MÁS” para ver los horarios en inglés y español.

                               Click “READ MORE” to see the schedules in English and Spanish.

 

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LCUP RECEIVES GRANT FROM PINELLAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Date: February 17, 2019
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

The Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas recently received a generous $7,300 grant from the Pinellas Community Foundation.  The grant will enable the Council to translate the Pinellas County Guide, published in 2018, into Spanish and provide a copy for each branch of the Pinellas County Library Cooperative.  The grant will also fund bilingual books for the Little Free Library located at Dunedin Elementary School.  Grant funds will be used to purchase snacks and supplies for ESL conversation classes operating in multiple locations across northern Pinellas County.

Additionally, the grant will support two tutor trainings for new tutors and background checks for all new volunteers.  Equipment and supplies to help students who want to become citizens will also be supported by the grant.  Brochures and flyers to continue marketing LCUP’s services will also be funded.  We are most appreciative of the Pinellas Community Foundation’s support for our literacy efforts.

Back to School Event and Health Fair at North Greenwood Community Center

Date: August 11, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

Soha Awad,  LCUP tutor (on the right in picture below), greeted students and parents at North Greenwood Community Center’s Back to School Event and Health Fair.  She had big mouth cat and shark pictures to color and crayons to send home. 

Several volunteers attended the event on August 4 to talk about ESL classes offered by the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas. We now have 14 English classes at 9 locations and individual tutors.  Therefore, more volunteers are always needed.

 

Conversation Classes Resume at New Clearwater East Community Library

Date: May 31, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

On April 30, English conversation classes resumed in their new meeting space at Clearwater East Community Library at St. Petersburg College.  The library is located at 2465 Drew Street in Clearwater, and classes meet on Mondays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

Classes had been on hiatus since mid-February, so it was a warm reunion for students and tutors and a welcoming event for newcomers.  The class is led by tutors, Jan Demers (back left) and Robin Pitchford (front right).  Tutors are welcome to visit any class.  We have many students who are eager to work, one-on-one or in a small group, with an LCUP English tutor.

LCUP Celebrates 30 Years of Service to Upper Pinellas

Date: February 21, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

Tutor Carol Kennedy speaks at LCUP’s 30th Anniversary celebration

On February 17, LCUP celebrated its 30th Anniversary of Changing Lives Through Literacy at the Dunedin Public Library.  The well-attended event included the organization’s annual meeting with speakers Pat Bauer, President, Library Director Phyllis Gorshe,  Jan Demers and Carol Kennedy.  Both Jan and Carol are members of the LCUP Board of Directors, tutors and Conversation Class leaders and spoke about their experiences in literacy.  Learner Dorotea Chavez spoke about the difference learning English has made in her life.

City Commissioner Deborah Kynes presented a proclamation from the City of Dunedin in recognition of the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas’ 30th Anniversary.  Read the proclamation here.

The following history of LCUP was presented by President Pat Bauer:

                 A History of the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas, 1988- 2018

The Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas grew out of increased need for adult literacy services in north county due to population growth and demographic changes in the 1980s. The council was formed by a group of dedicated citizens who were originally affiliated with the St. Petersburg Literacy Council and saw the need to incorporate the north county program. Our articles of incorporation are dated February 2, 1988.

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