EDU_Readiness_SS-Brandon

All children have potential. Not all children have opportunity.

Small and wiry, 5-year old Brandon raced from one room to another on his first morning of summer camp. It quickly became evident that this spirited young boy had difficulty following directions and sitting still to focus was almost impossible. He was unsure of his letters, sounds, shapes and numbers and this made it even more difficult to focus and participate in learning games. Early assessments showed that both his receptive vocabulary (words familiar and understood when heard) and his expressive vocabulary (words chosen to communicate) were below expectations for his age. Brandon was also hesitant to associate with the other campers and did not want to share.
 
Over the next few weeks, Brandon would have many challenges to overcome. The four learning centers gave him plenty of opportunities to practice new and previously learned skills. Camp Instructors worked with him individually to improve his recognition of shapes, improve his vocabulary skills and gave him the leadership responsibility of line leader with clear instructions of his duties.  Brandon took his task seriously and excelled. As Camp progressed, it was noted that Brandon was developing friendships, often actually sitting and sharing a book with another child while waiting for Parent pick-up. Brandon’s end-of-camp assessment showed that he had grown more than eight months in working vocabulary, a significant gain for a 5-year old.
 
And, the success has held for Brandon. Wearing a huge smile, his mom proudly shared a recent kindergarten report card which clearly indicated Brandon’s grade level achievement with all As and Bs.  School Readiness is a critical factor in a student’s success.  Children who start kindergarten with age-appropriate language skills, learn to read, pass their 3rd Grade Standardized Tests and are more likely to graduate high school.
 
Brandon attended LRC’s Camp READY!, a summer learning program for rising and repeating kindergartners.
 
This article can be found at UWCF.org where it was originally published. Photo credit: United Way of Central Florida
 
United Way of Central Florida and the Learning Resource Center work together in a valued partnership to produce lasting change through education and help all students maximize their learning potential.

Did you know that children lose up to two months of essential math and reading skills during the summer months? Here at the Learning Resource Center, we offer quality summer learning opportunities so that your child won’t lose the skills he or she worked hard at in school and to help to #KeepKidsLearning. If your child can’t join us at one of our summer programs, or even if they can, check out these great learning ideas below to use at home and in the community provided by the National Summer Learning Association.

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In the month of May, Learning Resource Center students received 1,040 hours of tutoring bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 12,069 hours. New and ongoing students tutored during the month of May equaled 255 students, with the Year-to-Date Total at 800 students.
May 2015 Tutoring Hours Infographic (1)

 

Thanks to all of our tutors and students for your time, efforts, and hard work. It’s paying off!

menelik graham

 

Menelik Graham exemplifies the servant leadership qualities embodied in the legacy of the man for whom his scholarship is named.
 
Menelik is the Learning Resource Center’s 2015 Mike Grady Scholarship winner.  A junior at Auburndale High School, Menelik is currently ranked number one in his class with a 4.64 GPA, captains the AHS Soccer Team, and holds executive board positions in the Interact and National Honor Society campus organizations. Sarah Cook, College & Career Advisor, affirms that “Menelik demonstrates integrity, leadership, and academic excellence through his school work and the organizations that he has committed to making a difference.
 
The Mike Grady Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school student who, in an essay, expresses the need for financial aid in order to participate in LRC’s SAT or ACT Preparation Course, valued at $440. The judges for the scholarship were impressed with his clarity of goals and belief in the unlimited powered that the opportunity for learning can produce. The late Mike Grady was a champion for education and students in Polk County.  He had a strong commitment to LRC and helped provide academic assistance to many families in the community.
 
The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. helps students maximize their learning potential by providing personalized educational programs, consultative services for parents and programs to accommodate community needs.

The Camp READY! sites located in Frostproof (at Frostproof Church of God) and Lake Wales (at First United Methodist Church) opened their doors to excited rising and struggling kindergartners this week. Through creative experential activities, five- and six-year-olds express, practice, investigate, and create. Both Camps are funded with LRC’s United Way of Central Florida allocation.
 
This successful summer program is designed to prepare both rising and repeating kindergartners for academic success through hands-on, experiential learning centers featuring art, music and movement, cooking, and reading readiness centers. Camp READY! builds pre-reading skills while also providing a safety net to allow children more time to continue motor, social and cognitive development. On average, Camp READY! students who attend the full program demonstrate learning gains of SEVEN months in vocabulary development from pre- to post-assessment. The cost of Camp READY! is $25.00. For families with documented financial need, scholarships are available.
 
For more on Camp READY! and to find other camp sites throughout Polk County, please visit our blogs Camp READY! Prepares Kindergartners for Achievement and Eight Fun Facts About Camp READY!.

test prep
 
Are you a high school student nervous about the upcoming ACT or SAT exam? If you’re wondering what skills you’ll find on the test, where to begin studying or looking for a review, then our test preparation courses are for you! Summer is the opportune time to prepare for either of the two college exams with the next ACT test date on September 12, 2015 and the next SAT test date on October 3, 2015. Calm your test anxiety with our ACT Preparation Course on July 20-24, 2015 or our SAT Preparation Course on July 27-31, 2015 at the Learning Resource Center of Polk County.

 

Both test prep courses are designed to help you achieve your best possible score on the exam that you are taking. The goal is to build confident, successful students through these effective courses. Regardless of whether you are taking the SAT prep course or the ACT prep course, both courses involve engaging in problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering test questions specifically designed for the test your are taking, reinforcing skills through interaction and review, and building confidence and reducing test anxiety through test-taking strategies.

 

Find more on the course developed around the test you’re planning to take below.

ACT Preparation Course

Who: Students in grades 9-12
What: Math/Science, English/Reading, and Writing to help all students maximize their learning potential.
How: Acquaint students with the ACT test format and types of questions, as well as, provide a review of relevant content and application of research-based problem-solving techniques with highly-trained instructors.
When: July 20-24, 2015
Monday, July 20-Thursday, July 23 (Math/Science) 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 20-Thursday, July 23 (English/Reading) 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24 (Writing) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Cost: $440.00* for all subjects or
$195.00 for Math/Science
$195.00 for English/Reading
$65.00 for Writing (includes an ACT book)
*Ask about our Sliding Fees based on gross annual income
For families with documented financial need, scholarships are available.

Register: Register online at lrcpolk.com/programs/act-preparation or call 863-688-9477.

 

SAT Preparation Course

Who: Students in grades 9-12
What: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing to help all students maximize their learning potential.
How: Acquaint students with the SAT test format and types of questions, as well as, provide a review of relevant content and application of research-based problem-solving techniques with highly-trained instructors.
When: July 27-31, 2015
Monday, July 27-Thursday, July 30 (Math) 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 27-Thursday, July 30 (Critical Reading) 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 31 (Writing) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Cost: $440.00* for all subjects or
$195.00 for Math
$195.00 for Critical Reading
$65.00 for Writing (includes an SAT book)
*Ask about our Sliding Fees based on gross annual income
For families with documented financial need, scholarships are available.

Register: Register online at lrcpolk.com/programs/sat-and-psat-preparation-program or call 863-688-9477.

 

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1. Camp READY! is a school readiness program for rising and repeating kindergarten students, and provides hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences in a fun, engaging format.

 

2. On average, Camp READY! students who attend the full program demonstrate learning gains of SEVEN months in vocabulary development from pre- to post-assessment.

 

3. Camp READY! has grown from one site in 2006 to nine sites in 2015 serving students at locations in North and South Lakeland, Ft. Meade, Haines City, Bartow Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Frostproof, and Poinciana.

 

4. Camp READY!’s teachers are experienced educators, with most holding early learning credentials.
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5. Camp READY! is funded by partnerships between United Way of Central Florida, GiveWell Community Foundation, Disney Grants, and Learning Resource Center. LRC is always open to forging new partnerships in order to make Camp READY! available to even more students.

 

6. It costs approximately $22,000 to provide a successful camp. This figure includes all supplies, instructional materials, snacks, assessments, salaries, utilities/equipment, and marketing.  Nearly ONE THIRD of this cost is donated to the program in the form of community partnerships through in-kind goods and/or services.

 

7. Each Camp READY! site can accommodate up to 50 students. LRC is ready to serve as many as 500 of Polk County’s rising kindergartners this summer.
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8. In recent years, LRC has added several exciting components to Camp READY!

  • In 2014, collaboration with Polk Museum of Art provided robust, enhanced fine arts lessons, exposing children to arts concepts through thematic lessons that teach process thinking.
  • Camp READY!’s Cooking Center also received a makeover in 2014. Cooking lessons  are now lower in sugar and provide healthy snacks, opening the door to conversations about health and nutrition.
  • Through partnership with the Agriculture and Labor Program (ALPI), breakfast and lunch are provided to students at the Frostproof site.
  • Partnerships with childcare centers and Boys and Girls Clubs provided transportation to and from Camp READY!
  • The Junior League of Greater Lakeland partnership provided school supplies to all Camp READY! campers in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

 

Register your kindergartner for one of this summer’s Camp READY! sites today and find more information on the program at lrcpolk.com/programs/camp-ready/.

 

We are inviting all elementary-level students, grades K-5, to join us this summer for our Super Summer Success program. June and July are the perfect opportunities for students to brush up on skills and develop new ones before the next school year begins. Super Summer Success offers students a fun way to gain those important skills in reading and math. This Learning Resource Center program builds confident, successful students through time-tested best practices!

 

Students who have completed grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 are invited to attend on June 15-July 9, 2015 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Highland City Elementary. Students who attend will enjoy high-interest, hands-on lessons, explore math through writing and drawing, engage in cooking and creative arts projects, and participate in read-and-respond activities. Students will also create Make-and-Take Projects on key ideas, reinforce skills through interaction and review, and savor brain-healthy snacks to keep their energy up.

 

The cost to attend is $395.00. Fee reduction is available based on gross annual household income. Be sure to ask about our sliding fees scale. To register, call 863-688-9477 or download the brochure when you click: 2015 Super Summer Success Brochure.

 

LRC’s commitment to your child’s success ensures that your student will receive quality instruction from certified, highly qualified teachers in a small group setting of no more than 10 students per class. You will be glad your child participated in this rewarding experience, and we are sure he or she will be, too!

 

Do you have a little one who will be entering kindergarten in August 2015? Have you heard of Camp READY!, the exciting tuition-free, school-readiness program for rising and repeating kindergarten students? Your young learner will be equipped with the skills necessary for kindergarten after participating in this summer’s Camp READY! program.

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You may be wondering, “What is Camp READY!, and what does it involve?”

 

This successful summer program is designed to prepare both rising and repeating kindergartners for academic success. This is done through hands-on, experiential learning centers featuring art, music and movement, cooking, and reading readiness centers. Camp READY! builds pre-reading skills while also providing a safety net to allow children more time to continue motor, social and cognitive development.

 

If you are still wondering why to choose Camp READY!, on average, LRC’s Camp READY! students demonstrate growth of seven months from pre- to post-assessment. Let’s not forget that Camp READY! is a place where students experience learning that is fun! Highly-qualified teachers will lead the exciting parade of rich language-laden lessons with movement and music, color and art, and taste and cooking, while providing learning opportunities for parent involvement at camp and at home.

 

Here’s how it works.

 

Choose from one of the nine camp locations throughout Polk County:

  • Camp READY! Frostproof (Frostproof Church of God) June 15-July 10
  • Camp READY! Lake Wales (First United Methodist Church) June 15-July 10
  • Camp READY! Ft. Meade (Help of Ft. Meade – Gause/Riverside) June 29-July 24
  • Camp READY! Winter Haven (Winter Haven PEP Center) June 29-July 24
  • Camp READY! Haines City (New Horizon Church) June 29-July 24
  • Camp READY! North Lakeland (Family Fundamentals) July 6-July 31
  • Camp READY! South Lakeland (St. David’s Episcopal Church) July 6-July 31
  • Camp READY! Bartow (Asbury United Methodist Church) July 6-July 31
  • Camp READY! Poinciana (Loughman Oaks Elementary) July 7-August 4 (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday)

 

Each camp will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for four weeks during the summer (except Loughman Oaks, which is Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.). The dates vary per location, so be sure to take a look at the dates listed beside the locations above.

 

The cost of Camp READY! is $25.00. For families with documented financial need, scholarships are available. Register today to reserve your child’s place in this kindergarten-success program.

 

To register, please click on the location of your choice above, download the brochure here or visit our Camp READY! homepage at lrcpolk.com/programs/camp-ready.

Summer break has arrived! While many think of summer as a time when studies come to a halt and unbridled fun takes over, for us at the Learning Resource Center, it’s a period where knowledge, learning, application, and mastery are in full effect. We believe that learning can be enjoyable and that the summer months are a perfect opportunity for growth and educational gains, making it a great time to keep the pace going.

 

Join us this summer in a program that fits your needs or the needs of your child. Choose from our summer schedule below.

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One-to-One Tutoring

One-to-One Tutoring is designed to meet each student’s individual academic needs based upon his/her learning styles and ability levels. Tutoring Services include: One-to-one instruction with a highly qualified teacher; multi-sensory learning strategies geared toward individual learning styles; improvement of student’s academic achievement; enhancement of student’s self-esteem to improve school success; flexible schedules and locations; fee reduction based on family income.

LRC offers a wide variety of programs and services for individualized instruction including:

Elementary:

  • Reading
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Spelling and Phonics
  • Written Language and Handwriting
  • Achievement Test Preparation

Middle and High School:

  • English and Intensive Reading
  • Math – Basic Math through Calculus
  • Foreign Languages
  • Science – Basic Sciences through Physics
  • Social Studies/ History
  • Study Skills
  • FCAT Tutoring
  • Test Prep for ACT and SAT

Who: Students K-Adult

When: Year-round

Where: Tutoring may take place at any of the following locations: LRC, public library, school (with permission from principal), local business, church, tutor’s home, etc.

Cost: Fee reduction based on family income

Register: CHILD ENROLLMENT FORMS
ADULT ENROLLMENT FORMS
Please note that registration is not complete until the advance fee deposit has been paid. As LRC is a non-profit, United Way agency, all fees are calculated based on the gross, annual, household income. Please call LRC (863-688-9477)to find out what your advance fee deposit will be.

Camp READY!

This successful summer program prepares rising and repeating kindergartners for academic success. Through hands-on, experiential learning centers, students experience learning that is FUN! With art, music and movement, cooking, and reading readiness centers, Camp READY! builds pre-reading skills while also providing a safety net to allow children more time to continue motor, social and cognitive development. On average, LRC’s Camp READY! students demonstrate growth of seven months from pre- to post-assessment. These camps are funded through the generosity of GiveWell Foundation, United Way of Central Florida, and Disney.

Who: Students entering or repeating Kindergarten in August 2015.

When: June 15-July 31, 2015 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (four weeks per location). Dates vary by site. Please see below.

Where:  Frostproof (Frostproof Church of God) June 15-July 10
Lake Wales (First United Methodist Church) June 15-July 10
Ft. Meade (Help of Ft. Meade – Gause/Riverside) June 29-July 24
Winter Haven (Winter Haven PEP Center) June 29-July 24
Haines City (New Horizon Church) June 29-July 24
North Lakeland (Family Fundamentals) July 6-July 31
South Lakeland (St. David’s Episcopal Church) July 6-July 31
Bartow (Asbury United Methodist Church) July 6-July 31
Poinciana (Loughman Oaks Elementary) July 7-August 4

Cost: $25.00 (If financial need is documented, scholarships are available.)

Download your 2015 Camp READY! brochure

 

Super Summer Success

Super Summer Success builds confident, successful students through time-tested best practices! Students will enjoy high interest, hands-on lessons; explore math through writing and drawing; engage in cooking and creative art projects; create make-and-take projects on key ideas; reinforce skills through interaction and review; savor brain-healthy snacks to keep energy up. LRC’s commitment to your child’s success ensures that your student will receive quality instruction from certified, highly qualified teachers in a small group setting (no more than 10 students per class).

Who: Students who have completed grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

When: June 15-July 9, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Where: Highland City Elementary, 5355 S.E. 9th Street Highland City, FL 33803

Cost: 395.00*
*Sliding fees based on gross annual household income

Study Habits of Successful Students provides study skills and motivational strategies to prepare students in grades 6-8 to become more effective learners. Students learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies. The course is designed to offer small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students learn and practice these study habits of successful students.

Lessons include:

Get Motivated
Listen Up and Take Notes!
Set Goals to Achieve
Read Actively
Manage Your Time
Become Test-Wise

Who: Students in grades 6-8

When: Summer Course, July 13 – July 17, 2015                                                        Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Where:  Learning Resource Center 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803

*Cost: $145.00                                                                                                                                   * Sliding fees based on gross annual household income

Get the Competitive Edge…College Success Planning…Grades 9th-12th

College Success Planning provides study skills and motivational strategies to prepare students in grades 9-12 to become more effective learners. Students learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies, as well as concrete techniques to get the competitive edge necessary for high school and college. The course offers small classes with activity-oriented lessons to help students learn and practice these study habits of successful students.

Lessons include:
Building Memory and Test-Taking Skills
Planning for Success
Reading and Note-Taking with a Purpose
Making Successful Transitions
Time Management
…And Other Essential Study Skills

Who: Students in grades 9-12
When: July 13 – July 17, 2015, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Learning Resource Center 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803

Cost: $145.00 *                                                                                                                       * Sliding fees based on gross annual household income

 

ACT Test Prep

The ACT preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the ACT. This course provides: small classes with highly-trained teachers; problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering ACT questions; practice taking ACT tests; emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the ACT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.

Who: Students in grades 9-12

When: July 20-July 24, 2015, Monday-Friday
Monday-Thursday (Math/Science)
July 20-23, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday (English/Reading)
July 20-23, 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24
Writing, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland

Cost: 440.00* for all subjects or $195 for Math/Science; $195 for English/Reading; $65 for Writing (includes ACT book)
*Sliding fees based on gross annual household income

SAT Test Prep

The SAT preparation course provides an efficient and effective 23-hour course designed to help students achieve their best possible score on the SAT. This course provides: small classes with highly-trained teachers; problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering SAT questions; practice taking SAT tests; emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the SAT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.
* Cost of course includes the SAT book.

Who: Students in grades 9-12

When: July 27-July 31, 2015, Monday-Friday
Monday-Thursday
Math: 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Critical Reading: 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday
Writing: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Learning Resource Center, 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland

Cost: 440.00* for three courses or $195 for Math; $195 for Critical Reading; $65 for Writing (includes SAT book)
*Sliding fees based on gross annual household income

For more information, please call the Learning Resource Center at 863-688-9477.