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Director’s Thoughts – November 2020

‘Tis the season to be thankful!


LRC Director's Throughts graphic
 
Although the LRC Staff and Boards are grateful 24/7 and 365 days for each and every person who shares his or her talents, time, and resources, this holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to say “Thank You” once more. As a nonprofit in a COVID-19 world, this year has been far from easy. This organization has applied for and been blessed with two Relief Fund allocations. With that support, LRC has been able to persevere in serving this community with quality academic instruction—virtually and in person safely—although to far fewer students. Parents who are facing job or food insecurity do not seek out tutoring. Schools having to spend discretionary funds for additional protection and safety are not able to offer supplemental after-school programs. However, you have provided scholarships and funding for many students who would have continued to struggle.
 
Alexander is one of those students. He had been described as non-verbal and non-social, and school officials predicted that he could not function in a regular classroom. I first met this 5-year-old crawling under a table at Camp READY!, LRC’s award-winning summer program that prepares students for that first day of kindergarten. By the next visit, with the caring expertise of the camp professionals, Alexander was gradually participating, pointing to or touching words when prompted, although still sitting by himself. By the end of the four weeks, he was saying words and forming sentences, listening and engaging with other students—he even asked to be a line leader. He entered kindergarten last fall and zoomed to the top of his class. It was with your support through United Way and LRC fundraising projects that this program was available to Alexander. This is just one of many stories we love to retell about the successes of LRC students. None of which would be possible without YOU!
 
May you and your family enjoy a lovely and blessed Thankful Season!
 
LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature
 
 
Read past editions of “Director’s Thoughts”:
October 2020
September 2020
 
 

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LRC Named Central Florida’s Best Learning Center of 2020

We have a Best of the Best 2020 update!
 
In October, we announced that LRC was named a top 3 Learning Center in Central Florida. It is with great honor, enthusiasm, and gratitude that we share…the Learning Resource Center has been named THE top Learning Center in Central Florida for 2020.
 

 
This is the first time since 2017 that LRC has won first place. In 2018 and 2019, LRC was a top three finalist.
 
Your efforts have paid off tremendously, and we continue to thank you for the support you’ve shown not only in this manner but in so many other ways, as well.
 

About 2020 Best of Central Florida

The Ledger’s 2020 Best of Central Florida contest granted the public an opportunity to support their local favorites in 170+ categories, ranging from educational to health services (and everything in between), during two installments in August and September. During the first, individuals submitted online nominations in any or all the categories. From there, the nominations were narrowed to the top 5. The second round granted users the chance to vote daily for their favorite of the five in each category. Concluding the second round, The Ledger then recognized the top 3 winners. With more than 238,000 total votes cast throughout the competition, we are both thankful and thrilled to receive the honor of first place in the Best Learning Center/Tutor category!
 
Thank you for your many nominations and votes lending us this public recognition as Central Florida’s Best Learning Center 2020.
 
 

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You’re invited to LRC’s 2020 ZOOM Job Fair!

The Learning Resource Center needs YOU!


LRC Virtual Job Fair November 2020
 
Do you have a passion for teaching, desire a flexible work schedule, enjoy creative freedom and/or want to make a difference in the life of a student?
 
If you answered yes to any of these, consider tutoring or teaching with LRC part-time!
 
Join us for a virtual hiring event on Monday, November 23 or Tuesday, November 24 at 10 a.m. to learn about our available one-to-one or small group opportunities to help students become more successful academically. During the event, we’ll introduce you to our organization by sharing details about who we are and the work we do throughout the community, tell you about our positions, and explain the hiring process.
 
Our variety of opportunities include virtual or in-person, one-to-one or small group, school hours or afterschool, weekdays or weekends, and year-round or summer.
 
If you are interested in attending, please contact Dr. Pam Craven at pamelac@LRCpolk.com or call LRC at 863-688-9477 for your personal ZOOM invitation or to set-up an interview. When registering, please let us know which session you’d like to attend.
 
For additional information about LRC programs and services, visit LRCpolk.com.
 
 

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Support GED Students with LRC on Giving Tuesday 2020

Save the date for Giving Tuesday 2020 with LRC
 

#GivingTuesday

You know about Black Friday, you know about Cyber Monday—do you know about Giving Tuesday? It’s an international day of giving that was established in 2012, and it’s happening on December 1. We invite you to mark your calendars and participate with us!
 
 

LRC’s Initiative

This year, the Learning Resource Center is celebrating the day by raising money for our GED program, which offers one-to-one tutoring and support for students in our community who are studying to attain their GED.
 
 

Get Involved

There are tons of ways to get involved! Donate to our GED fund, spread the word about our fundraiser, and keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter accounts for stories from our GED students about how your support can make a difference in their lives.
 
 
Can’t wait until the event? Click here to donate and support our adult students now!
 
 

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LRC Offers Reduced Rates Through 2020

LRC extends reduced pricing through 2020

It’s not news that COVID-19 continues to cause challenges for so many as we approach the final months of the year. We know this remains a difficult time and want to ease a bit of the stress in the best way that we are able.
 
Due to financial hardships faced by many, we are extending our reduced summer rates through the end of 2020. In addition, as a United Way organization, our program and service costs are always on a Sliding Fee Scale which is based on gross family income.
 
Take advantage of this opportunity for lower rates before 2020 ends! This special pricing applies to all LRC programs and services including:
 

November 2 ACT Prep
November 3 SAT Prep
1-to-1 or small group tutoring through December 2020

 
LRC REDUCED RATES THROUGH 2020
Low grades after the first 9 weeks, or considering one of our final test preparation courses of the semester? We can help…with it all!
 
If you have a student who seeks tutoring for homework help, remediation, virtual coaching or to get ahead or a high school student desiring test preparation support, please contact us now to save and improve!
 
 

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LRC named a top Learning Center

Thanks for your votes!


LRC Thank you for voting
 
With your continued support, LRC has been pressing on, making gains through tutoring services and test preparation programming this semester.
 
Not only are your efforts paying off in these ways, but because of you, we have been named a top 3 Learning Center in Central Florida for the fourth consecutive year!
 
The Ledger’s 2020 Best of Central Florida contest granted the public an opportunity to support their local favorites in 170+ categories, ranging from educational to health services (and everything in between), during two installments in August and September. During the first, individuals submitted online nominations in any or all the categories. From there, the nominations were narrowed to the top 5. The second round granted users the chance to vote daily for their favorite of the five in each category. Concluding the second round, The Ledger then recognized the top 3 winners. With more than 238,000 total votes cast throughout the competition, we consider it no small feat to be named a top 3 finalist!
 
Thank you for your many nominations and votes lending us this public recognition as a Central Florida Best Learning Center.
 
 

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Director’s Thoughts – October 2020

LRC can help! And…YOU can help!

LRC Director's Throughts graphic
 
Halloween is not the only October date bringing thoughts of fun, but scary times.
As the first nine weeks (first quarter) of the school year ends on October 22, 2020, and the second grading period begins, blessings and concerns abound–thankfulness that students are returning safely to learning either in a classroom or on an electronic device with great Polk County educators. The concerns lie in the physical and mental health of our children, but also in their ACADEMIC health. Researchers are calling it the “COVID Slide.” They are attributing this to the loss of much direct instruction in the final three months of the past school year and reduced availability of and access to summer programs. The prediction is that many students will lose more than a year of skill and concept retention. More than ever, children who are struggling need immediate and intensive interventions to CATCH UP, GET AHEAD, and STAY AHEAD!
 
LRC is offering learning hubs and one-to-one tutoring—virtually and in-person. Look for upcoming LRC after-school programs throughout Polk County. We always have our arms outstretched for help—more highly qualified tutors and instructors, more community volunteers, and, of course, more financial resources. LRC can help! And…YOU can help!
 
LRC Executive Director Pamela Craven signature
 

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Learning & Loving It: Math Card Games Part 3

Learning & Loving It is a series featuring simple, yet fun educational activities for home learning and virtual, interactive tutoring.

LRC Learning and Loving It
 

Try this final game in our “Math Cards” series!

 
LRC LLI Math Cards Greatest Number
 

The Greatest Number

About:

  • Third grade and up
  • 2 or more players
  • Students will recognize numbers, practice putting them in order from greatest to least, and identify place value.

    •  

    Supplies:

    One deck of playing cards (with face cards removed)
     

    Activity Overview

    1. One player deals the cards evenly between the players. Players place their cards in a stack facedown in front of them.
    2. Each player turns over four cards.
    3. Players arrange their cards to make the greatest possible four-digit number.
    4. Players read their numbers aloud and decide which number is greater.
    5. The player with the greatest number wins all the cards from that round and places them in a separate pile.
    6. Play continues until all the cards have been used.
    7. The player with the most cards in their pile wins the game.
     
    Variation: Use three or five cards to create the number with the greatest value for lower or higher levels. Try creating the number with the least value instead.
     
     
    Check to see the video demonstration.
     
    Click for additional Learning & Loving It activities!
     
     

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    Shop, save & support LRC during the Belk Charity Sale 2020

    Shop, save and support!

    Belk Fall Charity Sale 2020
     
    The Belk Charity Sale is back for 2020! This is a fun opportunity to support the Learning Resource Center AND receive exclusive discounts on Belk’s top designer brands. The Sale will take place on Friday, October 9-Sunday, October 11 in store at any Belk location and online at Belk.com. Participants will now receive $10 off with their $5 Belk Charity ticket purchase from LRC.
     

    5 reasons to participate in the Belk Charity Sale with LRC:


    1. Even more savings this year with your ticket! You’ll now receive $10 off your Belk purchase + an additional 20-60% discount and can stack these savings with coupons.
    2. It’s easier than ever. Purchase tickets online, then use them online at Belk.com or at any Belk location in the nation during Oct. 9-11.
    3. $5 ticket proceeds go directly to LRC and help support local students.
    4. This is a fun way to give back — an opportunity to give AND save while you shop. It’s a win-win!
    5. The charity with the most online ticket sales will receive a $5,000 donation from Belk, which would extend the impact of your $5 further in benefitting LRC students in need of academic assistance!
     
    To participate, please click “LRC Belk Charity Tickets”. From there, a webpage will open. Select Florida, Lakeland, and Learning Resource Center in the three drop-down menus. Then, click “Continue to Payment” and proceed with your payment information. Your ticket will immediately be emailed to you. This is what you’ll use online or in person to shop and save big on top brands!
     
    Remember, anyone can purchase a ticket from LRC to use online or at their nearest Belk store. Because of this, we aren’t limited to just spreading the word locally, but to our friends and family nationally!
     
     

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    Learning & Loving It: Math Card Games Part 2

    Learning & Loving It is a series featuring simple, yet fun educational activities for home learning and virtual, interactive tutoring.

    LRC Learning and Loving It
     

    Try these two games in our “Math Cards” series!

     
    LRC LLI Math Cards What is the value
     

    What’s the Value?

    About:

  • For grades kindergarten through second
  • 1-2 players
  • Students will recognize numbers and practice counting as well as addition or subtraction if older.

    •  

    Supplies:

    One deck of playing cards (with face cards removed); manipulatives (ex. beads, pennies, skittles, etc.)
     

    Activity Overview

    1. Have the first student turn over a card.
    2. The student will then count out the number of manipulatives represented by the number on the card.
    3. If there are two players, the second player takes their turn.
     
    Variation: Each player can also state the difference (subtraction), sum (addition) or product (multiplication), adding or removing tokens to reflect the amount, on their turn.
     
     
    LRC LLI Math Cards Card Countdown
     

    Card Countdown

    About:

  • For second grade and older
  • 2 players
  • Students will build automaticity with subtraction.

    •  

    Supplies:

    Two decks of playing cards (without face cards); pencil; Card Countdown Sheet
     

    Activity Overview

    1. Each player takes a deck of cards. Players stack their cards face down.
    2. At the same time, players draw the top card from their piles.
    3. Players record their own number in the subtract column on the countdown sheet.
    4. They then subtract the value from 100 and record the difference at the top of the “=” column.
    5. Players continue to draw cards, subtract and record answers, working as quickly and accurately as possible at their own pace.
    6. Continue until either both reach zero or a negative number or, if racing, until the first player reaches zero or a negative number.
     
     
    Check to see the video demonstration.
     
    Click for additional Learning & Loving It activities!
     
     

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    1628 Florida Ave S.
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    Phone:

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    Office Hours:

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    Address:

    1628 Florida Ave S.
    Lakeland, FL 33803

    Phone:

    (863) 688-9477

    Office Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Saturday – Sunday: Closed

    Stay Connected

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    © Copyright – Learning Resource Center | Site Designed by: MaximizeDigital.com