Dear Literacy Network Family:
Our world has changed a lot in recent months because of COVID-19. This situation has been especially hard for many Literacy Network students and their families. Although we are not together in person in our Learning Center on South Park Street right now, we want you to know we are still here for you!
We are still offering ALL our classes!
In Fall 2020, we will offer all our usual classes and tutoring via remote learning.
Students can attend classes over Zoom or telephone. We will continue to mail textbooks & workbooks to students. We will continue to mobilize volunteer tutors in Zoom tutoring sessions.
If you are interested in volunteering with Literacy Network, you can read the position descriptions and apply here!
Our building will not be open in Fall 2020, and most of our staff will continue working from home. Our kind and helpful Student Services staff can help you register for classes over the phone! You can call them at (608) 244-3911 to ask questions or register. You can also complete this new student interest form online.
Our talented, dedicated teachers have worked together to move all our classes to Zoom. They will text you a link every week when it’s time to take your class. The Zoom classes have practice activities, helpful explanations, games, and good conversations – just like our regular classes!
Technology for Everyone
Did you know you can take your Zoom class on your smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a computer? If you do not have any of those right now, or if you do not have internet, please call us! We can help you with that! We can lend you a device or help you get internet.
If you are nervous about studying online, don’t worry – we have instructions, pictures, and videos to help you learn how to use Zoom! The instructions are clear and short, and we have them in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Nepali. Someone from Literacy Network can also help you over phone and text until you feel comfortable using Zoom!
To register or ask questions about Fall classes, call (608) 244-3911 or fill out this new student interest form.
Are you okay? Do you need anything?
We know many Literacy Network students and their families and friends have lost work during the COVID-19 crisis. Our Student Services staff can help you. We will ask you every week if you need anything. You can call or text us at (608) 244-3911 and we will help you find information about:
We want everyone to be safe!
We miss our students, tutors, and community partners. When the COVID-19 situation improves, we will gradually and safely re-open the building according to our detailed plan. We will share more information about that when the time comes. Right now, the safest plan is to keep our building closed and learn together online.
Why We Won’t Quit
Literacy Network students don’t want to stop learning! Over 200 students continued studying remotely across our programs this summer. Reading, writing, English language, and digital literacy skills are more essential than ever during this pandemic: they are critical for accessing family-sustaining jobs, accurate health information, resources like food and income assistance, and more.
We know our students won’t quit, and we won’t either. In the words of student Yenni Ellestad, “to keep trying is how we survive life.”
We wish you and your families safety and stability during this difficult time, and we hope to see you online in classes this Fall!
Sincerely,
The Staff of Literacy Network