RVA Literacy Lab Newsletter
January 2018
Policy and Program Reminders
- The Winter Benchmark window is January 8th - 26th.
- During the benchmark window, tutors should first enter their benchmark scores, then schedule any new interventions or replace existing interventions. The order of data entry is important!
- Tutors can continue to enter tutor logs, family engagement logs, and progress monitoring scores as usual during the benchmark window. However, you should NOT progress monitor during the same week you collect benchmark scores (only one score can be entered per week).
- Benchmark scores should always be entered using the Enter Benchmark Scores panel in RCDMS and not as progress monitoring scores. Tutors should follow the procedures in the manual to enter benchmarks: Here is a quick review on how to enter benchmarks: (a) Click the Pencil button next to a student's name on the Enrollments page or, from the Student Detail Page, click More options (...) and select Enter Benchmark Scores; (b) Enter the correct benchmark score and date. RCDMS automatically includes benchmarks on progress monitoring graphs so there is no need for double-entry as a progress monitoring score.
- RCDMS automatically schedules CBM-R graphs for Active first graders, using the Winter Benchmarking score as the baseline, but only if the CBM-R benchmark score has already been entered. Your Master Coach will provide guidance on next steps to begin progress monitoring current first graders with both CBM-R and Test of NW (English) after Winter Benchmark collection.
II. Inclement Weather Policy: Tutors should adhere to the inclement weather policy of their school district. To find out about school closings, please visit your school district's website. You're not expected to report if your school is closed due to inclement weather.
III. Paycom Leave Requests: Leave requests should be entered by each payroll deadline. If you take unplanned leave (i.e., sick and emergency leave), please submit your leave request via Paycom within 2 business days to ensure that your requested leave is appropriately deducted from your balance. Failing to submit your leave request within the timeframe provided could result in a delay of your living allowance stipend.
IV. Paycom Leave Balance : We've noticed some discrepancies in the leave balances of tutors. Your leave balance in Paycom may not be accurate. You will receive an email from Program Staff next week with your accurate leave balance.
Upcoming Trainings and Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Option #1)
Please visit this link to be reminded of the session you're expected to attend.
Saturday, Jan 13, 2018, 09:30 AM
Making A Difference For You Inc, East Parham Road, Richmond, VA, United States
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Option #2)
Monday, Jan 15, 2018, 01:00 PM
2920 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, United States
Tutor Recognition
We are happy to announce award recipients for the Tutor Recognition Award!
Each month, Internal Coaches, Master Coaches and Program Staff nominate four tutors to be recognized for their positive demonstration of Literacy Lab core values and program accomplishments.
Core Values:
- Going above and beyond: Tutors demonstrate extra urgency and initiative.
- Relationships: Tutors have strong relationships with students and peers, they are proactive and can anticipate what others need.
- Impact: Tutors make a positive impact by being optimistic, solve problems and improving results.
- Careful use of resources: Tutors complete the most with the least, planning ahead and being resourceful.
- Giving the best to those who need it most: Tutors display professionalism, preparedness and a strong sense of responsibility.
Program Goals:
- Intervention Fidelity Average: 90%
- Assessment Fidelity Average: 90%
- Dosage: 85 minutes per week
We're proud to announce that the tutors at WOODVILLE and GLEN LEA have been selected to receive an award based on their performance in December! Congratulations on your recognition! You will receive a gift from The Literacy Lab next week. Thanks to the fantastic coaches Heather Riddell and Deborah Fields for supporting the tutors to perform with excellence!
To teach is to touch a life FOREVER. Consider joining Urban Teachers today!
Change Starts in the Classroom: Join Urban Teachers
Urban Teachers is a four-year alternative teacher certification program that works to close the achievement gap in schools by improving teacher quality and preparing a pipeline of high-performing career teachers that stay. Highlights of the Urban Teachers program include:
- Initial year spent co-teaching and building your classroom expertise with the partnership of a licensed and certified teacher;
- Completion of Master's coursework at Johns Hopkins University's School of Education within 2 years;
- Teaching certification in regular and special education;
- 4 years of mentoring and support tailored to you and your needs.
If you're ready to apply, here is a link to the application. The next deadline is January 22nd, 2018. Have questions? Contact Veronica Alvarado (veronica.alvarado@urbanteachers.org).
Monday, Jan 22, 2018, 12:00 AM
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Need Service Hours? Here's What You Can Do This Month!
Mansion Docent & Docent Aid
Enjoy telling stories, interacting with the public and learning about the history of Maymont?
Join the dedicated mansion volunteer team! Docent aides greet the public and provide them with information about Maymont, the Dooleys, the Victorian Era and the belowstairs exhibition. Volunteers assist in crowd control by talking with visitors who are waiting and keep track of the number of visitors in the belowstairs exhibit. Volunteers are needed through January 31st.
Docent aides are required to volunteer at least one shift a month. Shifts are from 1-4pm on the weekends.
Please contact Cale Davis for more information.
Monday, Jan 1, 2018, 12:00 AM
Maymont, Richmond, VA, United States
Services to Armed Forces (SAF) Caseworker
Join the American Red Cross in its mission to support deployed military personnel families who sent an emergency message to a service member to request emergency leave (death, illness, leave extension, birth).
Key Responsibilities
- Caseworkers call family to confirm that Service member contacted family after receiving Emergency Communication Message (ECM);
- Provide additional assistance as needed (local resources, referrals for financial assistance through military relief societies, etc.);
- Ensure that calls and services are logged into Self Serve/Agent Lite database
Time Commitment
- Flexible time commitment
Please contact Jennifer Cobb for more information.
Monday, Jan 1, 2018, 12:00 AM
American Red Cross, East Cary Street, Richmond, VA, United States
Tutor Adults in Reading, Writing, Math, & Digital Skills
1 in 6 adults in the city of Richmond goes through life with low-literacy. That's enough to fill the Siegel Center 4.5 times. Nationally, 70% of adult welfare recipients have low literacy levels!
The READ Center's mission is to help adults with low-level literacy develop reading and communication skills so they can fulfill their roles as citizens, workers, and family members, and improve their quality of life. As a volunteer tutor, you'll receive ongoing support and training opportunities, and you'll join a welcoming community of volunteers and teachers willing to share their knowledge and passion for making a difference. Volunteers are needed through June 2018.
All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Application, attend Orientation, and training.
Please contact Lisa Fitz-Coy for more information.
Thursday, Jan 11, 2018, 11:00 AM
The READ Center, Radford Avenue, Richmond, VA, United States
We Know What You Did Last Month!
Tutors Kenya & Abby spot a children's book while posting flyers in Church Hill!
The Winners!!
Anne Forrester, Paislee Jahed, Madison Price, Leslie Lopez, Emily Sirney, and Seth Hesser | Flyering Day 2017