Literacy Action opens new Peachtree Center learning complex

Literacy Action, a nonprofit provider of free adult basic education, has opened its new state-of-the-art learning complex at Peachtree Center in Downtown.

“We’re happy to introduce this state of the art learning space to both the local community and to our adult students who will benefit from the improvements,” said Althea Broughton, a partner at Arnall Golden Gregory law firm and Literacy Action’s Board Chair. “The new campus allows Literacy Action to reach more students in Atlanta as it focuses on ways to provide quality instruction and remove key barriers to employment or academic advancement through literacy.”

The new campus will increase the number of classrooms and provide access to laptop computers, a projector and screen, as well as technology to turn any whiteboard into a digital tool. Also inside: The Success Center is equipped with computers, books and a testing lab. The Digital Inclusion program links adults to technology and teaches them the skills needed to use technology as a tool to self-sufficiency.

“As evidenced by a 218 percent increase in participants in just the last three years alone, our community needs quality adult education resources,” says Kate Boyer, Interim Executive Director of Literacy Action. “The new location is more accessible to students, faculty and staff, which allows Literacy Action to expand its offerings in a safe, professional environment.”

Literacy Action was founded in 1968 by volunteers at the Central Presbyterian Church in Downtown Atlanta, whom began teaching basic literacy skills to adults.

For more information, visit literacyaction.org.

Huntington has helped students K-12 improve their grades, academic skills, and confidence since 1977.

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Postcards to Kids

An Intown middle school teacher sends positive reinforcement to her students the old fashioned way

By Clare S. Richie

As teachers kick off the new school year, veteran teacher Beth Todd hopes more will follow her lead and praise students for making good choices. Last year, with a grant from the Inman Middle School Foundation, Todd wrote and mailed 150 positive postcards home to her 6th graders and assigned zero detentions.

“There’s always been a concern that kids doing the right thing are not being recognized. It’s much more common to just expect the right thing and punish kids doing the wrong thing,” Todd explained.

Todd described Inman’s diverse student population as a microcosm of Atlanta that 6th graders learn to navigate and come together. But last fall, in addition to increased classroom behavior problems, Todd observed “a heightened level of stress” among her students from racially charged police shootings and the contentious presidential election.

“I was determined to change the status quo in my classroom,” Todd shared.

She remembered a classroom management training she took, CHAMPS– Safe and Civil Schools, and re-read the book. Most kids do what they are supposed to, the book said, while less than 5 percent can commandeer most of a teacher’s time and are not deterred by a

• programs tailored to each student’s needs instruction from highly qualified teachers

1.678.695.8001

HuntingtonHelps.com failing grade or detention. A positive note home was a proven way to reach them all. So Todd decided to recognize her students when they did the right thing. With about $300 in stamps, granted by the Inman Middle School Foundation, she started mailing home postcards mentioning specific instances of good choices.

“Within the first few weeks, I took out my roster and would write a few here and there,” Todd said.

“When I had a sub, I would ask them to leave a list of students who were really helpful – I sent them a card. Several students participated in an optional poetry contest.

‘I appreciate the time you are taking to do this’, I wrote,” Todd recalled. Students used to receiving negative consequences for their behavior began receiving recognition for staying on task.

“It was a welcomed change to these students and their parents. No one ever tells these kids what they’re doing right,” Todd said. She added, “I don’t know how the year would have gone if that grant hadn’t been funded by the Inman Foundation. We would have tolerated each other, but they wouldn’t have learned and they wouldn’t have grown.”

The positive impact extended beyond her classroom. “I’ve had several teachers ask, ‘What are you doing differently?’ and I told them. I’m shouting from the rooftops: it’s time to change the script for these kids,” Todd urged.

Serving grades 7–12, Marist School provides an education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by an extensive college-preparatory curriculum while an array of extracurricular activities inspire exploration and uncover hidden talents. Through it all, students gain a unique strength of character and skill and a joy of serving others that prepares them to be compassionate, confident leaders.

Serving grades 7–12, Marist School provides an education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by an extensive college-preparatory curriculum while an array of extracurricular activities inspire exploration and uncover hidden talents. Through it all, students gain a unique strength of character and skill and a joy of serving others that prepares them to be compassionate, confident leaders.

Learn more at marist.com

Learn more at marist.com

Early

By Shandra Hill Smith

The opening of a 27,000-square-foot early education and family center this fall spells excitement for the Peoplestown community. Sheltering Arms, an Atlantabased nonprofit agency that provides early