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The lush, carefree days of mid-summer sometimes also usher in a common challenge: the "summer slide." This well-documented phenomenon occurs when students lose significant academic ground, particularly in reading, during the months they are away from the classroom. The Literacy & Learning Center believes the best defense against this decline isn't found in extra homework, but in the pure, unadulterated joy of a good story. To keep the pages turning all summer long, we asked t

A vibrant celebration of early childhood achievement filled the room at The Literacy & Learning Center as the Pre-K program hosted its annual music performance and graduation ceremony for rising kindergarteners. Around 50 guests gathered to support The Center’s youngest learners, creating a packed house of enthusiastic supporters. In attendance were proud families, each with multiple family members cheering them on, as well as members of the TL&LC Board of Directors and repre

The Literacy & Learning Center’s Pre-K program reached a creative milestone on Friday, April 24, with a special release party for their latest collaborative project, a class book titled “All About Us.” Eleven young authors contributed to the work, each crafting a personal page that featured their name, age, preferred foods, and favorite colors and animals. The children also shared heartfelt reflections on what they love and what they hope to become. The project, which spann

As the school year draws to a close, The Literacy & Learning Center is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its students and the selfless contributions of its volunteers as the school year draws to a close. These "Shining Stars" represent the hard work, resilience, and community spirit that define the Center’s mission. Record-Breaking Progress: The iReady Rockstar One of the most remarkable academic success stories this year belongs to Alejandro. Since joining t

Get ready to practice your Carolina Shag—the Swingin' Medallions are coming back to town! This year’s event marks a "triple shot of my baby’s love," as it is the third time this legendary group has performed for The Literacy & Learning Center’s spring fundraiser. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping tunes and community spirit on Sunday, July 12, at The Farm at Old Edwards. A Legacy of High-Octane Energy For over 60 years, The Swingin' Medallions h

Financial stability is a journey, and having the right roadmap can make all the difference. To support the community in building strong financial foundations, The Literacy & Learning Center, in partnership with Regions Bank, is proud to announce a brand-new offering for adults: Financial Literacy Classes. The first session will tackle a crucial question for every household: The 5 Times in Life You Need Financial Advice. Whether you are starting your first job, planning for yo

The Literacy & Learning Center is pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for its Pre-K program for the 2026-27 academic year. Dedicated to establishing a robust educational foundation, the program provides local children with enriching early childhood experiences designed to foster long-term academic success. The Literacy & Learning Center’s Pre-K is completely free of charge, although parents are asked to pack a snack for their child. To be eligib

The Literacy & Learning Center believes that the seeds of lifelong success are planted the moment a child first opens a book. Staff are thrilled to announce a monumental milestone in the mission to foster early literacy: 3,010 children in Macon County have now graduated from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) through the Center's program. The Imagination Library is a transformative book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to childre

We are excited to kick off a brand-new series in our newsletter: Book of the Month ! This initiative celebrates the reading journeys of our after-school students by letting them take the lead and share the stories that capture their imaginations. Our very first feature comes from Iker , an enthusiastic 2nd grader who couldn't wait to talk about his current favorite read. April Feature: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules By Jeff Kinney Iker chose the hilarious and relatable w

For Faviola Olvera, walking through the doors of The Literacy & Learning Center is a deeply meaningful full-circle moment. Her journey with the organization began in the late 1990s, not as an instructor, but as an ESL student. Today, she uses that firsthand experience to lead the Center’s new Citizenship Class, helping others find their voice just as she did. Empathy in the Classroom Having navigated the citizenship process herself in 2008, Faviola intimately understands th

For many students, the end of the school day marks a transition from one kind of stress to another. But for Timmy McDowell, a former student of The Literacy & Learning Center’s After-school program, those afternoons provided the foundation for a future he never thought possible. Now a high-achieving junior at an all-boys boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina, on a full-ride scholarship, Timmy credits his success in part to the time spent at the Center. A Place of Belon

Becoming a United States citizen is a profound milestone that represents years of hard work, hope, and dedication. To support community members on this journey, The Literacy & Learning Center is proud to offer a FREE weekly Citizenship Class led by Faviola Olvera beginning March 11. Held every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 pm at 675 S 4th St in Highlands, this program is designed to help students navigate the complexities of the U.S. naturalization exam with confidence. Comprehe

For Tricia, retirement on April 1st last year didn’t mean slowing down; it meant redirection. With her own grandchildren living far away, she felt a pull toward the youth of Highlands. “I’ve always loved working with kids—Sunday school, scouts—and I know that being truly present with a child can make all the difference,” she explains. “It’s about letting them be heard.” That philosophy brought her to The Literacy & Learning Center, where she quickly found that her role as a

The Literacy & Learning Center is proud to announce the appointment of Cal Isaacs as the new Board Chair, alongside the addition of two distinguished community members, Helene Siegel and Nathan Salsbury, to the Board of Directors. Stepping into the role of Board Chair holds deep personal significance for Cal Isaacs, who follows the legacy of three remarkable educators in his family: his mother, a retired principal, and his grandmother and great-grandmother. Their commitment

The Literacy & Learning Center believes that every step toward language proficiency is a milestone worth celebrating. There is great enthusiasm regarding the early success of the latest initiative: The Literacy Rewards ESL Incentive Program. Designed to champion adult language learners, this program offers a tangible "thank you" for dedication. For every five classes attended, students earn a $25 gift card. The first five gift cards have already been awarded to students who

We are still smiling after a truly wonderful time at the Highlands Christmas Parade on December 6! Our festive, gingerbread-themed float was a hit, and it was a joy to see so many of our students and families waving from the sidewalks. The highlight of the event was our "mission of the heart": spreading the love of literacy throughout the community. We are thrilled to share that we handed out over 1,200 free books to children along the parade route! Watching the excitement o

When you choose to support The Literacy & Learning Center’s free educational programs, you are providing the fundamental building blocks for a brighter future in our community. While one-time gifts are always profoundly appreciated, setting up a recurring donation transforms your generosity into a powerful force for long-term stability and growth. Recurring gifts, often set up monthly, offer significant advantages for both donors and students who rely on the free literacy and

The national conversation around childcare has reached a critical point. News reports highlight that in 41 U.S. States, the cost of childcare exceeds the average mortgage payment. This astronomical expense is directly impacting the U.S. labor force, where participation by women with children under five has declined in recent years, demonstrating that a lack of affordable care is a significant barrier to economic stability. The Literacy & Learning Center recognizes the profoun

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The Literacy & Learning Center hosted a fun-filled pumpkin carving event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for After-School students and their families. The activity was open to all program participants, and families of all ages enjoyed getting creative with their pumpkins to celebrate the season. Armed with carving tools and a variety of pumpkins, students and their families let their imaginations run wild. They carved spooky faces, funny expressions, and intricate designs. The