A Community-based nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to provide
client-focused adult literacy education to people in the Fox Cities Area.
Student Newsletter
April/May 2013
What is the Student
Newsletter?
Every other month, all
students of FVLC will
receive a student
newsletter. Here are ways
it can benefit you:


Keep up-to-date with
things going on in the
office
Become aware of
events and other
resources in the
community
Rosetta Stone allows for language
learning independence
We have a great opportunity for students to actively practice and improve
their English, even without a tutor: Rosetta Stone. The program was inspired by the original Rosetta Stone of ancient Egypt, which was written
in three languages and helped unlock the secret of Egyptian hieroglyphs.
The modern Rosetta Stone is a language learning program available in 30
languages and used around the world. The program is based on natural
discovery and speech activation, a lot like the way that children learn
their own native language. It allows the student to learn at his or her own
pace and to perfect their pronunciation through listening, interactive activities and repetition at various levels. At Fox Valley Literacy, we have 3
levels of the Rosetta Stone English program available in our computer lab.
Currently we have a total of 59 active learners, with 39 using level
1, 16 using level 2 and 7 active in level 3.
(continued on page 2)
Community Resources
Bilingual Conversation
Club:
Menasha Public Library
2nd Saturday of each
month 10:00-11:00
Fox Cities Employment
& Resource Fair
Thursday, May 9th
9am to 1pm
UW-Fox Valley Field
House, 1478 Midway Road
Menasha
For more information,
920-720-5600 ext. 307
Immigration News
What is deferred action for childhood arrivals?
Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of
an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Deferred action does
not confer lawful status or a path to citizenship upon an individual. On
June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain
people who came to United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of 2 years,
subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.
Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that
they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the guidelines set forth
in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals
PAGE 2
Rosetta Stone (continued from page 1)
A few of the learners are active in more than one level and many have continued to use the program
even after being matched with a tutor. Student feedback has been very positive, saying once they become familiar with the program, it is a great way for them to be able to learn and practice
independently. Our computer lab is open and available for use during our normal office hours, with no appointment necessary; the students come and go as they please, learning at their own pace and according to their own schedule. A staff member will issue a user name and password for you to get started.
Rosetta Stone has become a valuable part of our program, giving students a way to actively practice and
improve their English, even while on the waiting list.
Adapted from article by Abigail Hindson
Practice Speaking Skills
One of the last language skills to develop when learning a new language is speaking fluently. The
best way to develop fluency, be able to create more complicated responses and complex sentences is to
practice!
Conversation Classes
Meet with a small group of students for a tutor-led discussion of current events, culture, and other interesting topics. This is a great way to work on speaking fluently, pronunciation, listening to the
sound and rhythm of the English language from a native speaker, and getting to know other
students.
Classes meet at the Fox Valley Literacy Council the following days and times:
Mondays: 9:15-10:30 AM
Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30 PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-11:00 AM
Remember: If you are a student on the waiting list, the more we see you coming to practice, the faster
you will get a tutor!
New Assessment Method
We have transitioned into a new assessment tool that will find very beneficial to you. The
previous testing for our ELL students was based on an oral skill only, but the new test includes reading,
writing, speaking, and listening skills. This way, we can more clearly see your specific strengths and
weaknesses in each area. These assessments are very important because it allows us to find the
appropriate level of books for you and your tutor to use. We will share the results of your assessment
with your tutor so they will have a better idea of what and how to teach you. Each student will be tested
when they first sign up for classes, and after every 30 hours of instruction so that we can measure your
progress and identify areas where you need improvement. Don’t let taking a test make you nervous—
this is only to help you!
PAGE 3
Farewell and New Faces
It is with sadness that we announce Nikki Purtell, English Language Learning Program Assistant, has left Fox Valley Literacy. Nikki was a great asset to our team and her willingness to help our
tutors and students will be missed. We wish Nikki the best at her next adventure with Habitat for Humanity.
Taking Nikki’s place as ELL Program assistant are Cyndi Moua and
Heather Rozman.
My name is Cyndi Moua. I am Hmong- American. I have lived in
Appleton for 20 years. While growing up, I was taught by my parents to
value education and hard work. My parents told me that nothing in life is
easy and that I will have to work hard to get what I want in life. I work full
time at the Appleton Area School District at Roosevelt Middle School as an
ELL Paraprofessional Hmong-Interpreter during the day. In the evening I
will be with FVLC and look forward to working with individuals of all ages.
I am happiest when I make a difference in someone’s life. It is well worth
the time and energy invested. I like to see smiles on hopeless person’s face;
it is something that money cannot buy. I believe in going the extra mile for
achievement.
I am a single parent of three children and a college student attending UW-Oshkosh majoring in
Organizational Administration. I will be fulfilling my biggest dream when I obtain my college degree
this December. Education is the key to all knowledge. As an adult, I am still learning. My children are
my motivations if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t know where I would be. They have encouraged and inspired me to become the person I am today. When I have time to myself, I often like to listen to music
and capture life’s beauty on photographs. This is the most relaxing time for me. It brings peace to my
mind and heart. Last but not least, life is a continual process of learning, growing, and experimentation.
A good reward does not come without hard work. I am looking forward to assisting you in your student’s
success.
I’m happy to be working with FVLC! I graduated from UW-River Falls in
December of 2011 with a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other
Languages and Spanish, so I’m excited to put my education into hands-on
experience here! I am originally from Western Minnesota, but I got married
in June, 2012 and moved to the Fox Valley area where my husband is from.
I love to be outside (when it’s warm!), go for walks in nature centers around
the area, play tennis, and travel. I also love animals, especially dogs, and
am a certified dog trainer. I am actively involved in my church and hope to
go overseas as a missionary and work in a children’s school some day. If you
have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me! I look forward
to meeting all of you soon!
Heather Rozman
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Appleton, WI
Permit #238
Contact us at (920)
991-9840
Extended Office Hours
As of February 28th, the
office will be open on
Thursdays until 8:00 PM.
Office hours:
Monday-Thursday
9:00AM– 8:00PM
Parking
Some students and tutors have gotten
parking tickets while attending classes.
Please be sure to read and obey all
marked “No Parking” signs and park only in designated parking areas.
There is parking available near FVLC at
the following locations:
Severe Weather:
The office is generally open in most weather conditions,
but in case of severe weather, the Literacy Council will
follow the Appleton Public School System’s decisions to
close or delay opening facilities. This information can be
found on local television and radio stations.
Across the street in the Parking Ramp —
$2 per day
Street Parking along Morrison Street
outside FVLC— Pay at the meters ($0.75
per hour, limited to 2 hours)
Free street parking down the block on
Morrison Street