March 9, 2015 at 4:14 PM | Posted in Family Learning, Student Stories | Comments Off on Crestwood Class Photos
Tags: Class, Family Learning, lcnv learners
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Congratulations to the Family Learning Program students who received perfect attendance at Crestwood AM in February, as well as all the learners participating in class speaking activities.
January 30, 2014 at 1:08 PM | Posted in Family Learning, RAFA | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendars: LCNV’s 8th Annual Reading: A Family Affair
Tags: Children, Children's Books, community, Family Learning, RAFA, reading a family affair, reading as a family
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia will host its 8th Annual Reading: A Family Affair (RAFA) on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at the James Lee Community Center. A suggested donation of $5 per family at the door will benefit LCNV’s Student Scholarship Fund.
Come to Reading: A Family Affair, and enjoy a spell-binding day filled with stories,dance, songs, puppets and even a bit of magic as created by nine local performing artists and WETA Kids’ Clifford the Big Red Dog! Download the RAFA Poster, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help spread the word about this great family event! Volunteers are needed too! Express your interest and expedite your placement process.
NEW! Pre-register to attend RAFA and you’ll be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a Nook® HD.

Reading: A Family Affair 2014
August 28, 2013 at 4:26 PM | Posted in Family Learning, News | Comments Off on Transurban-Fluor 495 Express Lanes Grant Awarded to LCNV!
Tags: Family Learning, literacy council

Students practice reading and writing exercises to improve their English skills in the Family Learning Program classes at Crestwood Elementary School.
The Transurban-Fluor 495 Express Lanes Grant Program chose to support #LCNV’s Family Learning Program because of its dedication to enriching the lives of members of the community. Read their great profile of LCNV’s work. http://bit.ly/14WjEMk
November 1, 2012 at 3:07 PM | Posted in Family Learning | 1 Comment
Tags: Family Learning, family literacy, National Family Literacy Day, National Family Literacy Month
What is family literacy and how LCNV involved? Family Literacy is multi-generational learning where adults and children are engaged together in the education process. Family Literacy looks very differently from program to program across the country, but all Family Literacy Programs have components in common.
The federal definition of Family Literacy includes four components:
1) Adult education (ESOL, basic education, GED, etc.)
2) Child education
3) Parenting skills (understanding the school system, supporting children’s learning at home, etc.)
4) Parent and Child Together (PACT) time – parents and children engaging in learning activities together
Because it has all four of these components, LCNV’s Family Learning Program (FLP) is a Family Literacy Program. How does LCNV’s Family Learning Program fulfill this definition?
1) Adult Education: While the Adult Education component can vary greatly from program to program and can include parents who are native English speakers to programs that are taught in a family’s home language, LCNV’s program focuses on ESOL instruction to adults. The adult participants in the program are parents, family members or childcare providers.
2) Child Education: In LCNV’s Family Learning Program, the adult students may bring their children to the children’s room where children’s teachers engage the children in a variety of ways . Morning classes with pre-school aged children emphasize pre-literacy skills such as introduction to books, fine motor skills, color recognition, etc. Evening classes which include school-aged children can provide homework help. The curriculum for the adults supports their children’s education whether the parents bring their children to the program or not.
3) Parenting Skills: The LCNV FLP curriculum provides teachers with content that is especially relevant to the parents they are serving. LCNV partners with schools, libraries and other organizations to provide parents with information that is relevant to them.
4) Parent and Child Together (PACT): A few times a month, the FLP classes bring the adults and children together for joint learning activities. Teachers also send home PACTs for families to do with their children at home. The adult FLP students receive children’s books for their home libraries. Throughout the semester they learn and practice reading the children’s books to encourage reading with their children at home.
For more information about LCNV’s Family Learning program please contact Carisa Pineda at familylearning@lcnv.org
For more information about Family Literacy visit the National Center for Family Literacy
Carisa C. Pineda
Family Learning Specialist
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x 108
http://www.lcnv.org
October 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Race for a Cause is this Sunday!
Tags: 1 Mile Fun Run, 8k, acumen solutions, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, arlington race, Basic Adult Literacy, Biggest Loser, Boy and Girls Club, Children, Class, community, Development, ESOL, Fairfax Education, family event, family fun, Family Learning, Family Learning | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: give, for love of children, friends, giving, Greenbrier Learning Center, James Lee Community Center, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, local superheroes, north quincy street, October 14th, Our Daily Bread, race for a cause, run for local charities, run or walk, select the non-profit of your choice, Sione Fa, students, The Reading Connection, the women's center, the women's centert, tutoring, united for d.c., Volunteer, volunteers, you get to be a superhero too, young playwright's theatre
The Literacy Council still needs runners and walkers on its team. Will you run or walk for LITERACY?
Online registration is closed BUT you can still sign up in person at the Potomac River Running store in Arlington; don’t forget to select the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia as your charity. If you go to Potomac River Running today and sign up, you could meet Sione Fa from The Biggest Loser!
Packet pickup and registration times follow:
- Friday, Oct. 12th (4-8 PM)
- Saturday, Oct. 13th (11 AM – 4 PM)
- Sunday, Oct. 14th (6:30 – 7:30 AM)
The race will be just off Quincy Street at the intersection of Quincy and Wilson Blvd; use the Potomac River Running Store (3924 Wilson Blvd) as your “address”. Participants will warm up at approximately 7:40 AM, with guest Sione Fa. The 8k race starts at 8:00 AM. The Fun Run will start at approximately 8:06 AM. There will be a fun post event, which includes good food and a raffle prize give away.
Come support local Superheroes like the Literacy Council – costumes are encouraged! Acumen Solutions will provide capes to all youth registrants!
Hope to see you this Sunday.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org
October 9, 2012 at 10:30 AM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Last Chance to Register for RACE FOR A CAUSE!
Tags: 1 Mile Fun Run, 8k, acumen solutions, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, arlington race, Basic Adult Literacy, Boy and Girls Club, Children, community, Fairfax Education, family event, family fun, Family Learning, for love of children, friends, give, giving, Greenbrier Learning Center, James Lee Community Center, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, local superheroes, north quincy street, October 14th, Our Daily Bread, race for a cause, run for local charities, run or walk, select the non-profit of your choice, students, The Reading Connection, the women's center, the women's centert, united for d.c., Volunteer, volunteers, you get to be a superhero too, young playwright's theatre
Don’t miss your chance to sign up to support the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia for the Acumen Solutions™ Race for a Cause 8K and 1 Mile Fun Run, which takes place this Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Arlington.
This a great event with a “super” post race event, which includes yummy food from Anita’s, Chidogo’s, and Whole Foods, as well as fun kids activities AND awesome raffle prizes for “big” kids (must be present to win)! Come support our local Superheroes. We encourage you to sport your favorite “superhero” attire! Don’t have a cape? Acumen Solutions will also be providing capes to all youth registrants!
We still need 40 registrants to be eligible for race proceeds. YOU can help us reach our goal! Join our walking literacy team?
Not in town? Sponsor a friend or family member as a runner! Every donation – big or small – helps support our cause. Please call or email Suzie Eaton (seaton@lcnv.org) with any questions and go to www.theraceforacause.com to sign up!
Registration Costs
- 8k: $35 through October 13
- $40 Race Day
- 1 Mile Fun Run: $20 Youth (no shirt; gift will be provided!);$35 Adult (8k technical T-shirt)
Registration Packet Pickup @ Potomac River Running Store, Arlington:
- Friday October 12, 4-8 pm
- Saturday October 13, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sunday October 14 (Race Day), 6:30 am – 7:30 am
Course Map
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org
October 5, 2012 at 1:51 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Thank You for Making One for the Books a Success!
Tags: 50th anniversary, Alexandria Masonic Temple, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, barbara favola, Basic Adult Literacy, Calypso del Sol, celebrity chef, Class, community, David Baldacci, DC Central Kitchen, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, financial advisor, Fresh Start Catering, gala, gala event, George Washington Masonic Memorial, jim moran, Jose Andres, Jose Andres Puerta, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, Mark Keam, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, raffle, Ric Edelman, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers
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On October 3, the Northern Virginia community came together to honor LCNV’s 50th year of providing much needed literacy services. The evening was filled with a festive and energizing spirit. LCNV held a raffle for a week-long stay in St. John, which raised nearly $10,000 to help our students. Steve Beggs was the lucky winner! Attendees also had the unique opportunity to hear from a LCNV student, Fatima, and learn how literacy has changed her and her children’s lives.
The Literacy Council extends a big thank you to Robert Egger who served as Master of Ceremonies, and José Andrés, David Baldacci, and Ric Edelman for sharing how literacy has impacted their lives. State Senator Barbara Favola presented a proclamation to LCNV, and Congressman Jim Moran and Delegate Mark Keam shared their support.
Highlighting the partnership between LCNV and Wish You Well Foundation, Baldacci stated: “I would urge all of you to do as much as you can. Quite frankly, there could be no higher purpose in the nation.”
During the event, LCNV announced that an anonymous donor challenged the Council this year to raise gifts from new donors, as well as increased gifts from existing donors. The challenge will match these gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Andrés was the first to answer this call for support by making the first contribution to LCNV’s challenge grant. Will you join him in helping LCNV meet this challenge?
Lastly, thank you to the following individuals who were instrumental in making this event a huge success: Mark Troppe, One for the Books Chair; Jan Auerbach; Avis Black; Cathleen Donnelly; Sally Jaggar; Misty Jones; Sarah Kenney; and Robin Walker.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org
September 28, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Win a Week at Calypso del Sol in St. John – for just $50!
Tags: alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, Basic Adult Literacy, Calypso del Sol, celebrity chef, Class, community, David Baldacci, DC Central Kitchen, Development, Edelman Financial Services, ESOL, Family Learning, financial advisor, Fresh Start Catering, gala, gala event, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Jose Andres, Jose Andres Puerta, Jose Mini Bar, LCNV, lcnv learners, lies about money, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, raffle, rescue your money, Ric Edelman, riCorps, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, the truth about money, the truth about money with ric edelman, Think Food Group, top financial advisor, tutoring, Uncategorized, Volunteer, volunteers, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: Alexandria Masonic Temple
LCNV’s raffle drawing will take place this October 3, 2012. Grab 5 of your close friends or family members, and jump at the chance to spend a week in the Caribbean – together! Only 106 tickets have been sold, which means your chances at winning are very high!
This raffle is a fun opportunity to help the Council raise funds for its literacy programs. The more tickets you buy, the better your odds get. The Winner does not have to be present to win. Enter today! Only 600 total tickets will be sold.
Calypso del Sol is a picturesque and idyllic villa on St. John. Beautifully appointed to offer every comfort in a very private location, Calypso makes the most of its Caribbean setting. After a day at the beach or pool, the villa is a short drive to one of the many fine restaurants for which St. John is known.
- Raffle tickets are $50 each and are not tax deductible. Purchase tickets now!
- Prize: 7-night stay for 6 people at Calypso del Sol, on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Winner may select a 7-day period: October 3 – December 22, 2012, or between April 6 – December 21, 2013, excluding Thanksgiving week. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
- Airfare is NOT included. All costs for food, transportation, and other expenditures while traveling to or on St. John are the responsibility of the winner and fellow travelers.
- The raffle drawing is being held in accordance with Virginia laws.
- For additional information: www.CalypsoDelSol.com.
One for the Books Tickets Still Available: Buy Now!
Participate in the live raffle drawing. Meet Celebrity chef José Andrés, best-selling novelist David Baldacci, top-ranked financial advisor Ric Edelman, and non-profit leader Robert Egger. Celebrate the Literacy Council’s 50th year!
Value of prize: $3,850
THIS RAFFLE PRIZE IS DONATED BY Joe and Mary Ann Nocerino, and Franz and Sally Jaggar.

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866 │info@lcnv.org │ www.lcnv.org
September 28, 2012 at 12:19 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Student Stories, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on It’s not too Late to Register for Class!
Tags: alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Basic Adult Literacy, best practices, Ceci, Children, Children's Books, Development, english classes, ESOL, Family Learning, friends, it's not too late to register, James Lee Community Center, late registration flyer, late registration schedule, LCNV, lcnv learners, learn english, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, literacy services, lorton senior center, Loudon Literacy, networking, register for classes, september 29, student stories, students, teaching, Volunteer, volunteers

DOWNLOAD the Late Registration Flyer
Every LCNV ESOL Learning Centers or Family Learning class turns into its own little community, and every community is like a family. Lorton Senior Center is one of our healthiest class sites, and I’m certain it’s because of the strong sense of community among the students. This past Monday, we had a really great registration, students were lined up outside the door an hour before start time. Luckily, several of our volunteers arrived a few minutes early to help with forms, testing, and payment.
I believe that sense of community starts with a smile and an inviting gesture to join and share. One students, who I had taught when I was an AmeriCorps Instructor, arrived at registration with two of her beautiful brown-eyed little boys in tow. The student’s name is Ceci, and I remember her as the family stone of our class when I taught at Lorton’s former site, Grace Bible Church. Ceci is an avid smiler, hand-shaker, team-worker, and laugh-sharer. She constantly stretched her English speaking skills to communicate with classmates from different countries and on many occasions arrived at class with a new student to recruit for classes.
Ceci demonstrates exactly what kind of student our programs work for. Monday was her first time back at class in years, but this is because she took on new opportunities to work, birth a new son, and help her family through some adjustments. She still has a complicated life and a limited budget, but we’re still here to help her. Now, she’s back because she still needs low-level English and LCNV still meets that need. I know she’ll probably test out of our classes soon and be able to move on to new opportunities, but for now, I’m excited to see her grow and progress and help other students in her class.
You can help us meet the need of other learners and fill all of our other classes, too. Take a look at our website to share our late-registration information at a grocery store, library, or other community location near you! Late registration will be held at LCNV’s headquarters located in James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Saturday September 29nd from, 3-6pm.
Katie Beckman
Program Assistant
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x 116
kbeckman@lcnv.org
www.lcnv.org
September 25, 2012 at 8:00 AM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Robert Egger – Oprah Angel – Lends LCNV a Hand
Tags: 2012, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, Basic Adult Literacy, Calypso del Sol, celebrity chef, Class, community, David Baldacci, DC Central Kitchen, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, financial advisor, Fresh Start Catering, gala, gala event, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Jose Andres, Jose Andres Puerta, Jose Mini Bar, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy changes lives, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, National Coalition for Literacy, October 3, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, oprah angel, oprah angel network, point of life, raffle, Ric Edelman, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, Think Food Group, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers, Wish You Well Foundation

On October 3, 2012, non-profit leader Robert Egger will be supporting LCNV at its One for the Books gala. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Robert will highlight the importance of literacy in all aspects of life. Held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, One for the Books celebrates LCNV’s 50th year of bringing much needed literacy services to Northern Virginia. Read more to learn about Robert Egger and why he’s received the Oprah ‘Angel’ award.
Robert Egger is the Founder and President of the DC Central Kitchen, the country’s first “community kitchen”, where food donated by hospitality businesses and farms is used to fuel a nationally recognized culinary arts job training program. Since opening in 1989, the Kitchen has produced over 25 million meals and helped 1,000 men and women gain full time employment.
Robert’s book, Begging for Change: The Dollars and Sense of Making Nonprofits Responsive, Efficient and Rewarding For All, was published in 2004 by HarperCollins and awarded the 2005 McAdam Prize for “Best Nonprofit Management Book.”
In Washington, Robert is the founding Chair of both the Mayor’s Commission on Nutrition and Street Sense, Washington’s “homeless” newspaper. In addition to this, he was the Co-Convener of the first Nonprofit Congress, held in Washington DC in 2006.
The Non Profit Times list of the “50 Most Powerful and Influential” nonprofit leaders has recognized Robert from 2006-2009. In 2007, he was honored with the 2007 “Lifetime Achievement” by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. In 2004, the James Beard Foundation presented him with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Among his numerous recognitions, Robert has been named a Washingtonian of the Year, Point of Light, and an Oprah Angel.
One for the Books is a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with LCNV supporters like Robert Egger. Celebrity chef José Andrés, best-selling novelist David Baldacci, and top-ranked financial advisor Ric Edelman will also be joining the celebration. Catering will be provided by Fresh Start Catering, and the event menu is inspired by José Andrés.
Purchase your tickets today! Join LCNV, Robert Egger, and fellow supporters on October 3, 2012. Let’s celebrate improving our community through literacy.

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866 │info@lcnv.org │ www.lcnv.org
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Race for a Cause is this Sunday!
October 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Race for a Cause is this Sunday!Tags: 1 Mile Fun Run, 8k, acumen solutions, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, arlington race, Basic Adult Literacy, Biggest Loser, Boy and Girls Club, Children, Class, community, Development, ESOL, Fairfax Education, family event, family fun, Family Learning, Family Learning | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: give, for love of children, friends, giving, Greenbrier Learning Center, James Lee Community Center, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, local superheroes, north quincy street, October 14th, Our Daily Bread, race for a cause, run for local charities, run or walk, select the non-profit of your choice, Sione Fa, students, The Reading Connection, the women's center, the women's centert, tutoring, united for d.c., Volunteer, volunteers, you get to be a superhero too, young playwright's theatre
Online registration is closed BUT you can still sign up in person at the Potomac River Running store in Arlington; don’t forget to select the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia as your charity. If you go to Potomac River Running today and sign up, you could meet Sione Fa from The Biggest Loser!
Packet pickup and registration times follow:
The race will be just off Quincy Street at the intersection of Quincy and Wilson Blvd; use the Potomac River Running Store (3924 Wilson Blvd) as your “address”. Participants will warm up at approximately 7:40 AM, with guest Sione Fa. The 8k race starts at 8:00 AM. The Fun Run will start at approximately 8:06 AM. There will be a fun post event, which includes good food and a raffle prize give away.
Come support local Superheroes like the Literacy Council – costumes are encouraged! Acumen Solutions will provide capes to all youth registrants!
Hope to see you this Sunday.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org