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Spelling Bee for Literacy |
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“Sharing Our Past — Shaping Our Future” Since 1974 |
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Spelling Bee for Literacy Talking Points
A fundraising collaboration between the Vermont Humanities Council and Saint Michael's College.
WHAT is the Spelling Bee? The Vermont Humanities Council (VHC) and Saint Michael's College have joined to present an exciting, friendly Spelling Bee. The Bee promises to be great fun and its intent is to support literacy programs in our community. Forty-five, three-person teams will compete to become the championship spellers in the county. Teams will be sponsored by area businesses, individuals, and other contributors to the literacy cause. This is a wonderful opportunity for area businesses, schools, and citizens to collaborate, develop a sense of community, and work towards a common goal. The proceeds will support VHC literacy programs for adults, families, and children throughout Chittenden County.
WHAT is the goal? · To raise $10,000 for VHC literacy programs in Chittenden County, · To involve 45 teams and build community relations in the cause for literacy
WHY is it important? · In Chittenden County, Vermont's wealthiest, there are startling literacy problems. · Currently, the number of adults reading below the 8th-grade level is 23,000 · More than 2,000 high school students drop out every four years · between 20-40% of four-year olds are unprepared for the kindergarten learning environment · 5% of families are below the poverty level (versus the state level of 6%)
Last year, the Vermont Humanities Council · reached 1,047 adult new readers, at-risk students, corrections residents, childcare providers, and teen parents · ran 80 literacy programs in Chittenden County · distributed 5,178 new books
Vermont Humanities Council founded in 1974, the council brings the power and pleasure of the humanities to Vermonters of all backgrounds ages. The council envisions a state in which every individual continues to learn throughout life — a state in which all its citizens read, reflect, and participate in public affairs. For more information, visit www.vermonthumanities.org.
Saint Michael’s College, founded in 1904 by the Society of Saint Edmund and headed by President Marc A. vanderHeyden, is a liberal arts, Catholic, residential college, located in Colchester. This year marks Saint Michael’s 100th anniversary. As a college known for its commitment to community service and social justice issues, Saint Michael’s is proud to be involved in several special community-centered projects in 2004-2005 in recognition of the Centennial. Saint Michael’s has 1,900 full-time undergraduate students, and another 650 graduate students and 200 international students, studying part time. A highly respected, vibrant academic community, Saint Michael’s College was named in 2003 by Newsweek magazine a “Hidden Treasure,” one of 30 colleges recommended most frequently by guidance counselors for being “small schools that deserve more national recognition.” To learn more, visit www.smcvt.edu.
WHO will participate? Community members are invited to participate or sponsor a team. We are particularly encouraging local high school students and local businesses and organizations to participate. The event is a collaboration between the Vermont Humanities Council and Saint Michael's College. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. For National Bee Spelling Rules, visit www.spellingbee.com.
WHEN will it be? Thursday, March 8, 2007, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. (lunch immediately following)
WHERE will it be? Saint Michael's College, McCarthy Recital Hall
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