Greetings to all our wonderful tutors and friends,
It has been a very busy time here for our ESL. program. W e have matched several students since September and have eight new tutors.  There is still need for more, so spread the word if you know anyone interested in becoming a tutor.

The recently released report from the National Assessment of Adult Literacy shows Iittle progress in literacy of our nation since a previous study in 1992. Thirty million adults - 14% of the population lack basic prose literacy skills. In New Jersey ,17% of the adult population - over one million people - were found to lack the most basic literacy, mostly due to the fact that they did not speak English. These are staggering statistics but your efforts to assist your student go long way to help. We applaud you. You are truly making a difference in their lives and the lives of their Families.

Following is a piece written by Marv Casey's student Keiko Miyamoto. We are delighted to have her share this with us. Thank you Marv and Keiko.

We invite all of you to encourage your students to write and if they so choose, we will post their pieces.

Another get together will he planned for January and we look forward to seeing you then.

Ellen and Betsy