The Learning Trail
10th Anniversary!
Hello to Friends of The Learning Trail,
We have had a great year and would like to share some of the highlights with you.
Firstly, 2024 marks our 10th anniversary! Although tutoring had been taking place informally for a few years earlier, 2014 was the year of our incorporation as a 501(c)(3), and the organizational structure was created by our founding Board members. We are proud to have served the community for so long and thus establish ourselves as a trusted resource.
Secondly, we were delighted to be featured in a recent article in Stroll magazine. Many thanks to the individuals who provided background for the article. Please enjoy it by clicking here.
This past school year, our after-school tutoring program for kindergarten through 5th grade served 35 young students, providing one-on-one tutoring emphasizing literacy and math skills. There was also time for fun, holiday celebrations, and special bonds formed between student and tutor.
In our preschool, 9 students transitioned from speaking mostly Spanish to mostly English. Our teacher and aide are both bilingual and support both languages, as children learn the words for colors, shapes, numbers, and songs. Emphasis is placed on the social/emotional development of the child, as well. Seen below are circle time in the classroom and a field trip to the farm.
We are especially pleased to have had 13 parents attend our 12-week Parenting Class, provided by Kidscope, emphasizing ways to support a child’s growth and development, how to deal with common parenting issues, and to share those with other parents and learn new strategies. TLT sponsored the program, offered in Spanish, and provided dinner and babysitting.
Our Enrichment Program was diverse, interesting, and well-attended. Activities included a trip to the NC Botanical Garden, the Auckland Museum, the Planetarium, and the Food Lion. Music, dance and art programs were run in our classrooms by visiting teachers. These are experiences most of our students would not have otherwise.
The Learning Trail continued to partner with other groups to leverage our impact including Chatham Literacy, Kidscope, Chatham Reads, North Chatham Elementary School, and Pollard Middle School. We are pleased to be one of the many active non-profits in the region and whenever our services or resources overlap, we take advantage of those opportunities. We also work with funding organizations such as Chatham County, the United Way of Chatham County, the Women of Fearrington, Galloway Ridge, and Chapel in the Pines. We are so grateful for their support. Additionally, we are supported by so many individuals who value our work. We cannot thank them enough.
The Learning Trail welcomes new volunteers to tutor, with or without experience, as training is provided. Most of our tutors find it truly enjoyable and gratifying. We are also interested in identifying members of the community who might like to serve on our Board of Directors. Please visit our website to learn more about these opportunities.
Looking forward to another great year ahead. Many thanks to you all.
Very sincerely,
Kathleen Browning, President