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On-line literacy is at students' fingertips Literacy North Halton is keeping pace with technology and with the needs of adults in the community who need to upgrade their literacy and computer skills. Five years ago most Literacy North Halton (LNH) students wanted to learn how to use computers. With donated equipment and the assistance of trained volunteer tutors, LNH was able to start providing basic technology training for their students. Today, computers have become an integral part of basic literacy training. Students not only want to learn how to use a computer, but they also want to navigate the web, use e-mail and access online learning. Literacy North Halton is a registered provider of AlphaRoute, an online adult upgrading program. AlphaRoute is a secure site where students are registered to access activities suited to their individual needs. There is a chatroom, where they can chat with other students, and all students are assigned their own e-mail address. Students learn to use a computer and build new technology skills at the same time as they improve their basic reading, writing and math skills. AlphaRoute has hundreds of on-line literacy lessons for all levels of learners working to upgrade their skills. In 2006, LNH is partnering with Halton Hills Community Services and Information (HHCSI) thanks to funding received from the Healthy Community Fund. This project entitled "Access to Literacy" has given LNH one part time coordinator whose prime function is to find donated space for programming in the Acton community. An office has been secured at HHCSI for assessments and tutor interviews. Students will now be able to receive programming right in their own town with ready access to six computers. Classes are part-time day or evening. Literacy North Halton is a non-profit Literacy Matters 905-873-2200 Gary Allan High School offers alternative programs, STEP and TEAM. STEP offers high school courses for students over the age of 16; both morning and afternoon classes are offered. The TEAM program is for pregnant teens and young mothers wishing to continue working on their high school credits. Childcare assistance is available. Info/register call Donna, 905-702-7925. community based adult literacy organization dedicated to supporting adults in the community who need to upgrade their basic skills in order to achieve employment, independence and educational goals. Learning to use a computer, accessing the internet and writing an email are all necessary skills to be productive in our knowledge based world. If you would like an opportunity to learn to use new technology while upgrading your reading, writing, basic math and computer skills - you are an adult and have been out of the school system for at least one year: Call LNH, 905-873-2200. Just grand! Grade 8 student Stephanie McCullagh presents her mom, Lorraine, with two tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals. The tickets were the grand prize of the St. Joseph's School's Grade 8 fundraiser for their school trip to Quebec City. Photo submitted Models wanted Earn high school volunteer hours by sitting ... for the Palette and Pencil Guild's Portrait/Still Life Drawing art club, 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the cottage, in Cedarvale Park. To set a date, call Rita Ladjanksy, 519-8539226. Practical training counts towards diploma The Ontario Ministry of Education announced February 2 that students may count up to two cooperative education credits and one guidance /career education credit toward the 18 compulsory credits needed for their high school diploma. These changes take effect in the current school year, September 2005 to June 2006. "We encourage students to speak to their guidance counsellor, co-op teacher, or student success teacher right away to talk about the new opportunities created by this announcement," says Anne Clifton, co-ordinator of Guidance, Cooperative Education and Pathways 7-12. "We may have students who took a co-op or guidance/career course last semester, and now have all the diploma requirements for graduation, but not know it. Our schools will be following up with those students to ensure they are aware of the changes. "By making this change to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, the Ministry is saying that experiential learning is a valuable part of a student's education and needs to be encouraged," adds Clifton. The Halton District School Board offers a number of options for students to gain experiential learning: · Students may take a co-operative education course with a placement designed to meet their interests, needs and strengths. · The Halton Internship Program (HIP) helps students get an edge by gaining experience in an occupation they are interested in. Visit http://hip.hdsb.ca · Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) prepares students for a skilled trade while earning high school credits. Visit http://www.schooltocareer.ca/oyap · School to Career Programs offer experiential learning. Visit http://www.schooltocareer.ca Preschool programs at the library Halton Hills Public Library offers free programs for children, aged six months to five years beginning in April. To register for Baby Tales, Tales for Twos, or Library Lion Tales, please visit either branch until Saturday, March 25. Proof of child's age is required; programs are filled by lottery. The library also offer several drop-in programs that do not require registration. For more information, please call 905873-2681 ext. 2520 or 519853-0301.