July 2024 e-Newsletter
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Tag: Summer Learning
KCC Coordinator Spotlight: Stephanie Guadarrama
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented and compassionate people. Today, we’d like to spotlight Stephanie Guadarrama, who has helped coordinate Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), our free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience. KCC prepares students for a successful start in kindergarten. Students adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills such as recognizing shapes, letters, counting, and writing their names.
Read on to learn more about KCC and why the program is so important to the children and families involved, all from Stephanie’s perspective.
Pictured: Stephanie working with a student at Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
What is your role at KCC?
My role at KCC is Camp Coordinator. I work alongside my two colleagues, Rosa and Shareny, in preparing KCC to be held at different locations. Pre-COVID, I was able to provide additional assistance in the classroom for the teachers.
How does KCC benefit the children and families involved?
KCC is beneficial for our children and families because it helps ease those first-day jitters, especially for parents sending their first child to school. The students benefit from learning a morning routine, riding the bus, and how to make new friends. Parents can learn how to communicate and collaborate with the school.
What obstacles do families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?
The main obstacle a lot of our families face is a lack of resources. Many parents have no idea where to turn or who to ask for assistance with registering for school, accessing school supply lists, finding out what the health requirements are, etc. That typically shies them away from getting their student ready for school. Not only does KCC help those students with little to no preschool experience, but KCC also guides parents in the right direction to ensure their students have a successful school year.
Could you share a success story of how KCC has benefited an individual student?
Every summer, I wonder how our students end up doing in kindergarten. Two summers ago, I had the opportunity to work for one of the school districts we held our camp in. A few of the students we had in our camp ended up attending kindergarten at the same school I was hired at. I ended up working closely with one of those students in a small group setting. My favorite success story is seeing her now, going into 2nd grade, and having been able to watch her grow and excel in school.
What has been the most memorable part of your involvement with KCC so far?
Just being in the classroom with the students (pre-COVID) and watching them actively learn and seeing their excitement for school grow!
To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
August 2018 e-Newsletter
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Introducing Our 2018 Campaign VideoWe are thrilled to share our new campaign video! Because of you, we are helping alter the trajectory of a child’s life by investing in them during the most critical years of their development and creating a path towards prosperity. A special thank you to Daugherty Business Solutions for their time and work to bring our programs to life in this video. Check it out below!
Caterpillar: New to Lake County and Already Giving BackOn August 14, a group of 20 volunteers from Caterpillar created an Early Learning Trail at East Elementary in Zion. Early Learning Trails are great because they can spark meaningful learning moments for a child as they begin their first day of school. Welcome to Lake County, Caterpillar, and thank you for making a difference in the community! Watch a slideshow of photos from the volunteer event by clicking below. .
Lake County Townships Come Together to Invest in 2-1-1United Way of Lake County is engaging local townships to invest in 2-1-1, an information and referral service available 24/7 through phone, chat and email. Currently, 94% of the United States has an established 2-1-1 program. Unfortunately, Illinois has less than 30% coverage with no coverage in Lake County. Implementing 2-1-1 would transform the way Lake County residents access critical information and resources in time of need. United Way, alongside participating townships, have begun building a coalition of support for 2-1-1. Currently, over $42,000 has been raised from the following townships:
In addition to building the township coalition, United Way is working with the Lake County Government, local businesses and individual donors in the community to fund the launch of 2-1-1. Working together, we can bring 2-1-1 to Lake County and transform the way our residents get help and set the new standard for 2-1-1 in Illinois. To learn more about bringing 2-1-1 to Lake County and ways to get involved, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/211. To support the pending launch of 2-1-1, click below. .
Volunteer as a Reading Success TutorDo you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community you live in or near? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success Program welcomes you! Learn about the requirements to become a tutor and more in this NEW video! If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, simply fill out this online form with your basic information. Our volunteer coordinator will call or email you with more information in a few days. Volunteering begins in late September and early October and runs through the end of May. For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1032.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp Comes to a CloseOver the course of the summer, idle, low-income students lose two to three months worth of reading skills compared to students who are non-low-income. The National Summer Learning Association describes this trend as “summer learning loss”. To address the summer learning loss, United Way developed Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative, under our Success By 6 Program, designed to bridge the gap for Lake County’s youngest learners. Just this summer, KCC served 100 students at 4 schools throughout Lake County. Now 100 kids have the basic skills they need to start school off on the right foot! You can hear from several different people involved with KCC, such as teachers, parents and volunteers, by checking out the blog series linked below. We also had the opportunity to film a KCC classroom participating in an interactive mud and water activity coordinated by Kohl Children’s Museum. View the Facebook LIVE video here.
Women United Raised $12,500 at Bingo EventOn August 4, Women United’s “Booze, Bites, Beats & Bingo” fundraising event raised $12,500 to support critical early literacy programs through their Little Kids, Big Futures Fund! Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Thank you to all of the donors and attendees who helped make the event a success, and a special thank you to the following sponsors:
View photos of the event by clicking the button below.
Summer Intern Spotlight
Connect With Us On Social MediaWant to keep in touch more often than just our once-a-month newsletter? Become a part of our social community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, where you can see what’s new, share your thoughts and be among the first to know about all the ways that United Way is creating lasting change in Lake County.
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KCC Teacher Spotlight: Rhonda Galvan
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Today, we’d like to spotlight Rhonda Galvan, one of the teachers participating in Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC).
Pictured above is Rhonda during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
What is your role at the camp?
Classroom teacher.
What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children that attend?
Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides significant benefits to students who are able to attend and their families. It prepares them to begin kindergarten with some experience. Most of our KCC students have very little exposure to a school environment. At KCC, we introduce them to structure and school routines. In addition, children learn to hold a pencil and scissors, identify their name, and begin to learn letters and numbers. This experience is a real “jump start” to their whole education.
Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?
In kindergarten, we have rigorous learning standards. Students are expected to finish the year knowing how to read and write. Those children who have not had the opportunity to attend a preschool program and are not prepared for kindergarten are at a disadvantage, as compared to the children who have. They do not understand the expectations as a learner in a school environment. A great deal of time must be spent helping them to catch up to their peers before academic content can be introduced.
What obstacles and challenges do children and families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?
The greatest obstacle that families and children in our community face is not having access to affordable preschool programs. Many preschool-aged children spend time with a babysitter prior to beginning school. They are not exposed to a structured environment that supports learning and therefore prevents these children from being prepared for the school year.
How does Kindergarten Countdown Camp help prepare children for success in school?
Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides exposure to a school environment that helps the children successfully transition into a kindergarten class. It helps them begin to develop learning skills such as holding a pencil, following directions, and engaging in conversations. It also gives children a chance to experience separation from their families. Many children have not been away from their homes and parents for any length of time. KCC provides a safe environment for them to discover the excitement of going to school.
What does education mean to you?
To me, education means opportunity. It opens doors for obtaining goals and following one’s dreams. Providing education to our children prepares them to become responsible citizens who will one day take over the roles now held by adults. Education empowers us to make changes where changes are needed. Without education, anyone’s future is limited.
To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
KCC Teacher Spotlight: Susie Feldman
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Today, we’d like to spotlight Susie Feldman, one of the teachers participating in Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
Pictured above is Susie with her students during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
What is your role at the camp?
Classroom teacher.
What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children that attend?
For the past two summers I have participated in United Way’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC). The students who attended KCC were able to have their first school experience prior to kindergarten. Each week a group of United Way volunteers comes to read with a small group and help each individual with an educational project. One of my KCC students was in my classroom this past school year. I saw first hand the benefit of KCC as she adapted to the new school year better than her peers. This student also had a boost to her self-confidence, as she was able to help her classmates in their new experiences. Throughout the year, this student repeatedly referred back to “camp” and what she had learned.
Kindergarten expectations have dramatically changed over the years. The students now have tremendous academic expectations. These expectations are not just new to the students but to their families as well. For students to reach their potential in kindergarten, their families play a key role. Teachers need the families to be their partner in their child’s education. KCC educates the families in what their child will be learning, how to work with their student, and school procedures. Furthermore, KCC provides families an early opportunity to form a connection to kindergarten, their school, and the district.
Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?
The early years of education are the most important as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Students who enter kindergarten on track and ready to learn adapt quickly to their new academic and social expectations. From the first day of kindergarten, learning begins and moves quickly. Students who are ready from day one have a much easier transition in the classroom and throughout the school. In addition, these students already have a foundation to begin their exciting journey in kindergarten!
What obstacles and challenges do children and families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?
Prior to kindergarten, the majority of my students have never had any academic or social experience. When most of my students enter kindergarten, they are not able to identify the name of single letter or a letter sound. They also have not learned to write their names or a single letter. They also are not able to identify numbers or count. Students quite often may not have a single pencil or any school supplies at home. Families may face challenges such as not having the language, education, or time due to work, to help support their children’s education-though they would wish they could.
How does Kindergarten Countdown Camp help prepare children for success in school?
Students who participated in KCC were able to have the benefit of early social and academic learning. KCC provides a successful first school experience prior to kindergarten. Early intervention programs provided by United Way, such as Kindergarten Countdown Camp, are an important component in our young learner’s education.
What does education mean to you?
Though each of us has some sort of talent, we don’t all have the same opportunities. Having an education affords many people opportunities they may not have otherwise been able to achieve. We do not know who our may be our future President or who will find the cure for Cancer, Parkinson’s or any disease. Maybe that person is in one of our kindergarten classrooms. With the support of United Way’s early intervention educational programs such as KCC the opportunities for our children are endless.
To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
KCC Volunteer Spotlight: Andrew Warrington
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers, Board of Directors and staff. Today, we’d like to spotlight Andrew Warrington, our Board Chairman and Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) volunteer.
What is your role at the camp?
Reading Buddy.
So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
It’s always great to spend time with the kids. They are always cheerful and friendly and really love to meet new people. You can see they enjoy the camp and it’s a wonderful thing to see how much they learn in such a short time.
Have there been any students or teachers, in paticular that have impacted you and how?
I read in Mrs. Feldman’s class. We enjoyed hearing her story about how she got into teaching as a second career. We are lucky she made that change in career, as it’s very clear that she is a superior teacher that the kids really love. At my table I had three students, Romeo, Sophia and Elisa, all of whom were progressing with differing levels of English and classroom abilities. I am sure they will grow up to be great students.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?
Definitely, some of the kids in the class did not have the opportunity to be in a classroom prior to KCC. They don’t know the things we all take for granted – how to get on a bus, how to behave and participate in class. How to socialize with adults and the other kids, as well as, the basics of colors, letters and how to use a book. Without these skills that they learn at KCC, they would start their Kindergarten career way behind and may never catch up to their peers. Thanks to Kindergarten Countdown Camp the playing field is leveled giving these children a brighter future.
What does education mean to you?
Education is that great leveler and it gets everyone off to the same start so they can contribute to society. Without it we don’t have much of a civilization.
To support the expansion of early childhood programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
July 2018 e-Newsletter
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Premier Leadership Event Raises Over $210,000 For Our Education ProgramsOn June 26, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our fifth annual Premier Leadership Event at the Warbird Heritage Foundation in Waukegan. We are proud to share that over $210,000 was raised to support United Way’s education programs and the pending launch of 2-1-1 thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors. We would like to say a special thank you to Paul Wood, Skip Goss and Herwig Schmidts for their hospitality and partnership to make our Premier Leadership Event happen. A special thank you goes to the following event sponsors for their support:
Click the button below to view a video recap of the event. Click here to view all of the photos from the night.
Join in on the Summer FUNdraiser!Grab your friends and join Women United for a night of summer fun to support early childhood literacy in Lake County. On Saturday, August 4, Women United invites you to their Booze, Bites, Beats and Bingo event at the North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff. There will be something for everyone:
All proceeds will support critical early prevention and early literacy programs through their Little Kids, Big Futures Fund. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Tickets are available now. Click the button below to buy your tickets.
Volunteers in Action: Snap-On CreditOn July 11, a group of 20 volunteers from Snap-On Credit helped paint Early Learning Trails outside the Robert W. Rolek Community Center in Round Lake. Early Learning Trails are great because they can spark meaningful learning moments for a child as they begin their first day of school. Thank you, Snap-On Credit! Together, we are transforming communities and expanding our impact to ensure that kids entering kindergarten today receive the support they need to be successful in school and life. Watch a slideshow of photos from this volunteer event by clicking below.
Program Highlight: Kindergarten Countdown Camp in Round LakeKindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative under our Success By 6 Program, was designed to bridge the “opportunity gap” for Lake County’s youngest learners. These free camps are open to incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience nor have been in a classroom setting. This summer, we have KCCs in four communities, including Round Lake, where we are serving 29 students. Round Lake’s KCC is taking place at Pleviak Elementary School. We recently spoke with the principal at Pleviak, Jason Smith. One of the questions we asked him is why he thinks it’s so important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten. He had this to say: “Recent research has shown that students that lack any formal preschool experience often start kindergarten at a disadvantage when it comes to basic literacy, numeracy, social and emotional skills. The more that parents can do to prepare their children for their first formal year in education, the better! A successful year of kindergarten often translates to success in elementary school and beyond.” Read Jason’s full Q & A by clicking below.
Program Highlight: Kindergarten Countdown Camp in North ChicagoThis summer, we are providing Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) in four communities, including North Chicago. Since 2016, Women United has built a strong partnership with the North Chicago community, providing resources and funding to support many early childhood programs at the Green Bay Early Childhood Center. Earlier this year, Women United allocated $60,000 to KCC, which allowed the program to expand into the North Chicago and Round Lake communities. Members of Women United also get involved in KCC by volunteering their time as “Reading Buddies”. Diana Nielander, Women United’s Affinity Group Manager, had this to say about KCC: “We are thankful to have worked within the North Chicago community over the past few years. We loved getting into Green Bay Early Childhood Center and providing some of the resources needed to enhance the children’s learning experiences. We are proud to be able to continue our presence there now and provide additional funding for exceptional programs. We believe that these layered services have the biggest impact.” Read more about Women United’s connection to KCC and the North Chicago community by clicking below.
Become a Reading Success TutorDo you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community you live in or near? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success Program welcomes you! Our program serves elementary schools in Waukegan and we place volunteers in first through third grade classrooms. No prior experience is required. We are always in need of bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers. To be a volunteer tutor, you must:
If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, simply fill out this online form with your basic information. Our volunteer coordinator will call or email you with more information in a few days. Volunteering begins in late September and early October. Our program runs through the end of May. For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or
Learn More About Women United at Wine & LearnWomen United invites you to attend their next Wine & Learn on Tuesday, August 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. to learn how this amazing group of women mobilizes leaders and resources in Lake County, while connecting and having fun through philanthropy. The meeting will be held at a member’s home in Libertyville. What to expect:
Want to RSVP or ask a question? Contact Janice at janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1033.
Connect With Us On Social MediaWant to keep in touch more often than just our once-a-month newsletter? Become a part of our social community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, where you can see what’s new, share your thoughts and be among the first to know about all the ways that United Way is creating lasting change in Lake County.
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KCC Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Jones
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers and staff. Today we’d like to spotlight Nicole Jones, one of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) volunteers.
Pictured above is Nicole during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp
What is your role at the camp?
My role at Kindergarten Countdown Camp is to assist Ms. Beck with her class. I am with the class the whole day and work with the kids. I run the reading and math center everyday and work on skills such as coloring, cutting, letters, numbers, and writing their names.
So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
The most memorable part of my involvement with Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been how sweet all of the kindergartners have been. One boy heard me say that my favorite color is yellow and, when he was coloring a picture, he used yellow and said, “look I used your favorite color!” Little things like that make my day. And at recess, I was pushing the kids on the swings and one girl noticed her classmate sitting on the playground and ran over to him. He came running to the swings with a big smile on his face after she gave him her swing for a turn. They all have such kind hearts and it’s so cool to witness their kindness.
Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?
Ms. Beck, the teacher that I assist, has greatly impacted me. I want to be a kindergarten teacher and she is always open to giving me advice and talking about her experiences of being a teacher. She always goes over her lesson plans with me so that I have a better understanding of what the kids are learning and how to teach them the material.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?
I truly believe that Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making a huge impact on the children that attend. The kids that walked in on the first day of summer have come so far. They have learned how to behave in a classroom, such as raising hands, standing in line, and listening to the teacher. They have also learned so many skills, such as letters, numbers, colors, cutting and writing their names. The kids are definitely better prepared to begin kindergarten after this camp.
What does education mean to you?
Education means more opportunities and opens doors. I think it is extremely important to focus on education to create more possibilities in life.
To support the expansion of early childhood programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
To learn more about internship opportunities at United Way, click here.
KCC Volunteer Spotlight: Peggy Lavin
Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers and staff. Today we’d like to spotlight Peggy Lavin, a Kindergarten Countdown Camp volunteer.
What is your role at the camp?
As a volunteer, I assist two teachers in preparing almost twenty children for kindergarten. The children will be attending kindergarten this school year and many, if not all, have not experienced any prior preschool education. Everything about school is new to these children: buses, lining up, the cafeteria, following teachers’ directions, cutting with scissors, etc. I help the teachers set up for the educational activities (concentrating on basic reading and math skills) and help the children implement the teachers’ directions.
So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
Watching the children gain educational and social skills that will prepare them for kindergarten.
Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?
I am lucky to be working with two, very competent teachers. One teacher focuses on basic reading skills, while the other, basic math skills. I am very impressed with their daily preparation and collaborative approach to teaching.
The students are like sponges, absorbing new experiences and skills every day. They get excited with each success and are proud to take their work home to show their parents.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?
Each day that I volunteer, I note educational and social improvement on an individual and group basis. After three weeks, it is amazing what the children have accomplished!
What does education mean to you?
I value education highly and believe that each child needs and has a right to the best educational opportunities a community can provide. Education provides a child with the skills to be successful in life.
To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
A Reflection of My KCC Volunteer Experience: Candy Carrasco
Here at United Way, we get to work with a variety of people across many different fields in many different ways. This blog was written by one of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) volunteers, Candy Carrasco. Read on to hear from Candy as she reflects on her experience volunteering for KCC.
Pictured above is Candy during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been such a wonderful experience. I have the pleasure of taking on the role of a teacher’s assistant where I work with children around the age of 5, teaching them how to learn new abilities that will help them progress in kindergarten.
One of the most memorable moments of KCC is watching a 5-year-old smile after completing a task they didn’t think they could accomplish. I love teaching children the confidence to say “Hey, I can do this!”
One student in particular stood out to me; her name is Sofia. The very first day, Sofia was balling her eyes out, insisting she wanted to go home. She walked out of the cafeteria, heading for the school entrance, when I stopped her and asked her what was wrong. It was clear she didn’t want to be there but I wanted her to understand that she needed to give KCC a try. So, I calmed her down (which was a learning experience for me) and I was able to gain her trust. She didn’t want me to leave her side in class, so I sat next to her until she became more comfortable with her classmates. By the time we hit recess, she was having a blast. The next day of school she was more than happy to be there. She is a bright young girl who I have the pleasure of working with. She taught me how to take control of a situation, something I never expected a child to teach me.
KCC definitely has a positive impact on the children who attend. Every student learns something new every day. Whether it be new material, manners, cooperation, or kindness; every week I get to witness students progressing in their learning. I enjoy working with KCC because I value education highly.
In my view, education sets an individual free. It allows us humans to come to an understanding about the world, which is constantly changing. Education evolves every day just as much as we do. Without education, we would be enslaved within our own minds, stuck in the same mindset without ever progressing.
