Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

This morning, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced two new programmatic partnerships which will enhance its programming to youth and adults this fall. The critically acclaimed Sew-N-Know Program currently held at the state-of-the-art Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) will be expanding to Northeast Washington and the Washington Literacy Council will be providing adult literacy programs at the Fort Davis Recreation Center in Southeast Washington.

More information about each of the new programs and partnerships is provided below.  Registration for these and other DPR programs can be completed online at DPR's website, DPR.DC.GOV, or by visiting a DPR center.

Sewing Opportunities Never Ending, Inc.
From July 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009, Sewing Opportunities Never Ending, Inc. will provide the critically-acclaimed Sew-N-Know Program at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE. The classes, for children and youth ages 18 and under, will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 4 pm until 6 pm, except major holidays.

Sewing Opportunities Never Ending, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created to change the nature of economic conditions for disadvantaged and minority individuals through the establishment of community-based tutoring, training and skills development programs geared to exceed current industry standards and practices for certification in non-traditional employment arenas.

Washington Literacy Council
The Washington Literacy Council has begun providing adult literacy programs at the Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street. SE.  Through its partnership with DPR, the following programs will be provided:

• Basic Reading Skills Class (Group Instruction): This course uses a speech-to-print approach which emphasizes spelling before reading while simultaneously increasing phonemic awareness.
• Intermediate Class (Group Instruction): This course expands on the information presented in Basic Reading. Students learn the six (6) common syllable types in English and the five (5) rules for syllable division.
• One-to-One Tutoring: Tutors create custom lessons based on either the Wilson Reading System or the Megawords Reading System.
• Independent Computer-based Instruction: Students are encouraged to work independently using the computer software Strategies for Older Students by Lexia Learning Systems.

The partnership will be provided on the following semester schedule:

Summer Semester: July 7, 2008 – September 27, 2008
Fall Semester: October 6, 2008 – December 13, 2008
Winter Semester: January 5, 2009 – May 29, 2009

Weekly Class Schedule

Mondays:
10:30 am – 11:30 am, Basic Reading Class
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, One-to-One Tutoring
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, One-to-One Tutoring

Tuesdays:
10:30 am – 11:30 am, Basic Reading Class
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Intermediate Class
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, One-to-One Tutoring

Wednesdays:
10:30 am – 11:30 am, Basic Reading Class
11:30 am – 12:30 pm, One-to-One Tutoring
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, One-to-One Tutoring 

The Washington Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization providing adult literacy programs in the District of Columbia.
 
For more information or to become a DPR partner, contact the DPR Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462 or by email at DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.