Adult Learning Center Open House for Family Literacy Day

New Bedford – The Adult Learning Center held its annual Open House and Family Literacy Day on Monday, November 3, 2008. The 2-hour event provided opportunities for the children of adult students and the general public to meet students and staff, tour the facility, and participate in family literacy activities. The date was chosen to coincide with the New Bedford Public Schools Professional Development Day for K-12 teachers in an effort to provide their children with the opportunity to visit their parents’ classrooms without missing school. Additionally, the Open House was a celebration of "Family Literacy Month" in Massachusetts. Governor Deval Patrick declared November “Family Literacy Month” in Massachusetts to recognize and celebrate the importance of education as a family endeavor and support efforts to expand family learning opportunities. The goal of activities such as the Open House and Family Literacy Day is to promote greater engagement by parents and community partnerships, and to celebrate lifelong learning and family wellbeing.

One highlight of the event was guest speaker Michael Poitras, retired Chief of the Acushnet Police Department, who spoke about the role of police in the community. He urged the families attending to feel comfortable using the police as a community resource. Other notable attendees included Dr. Portia Bonner, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, Dr. Mary Louise Francis, Assistant Superintendent, Maria Pinarreta, Vice President of Branch Management at BankFive and LiteracyWorks Cabinet co-Chair, and Dr. John Fletcher and Marlene Pollock of the New Bedford School Committee.

Children attending the event participated with their parents in several literacy-themed activities including making bookmarks and story-telling. Each child also received an age-appropriate book to keep. Bernice Jensen, Program Facilitator at the Adult Learning Center, remarking on the success of the event, estimated that 160 attended the festivities, including 60 children. Jason Wentworth, LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, pointed to the spirit and dedication of the adult students as a reason for optimism in the City of New Bedford. "These adult students are striving for self-reliance and self-improvement in difficult circumstances. They are a model of success and courage to the community and, most importantly, their own children," said Mr. Wentworth "Learning needs to be a family activity and these adults understand that fact."

The New Bedford Public Schools’ Division of Adult/Continuing Education & Summer School offers classes at the Adult Learning Center and at New Bedford Public High School ranging from Adult Basic Education/English for Speakers of Other Languages to GED Preparation and Testing, and the Adult Diploma Program. The Adult Learning Center is seeking volunteers so, please, spread the word. For more information on Adult Learning Center programs, class openings and registration, or to volunteer, please contact 508-997-4511, extension 2419. For information on literacy programs throughout New Bedford, please contact Jason Wentworth, LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, at 508-979-1504 extension 13 or via e-mail at JWentworth@gnbwib.org.