Technology to Help Teachers

You may recall that a while back, the PVLA announced that it was using Taste of Columbus funds to buy laptops for students. They have been a great addition to the classrooms, and students are getting a lot of use out of them.

In addition to providing technology for students, it also came to our attention that our instructors needed technology to do their jobs as well. In particular, our instructors needed computers for lessons when they travel to off-site class locations.

To ensure they have the tools they need to educate students, more Taste of Columbus money was used to purchase Chromebooks—and they are just as fancy as the laptops!

Thankful to Be Able to Serve Students

The PVLA is so grateful to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to be involved in the Taste of Columbus. Without the funds, we wouldn’t be able to provide these essential tools that help with student learning success.

Our programs continue to grow, and with that, our teachers need resources, and that often requires funding. The PVLA has some incredibly amazing donors, and we are thankful for their continued support so that we can continue to serve students.

Taste of Columbus Funds Update Technology for the PVLA

One of the reasons why we were so excited to get Taste of Columbus money was to be able to use the funds to update the technology here at the PVLA.

Now, don’t get us wrong: we have some great technology in our classrooms. When CCC remodeled the space, they made sure we had top-of-the-line screens and desktops so that educational information could be displayed to students.

And those systems are amazing!

 However, we also needed some technology that was a bit more personal. In particular, laptops.

The laptops that the PVLA had were acquired several years ago using grant funds. They had been refurbished and were mainly used to keep students connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. While they served their purpose at the time, they were starting to show their age.

In fact, several of them had to be recycled because they died and couldn’t be brought back to life.

In addition, some of the sites and apps that we access on laptops have also been updated, and the old computers didn’t have what was needed to keep up with the changes.

Students Get the Most Out of Technology

With Taste of Columbus funds, the PVLA was able top purchase six new laptops for students—and they are fancy! They will allow students to access everything they need to be successful in their education.

These computers can be used by any and all students who come into our space. They can’t be checked out, but they can be used on-site. Whether an individual needs to study for the citizenship test, wants to get some extra ESL practice by watching videos or playing games, or needs to take a test, these new laptops can do it all.

These computers can (and more than likely will) be used when it comes to one-on-one employability skills. Students will have the opportunity to get online to search and apply for jobs that will support them and their families.

One of our new laptops is currently being used in the Conversational Spanish class to enhance lessons.

Technological Success

Here at the PVLA, we are proud and excited to be able to offer our students up-to-date technology to aid in their learning. Our classrooms may have some great technology, but being able to supplement that with laptops that offer a more personal experience can’t be beat.

We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the funds from Taste of Columbus, and we’re so honored and proud to know that the people of Columbus supported us in our endeavors. You’ve made a difference in students’ lives, and we can’t thank you enough.

Putting the “Fun” in Fundraiser

The Taste of Columbus has been a premier fundraiser for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and a local nonprofit for a long time. According to the Chamber website, this is what they have to say about the event:

This spectacular event is an evening for the Columbus community to come out and experience samples of tasty dishes from local restaurants, bakeries, and food vendors, and also taste a variety of beverages from wine and craft beer distributors. But it’s not just about indulging your palate; it’s about making a difference in our community. Our silent and royal auctions are filled with unique experiences and fabulous products, all generously contributed by local businesses and individuals. By participating, you’re supporting two incredible nonprofits that tirelessly serve our community in countless ways.

As the beneficiary organization, Platte Valley Literacy was incredibly excited to be part of this grand gala.

From the food to the beverages to the auction items, there was something for everyone at the event, and good times were had by all.

After all was said and done, donors ensured that the PVLA was able to receive $22,724.63—and this is going to have a HUGE impact on what we’re able to provide for our students.

A portion of the funds will go to purchasing new laptops for students to use. The rest will be used to ensure that students have the materials and high-quality instructors necessary to achieve their goals.

Taste of Columbus was an incredibly magical evening, and the PVLA is thrilled to have been able to spend it with so many amazing (and generous!) Columbus community members.

Thank you!

The calm before the storm. The event room before the guests arrived.

PVLA employees working the trivia table at the event. From left to right: Melanie (citizenship instructor), Alicia (receptionist, employability skills instructor, and ESL instructor), and Itzel (receptionist, classroom assistant, and Outreach Conversational Spanish instructor)

The masses gathering for a good time.

The amazing crowd at the Taste of Columbus

Taste of Columbus Entertainment

This year, as you walk around and indulge in the delectable food and drink offerings that local restaurants and beverage dispensers have to offer, try your luck at answering some trivia questions.

With three tables to choose from, you’ll get a better understanding of who attends classes and what students at the Platte Valley Literacy Association are studying—and hopefully learn something new.

Think you have what it takes to answer questions from the citizenship test? Find out!

How well do you know world geography? Test your knowledge and learn more about the countries PVLA students are from.

Do you have any foreign language skills? See how many Spanish or French words you know!

While the trivia is entertaining and fun in itself, you also have the chance of winning prizes. By getting correct answers, you’ll earn tickets that are placed in a container and drawn later in the evening. The more you play, the more tickets you earn, and the more chances you have of winning.

Some of the prizes you can win include the following:

A Relaxation Basket donated by Colegrove Counseling. Includes a blanket, scented lotions, a journal, stress ball, and other items.

A Mushroom Plushie donated by Vanessa Adame.

Various peacock feather arrangements donated by Duane Matson.

Put your knowledge to the test, learn something new, and have some fun by playing trivia games specific to the PVLA!

We hope to see you there!

What Makes Raffles Fun?

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

At some point in your life, you’ve probably participated in a raffle. When the time came to draw the winning name or number, you more than likely held your breath as you waited to find out if you won.

If you did, you most likely squealed with excitement.

If you didn’t, you probably still had some fun.

Not only that, but by participating in the raffle, you were helping out a worthy cause.

Games of Chance that Are Beneficial

Raffles are games of chance, and your chances of winning depend on how many names are in the drawing and how many prizes can be won. Raffles can be found in a variety of places, but more often than not, they are used as a way to raise funds for a specific cause—a sports team, a nonprofit, whatever.

What makes a raffle fun is the fact that not only can you win a great prize, but you also have the opportunity to support an organization that is important to you. You may not win the item, but you’ll still get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing you helped someone out.

Speaking of raffles and fun, did you know that we are currently selling tickets for a raffle? Click this link to buy tickets for a chance to win a Maker’s Mark griddle (with accessories) and a Solo smokeless firepit. From morning to night, you’ll have the outdoor items that will make your backyard THE place to be.

 

In addition, you get to support a great cause. Whether your name gets drawn or not, you’re still a winner because you’re helping out the PVLA.

Public Appearances

Can you believe that it’s August already? And the second week on top of that? Time sure does fly…

We have been busy at the PVLA with classes, including Conversational English, Citizenship, and Book Club, and our computer class is also up and running. If you’re interested in joining, let us know!

In addition, we are going to be making some public appearances over the weekend. We will have a booth at Columbus Days. Not only are we going to be sharing information about our services, but we’re also going to be playing some games and selling raffle tickets for Taste of Columbus.

In case you haven’t heard, we’re the host organization this year.

Whether you’re looking for some fun, want some more information about what we do, or want to try your luck at winning, come down to Frankfurt Square and say hi!