Tutor Tip: What's in a Letter Sound

Read about an app that helps you pronounce the letter sounds in a way that makes it easier for a child to sound out words.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Meet long-time supporter and partner in changing each child's life, John Riehle.

Immigration in St. Paul, a community learning opportunity

Join Peter Rachleff, Executive Director of East Side Freedom Library for a discussion about the history of immigration in St. Paul.

You're invited to "love them first"

RSVP and plan to join us for a special showing of the KARE 11 documentary, "Love them First: Lessons from Lucy Laney Elementary"

Merger provides rich tutoring services for more Twin Cities children

East Side Learning Center acquires AARP Foundation Experience Corps - Twin Cities

Parents are each child's first and most important teacher

Executive Director Chris Flippo continues her series, "A year in review 2018-19, What we learned, no. 4." In this third installment, learn about her vision for ESLC's Parents and Children Together (PACT) program to support engagement program.

Literacy Mentors provide support when learning is difficult

What we learned in 2018-2019, Blog 2. The Executive Director continues her series on what we learned last year and how it will impact ESLC's path forward. In this blog, read about the impact of a caring adult tutor on the learning process and how we can improve it.

Your impact ripples through generations

The year in Review: 2018-2019. Executive Director Chris Flippo shares what ESLC staff learned this past year through many transitions.

What we learned about host school relationships

Executive Director Chris Flippo continues her series, "A year in review 2018-19, What we learned, no. 3." In this third installment, learn about her vision for ESLC's host relationships with schools and teachers.

ESLC's future

In this, her final blog of the summer of 2019, Chris shares what we learned last year about planning for ESLC's future.

ESLC Celebrates Literacy Through Tutors

With the first nice days of summer setting in, the East Side Learning Center hosted its Annual Appreciation Event on May 17th.

A lasting legacy of evidence-based tutoring

It is with sadness that we share the news that former Board Chair John Clarey recently passed away.

About the Mary Riehle Service Award

Learn more about Mary Riehle, the namesake of ESLC's annual service award.

Mary Riehle Service Award 2018 announced

Sharon Johnson, long-time tutor and staff member for ESLC, received the 2018-19 Mary Riehle Service Award.

Inaugural Theresa Gerhardinger, SSND Award recipient announced

The 2018 Theresa Gerhardinger Award was presented to Program Director Sr. Sharon White, OSF, at East Side Learning Center's Super Hero Celebration held April 27, 2018. Also nominated were: Alyssa Hamel, Sr. Rita Jirik, SSND, Cindy Mullan, Lizz Paulson, and Sister Jane Thibault, SSND.

Annual Report - ESLC's supporters did it again!

ESLC's data again looks great for 2017-18. The students learned foundational reading skills because of you! You cared. You gave. You volunteered. You changed lives.

Do you love children? We're hiring.

ESLC is seeking caring, committed adults to tutor Pre-K through third grade children who need extra support learning to read. Stronger consideration will be given to persons who can work with the same child(ren) 2-4 days per week.

Meet the 2018 Partner of the Year: Craig Sweet

The East Side Learning Center (ESLC) announced the nominees and winner of the 2018 Partnership Award: Experience Corps, Craig Sweet, and Edmentum. Read more to meet the award recipient and nominees.

Honoring your contributions and our students' successes

View the photos and video from the event as you read about the highlights and the recipients of ESLC's first annual Celebration Awards for Partner of the Year Award, the Mary Riehle Service Award, and the Sister Theresa Gerhardinger Award.

Inspiration for the work you do for the children

What Malala's story teaches me about literacy and life... a note from the Executive Director

What's next for ESLC?

East Side Learning Center (ESLC) has gone through significant change since January 1, 2017. That change includes a new Executive Director, the change in United Way funding, and the shifting needs of our students and partner schools. So what's next? Find out from the Executive Director, as we leverage the best of ESLC to plan for a bright future.

Volunteer Service Opportunities

You can help us build upon our many strengths and work toward increasing ESLC’s long-term impact in the community by volunteering in a capacity that does not involve tutoring children. Some of these volunteer opportunities are also ideal for groups.

Tutor tips for the end of the session

Saying goodbye can be hard. You've worked together for an entire semester or an entire school year. You've developed a bond and have made progress week by week. In this blog post, you'll find tips to help the children transition, and encourage "reading for fun" over the summer.

Breaking News!

Channel 5 KSTP featured East Side Learning Center on the evening news. Check it out!

Literacy and Immigration in the United States- Is literacy a human right?

I recently shared a blog about an unprecedented court case currently unfolding in Detroit. Effectively, a group of young men are suing the schools for their right to learn to read. They are accusing the district of failing to provide them with the constitutional right to literacy. But then I got to thinking more deeply about the children we serve—where they come from, their families, and their needs—and I realized that learning to read is not just a civil right, but a human right.

Is literacy a civil right? We the people want reading for all.

A brave group of five former Detroit school students recently filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the school failed to protect their civil rights, because they failed to teach them to read. Is literacy—the ability to read and write—a civil right? I hope by the end of this message, you will know the answer in your heart.

A Small Donation Brings a Big Smile to a Little Girl's Face

By: Kymberly Miller, Bruce Vento Staff

The Spirit of the Holidays

There is a Buddhist teaching that those who give and are truly generous will never eat another meal without desiring to share it with another. Maya Angelou once said that giving, “liberates the soul of the giver.” Thank you for sharing the holiday spirit by giving generously of your time and support this season.

Small Acts Make a World of Difference in the Life of A Child

ESLC is experiencing a funding gap of $90,000 for this year alone. Let's show the meaning of strength in numbers—for the sake of each child living on St. Paul's east side. Please help spread the word about ESLC's program and the needs of our children.

Meet ESLC's New Staff Members

East Side Learning center gained four new staff this year! Take a look at how and why they want to contribute to our mission.

Give the Gift of Reading

East Side Learning Center launches its new holiday fundraiser. Read about how your tax deductible donation will benefit our children.

Super Readers Return to ESLC!

You read about our "super readers" from John A Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary in last year's spring newsletter. This year we need you to help us make super hero capes for all 280 ESLC children. When they meet their reading goals in May, they will be able to take home their very own "super reader" cape!

A Message from the Executive Director, Chris Flippo

Chris Flippo reflects on ESLC children, their love for our program, and what we need to do to continue serving them.

Executive Director's Note

Chris Flippo, ESLC Executive Director, tells us about the first week of tutoring by sharing a few stories from our sites.

International Literacy Day

The 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day is on Friday, September 8th. Each year, nonprofits, NGOs and education leaders from around the world shine a spotlight on our global literacy needs. In honor of International Literacy Day, East Side Learning Center (ESLC) is spreading the word about our vision—a world where every child has the opportunity to read proficiently with pride and joy by 3rd grade.

ESLC is hiring for three positions

We have three part-time positions available: Site Coordinator, Site Assistant, and Data and Office Administrator

Thank you Cities 97 for donating $530,000 to local charities!

Thank you Cities 97 for your generosity to East Side Learning Center and many other nonprofits. Cities 97 is an inspirational partner to work with. Read how you can support this annual fundraiser via the Cities Sampler.

The Impact of United Way Changes on ESLC

The Executive Director shares a message from her heart regarding the United Way cuts. Yes, it's true. United Way cut the program that funds ESLC. In all, the cuts mean ESLC will have $205,000 less per year to serve our children. Despite this news, there is a lot to be grateful for. ESLC is still extremely grateful for the years of support United Way has provided.

Memories from a Celebration of Sister Audrey

Hear are a few of the details of our Bridges to the Future event, including Sr. Audrey's speech and Senator Amy Klobuchar's congratulations.

Thank you from Sister Audrey

In response to the May 24, 2017, Celebration Honoring Sister Audrey, Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND, thanks everyone for your overwhelming and steadfast commitment to our children and the critical work of East Side Learning Center.

Land O'Lakes donated books delight children

Our children love books! Learn how this generous gift is reinforcing literacy in our community.

Thank You, Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation

We thank the Minnesota Timberwolves Fastbreak Foundation for their $5,000 in support of East Side Learning Center's Summer Literacy Camps!

Celebrating Sister Audrey, Our Founding Director

Our beloved Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND has retired as Executive Director of East Side Learning Center (ESLC). To celebrate Sister Audrey and her accomplishments, ESLC is having a celebration in her honor. Mark Wednesday, May 24th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm on your calendar, when we will honor Sister Audrey and what she has given to our community. Invitations will arrive at the end of April. Want more information before then? Visit the event page on our website! NOTE: All gifts given to the Sister Audrey Children's Reading Fund will be matched through the generous support of the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation! Learn more on Sister Audrey Celebration Event page. The vision for ESLC grew when, in 1998 as part of a long-range effort to revitalize the East Side of Sain

Mittens of Hope

Colleen Ginter, a first-year tutor at HOPE Community Academy, used her warm-heartedness to quite literally warm our ESLC children this year. She took it upon herself to knit them mittens for Minnesota winters! She says, “No child should go without the basics. ‘Cold hands, warm heart’ shouldn't be a quote that applies to kids!”

Continuing the Charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame

A charism is a particular gift that a group or individual brings to others. For the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), the charism is building community and educating especially women and the poor, enabling them to reach the fullness of their human potential. Read how our new Executive Director Chris Flippo

A note from the new ED after two weeks

When I accepted the position as the new Executive Director of East Side Learning Center, I believed I had a handle on our mission. After 10 days on the job, I can say that I knew a lot less than I thought. Join me on a journey as I share the inside workings of an incredibly efficient nonprofit investing in long-term change that can, and will, have an impact on the educational outcomes of the children we serve.

The Bookmark - Fall 2016

Read a message from Sister Audrey, learn about a summer tutoring experience, and more!

The Bookmark, Spring 2016

What a great year! We have so many people to thank and so much good news to share! Read The Bookmark, Spring 2016 edition. Catch up on all the happenings at East Side Learning Center.

Thank you Cities 97 and Supporters!

Cities 97 sold more than 30,000 copies of its 27th Sampler benefit compilation album, raising over $530,000 in support of local nonprofits, including ESLC. THANK YOU CITIES 97 and all ALL who contributed!!

United Way Honor

ESLC wins United Way 2015 Best in Community Impact - Small Agency award! This award celebrates the work and commitment of all of our partners. THANK YOU for making a difference!

Reading is better than ice cream!

Read an engaging story about tutoring at ESLC, written by our former Coordinator of Volunteers, Trisha Clinesmith, for the November, 2015 issue of the Dayton's Bluff Forum! If you are interested in tutoring, contact our current Coordinator of Volunteers, Lauren Johnsen. She would be happy to hear from you! lauren.johnsen@spps.org, (651) 793-7364

The Feeling of Your First Book [Video]

Do you remember? View a nice 3M video promoting the United Way, featuring East Side Learning Center, from our 2015 summer program.

Getting Kids Up to Speed in Reading [Video]

For Deluxe Corporation’s 100th year, 17 employees were each gifted with 100 hours of paid time off to make a difference in their communities. Garth Andersen, Deluxe employee, East Side Learning Center board member and tutor, shared his experience.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! You do so much for our children. Your donations of time, money, and resources make it possible for these struggling students to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed. At the ESLC, we’re most thankful for YOU. Enjoy the holiday!

Buy music: fund a child.

Last summer, the East Side Learning Center received a donation from the Cities 97 CD Sampler, which enabled us to provide summer school for underprivileged K-3 students.

You made a difference on Give to the Max Day! Thanks!

Thank you for your generous spirit on Give to the Max Day! We can't thank you enough for all you have done to help these children! If you didn't have the opportunity to give yet this year, we still have a matching grant in place until December 31. Thank you for all of the support you have given and continue to give these children. Your help changes lives!

In this season of gratitude...

We are always giving thanks for your generosity. You make all the difference for our children, and we are grateful! We wish you peace, joy, and good health in the new year.

Our Fall 2015 Newsletter is out!

Our Fall newsletter, The Bookmark, is now available in print and online! Read all the good news: Celebrate With Us!, Dear ESLC, Camping Without Mosquitoes, and more!

Give to the Max Day - Nov. 12. Your gift helps “unlock each child’s potential through the foundation of reading.”

Your dedication to improving the lives of St. Paul children makes their success possible. Your gift enables low income K-3 students who are behind grade-level in reading receive the tutoring they need. Visit https://givemn.org/organization/East-Side-Learning-Center on or before Nov. 12!

Hot off the Press: Our Spring Newsletter!

Spring is here! Time for another edition of our captivating newsletter, The Bookmark

Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation Honors ESLC

The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation recently recognized the ESLC as a "March Hero in the Making." The lucky attendees of the March 2 game included two students who were selected by the staff. "We are honored to have been recognized for providing tutoring to St. Paul students," said Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, the director of ESLC. "And the students enjoyed every minute of the experience." ESLC received twelve free suite tickets hosted by ViaWest and a signed basketball.

We're HOWLING for the Timberwolves and ESLC!

East Side Learning Center has learned it will be honored by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation as a “March Hero in the Making” just before their game with the LA Clippers on March 2 (at 6:55 pm). In March, the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation celebrates Read to Achieve month, honoring individuals or organizations that are “spreading a love of education and reading, especially in relation to Minnesota Youth.” We are THRILLED to be recognized as one of the Foundation's March "Heroes in the Making!"

New Training Tool for Tutors

The ESLC’s personalized lesson plans start where the child is at, taking their individual needs and goals into account while helping them up to the next level of reading. This lesson plan is the ‘secret sauce’ that makes our tutoring so effective.

Our success belongs to you! Thank you!

Thanks to ALL of our generous donors!!! Whether you gave through GiveMN.org on Give to the Max Day, or sent us a check in the mail after reading our latest newsletter, you are MAKING A DIFFERENCE in the life of a young reader! Our success belongs to you! THANK YOU!

You made a difference on Give to the Max Day! Thank you!

Thanks to your generous spirit, we surpassed our goal on Give to the Max Day! We can't thank you enough! If you didn't have the opportunity to give yet this year, we still have a matching grant in place until December 31!

Partnership with AARP Experience Corps

ESLC tutors 280 children per day, so providing free one-on-one tutoring for each of them requires a lot of volunteer hours. This year, the ESLC entered into a new partnership with AARP Experience Corps, a national leader in engaging older adult tutors in disadvantaged schools. For information about becoming an AARP Experience Corps member, email erin.simon@voamn.org.

We see big dreams

Before you read heartwarming stories in the Fall edition of our newsletter, The Bookmark, look closely at the pictures.

Support young readers!

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark" ~Victor Hugo ... Spark a love for reading in our young learners through your contribution!

Summer Slide and Student Success

What is "summer slide," and how is ESLC responding? Learn about our efforts to keep children reading across the summer in The Bookmark, Spring edition, now online!

America Reads Site of the Year -- ESLC at HOPE Community Academy!

On May 2nd, East Side Learning Center received the America Reads Site of the Year Award a second time. This year our site at HOPE Community Academy won the award. Last year, our site at John A. Johnson Elementary won this honor!

ESLC receives Bremer Foundation grant

ESLC Featured in Saint Paul Music Academy Newsletter

East Side Learning Center was featured in a recent issue of the Saint Paul Music Academy Family Newsletter. Read more about our program at SPMA!

Volunteer Spotlight : Greg and Beats Vasterling

Read about Greg and Beats, two of our wonderful volunteer tutors.

We can't thank you enough!

We at ESLC have been blessed by the generous acts of so many caring individuals and organizations this year... We are GRATEFUL!

Did you know...

This year we're tutoring more than 220 K-3 students daily! Last year, ninety-one percent (91%) of our kindergartners tutored were ready for first grade. Partner with us to help more children BEFORE they fall behind! Please consider a financial gift, and/or become a volunteer tutor!

Ever wonder what it's like to be a tutor?

Read heartwarming stories from our tutors and more in the latest edition of The Bookmark, our annual newsletter!

Thank you for supporting ESLC on Nov. 14 - Give to the Max Day!

Did you know that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are more likely to drop out of high school? Reading skills lay a solid foundation for future success. Partner with East Side Learning Center by making a financial contribution through GiveMN on Give to the Max Day, Thursday, November 14!

Tutors are Gifts!

As usual, the cafeteria at John A. Johnson was filled with laughter and excited chatter last Thursday. But it wasn't kids from the after school program making all the racket.

ESLC Honored as America Reads Site of the Year

Last Friday, April 19, East Side Learning Center received the America Reads Site of the Year Award.

UBS Team Spotlight

Corporate tutoring teams are a great way for busy professionals to volunteer as tutors with East Side Learning Center. Sharing the responsibility of tutoring means that a child has a tutor every week, but the burden of time isn’t placed on j

Why We Love Our Volunteers

The East Side Learning Center runs on a core of committed volunteers; they make it possible for us to reach more kids and they love to tell their friends and family about the great work we’re doing. That’s reason enough to love volunteers, but ours sweeten the pot by being extra engaged, loving, and warm. The ESLC is lucky to have a group of volunteers who believe in our mission of “unlocking each child’s potential through the foundation of reading”.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s Letter

Congresswoman Betty McCollum couldn’t make it to our 10th anniversary celebration, but she sent a letter in support of ESLC and our mission.

East Side Learning Center Day in Saint Paul

Read or watch Mayor Coleman’s proclamation of East Side Learning Center Day.

Executive Director Sister Audrey’s Speech

Sister Audrey extends gratitude on behalf of ESLC. Meet the people who have contributed to student success.

Mayor Coleman Speaks at 10th Anniversary

The Mayor paid a visit to the 10th Anniversary Celebration and talked about the importance of supplemental tutoring.

ESLC Featured in Twin Cities Daily Planet

Read about our program and history in TC Daily Planet.