Annual Spelling Bee is sure to make you smile, while raising funds for FLI programs

Join us for FLI’s annual Spelling Bee, where the words to be spelled are challenging, but the contestants remain undaunted. You are sure to have fun whether you are in the audience or on a competing team. The funds raised at the Bee support FLI tutoring programs which help Washtenaw County students reach reading proficiency. The Spelling Bee event takes place on Friday March 8, 2019 at 6 pm.  The fun will take place at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4700 East Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti. 

Funds raised at the Bee support FLI tutoring programs for 2^ndto 5^hgraderswho are behind in reading.Students come from economically challenged families. FLI offersone-to-one literacy coaching at three Ann Arbor elementary schools and several community centers in Ypsilanti.

The need for tutoring is great. Statewide testing of 3^rdgrade students in Washtenaw County* shows?  Indicates that less than 30 percent of students from economically challenged families, read at grade level. FLI tutors’ goal is to improve the reading skills of the students. These efforts focus on increasing skills and assisting students to read at grade level.  

FLI students benefit from tutoring, with 85 percent of them improving at least one grade level in reading. “Our program has helped many students,” says Sharine Buddin, Executive Director of the Family Learning Institute. “We know that there are many more students in the area who are eligible for and could benefit from FLI’s services.” 

At last year’s Spelling Bee, over 100 guests helped FLI raise $28,000 to expand tutoring, outreach, and summer enrichment programs. The goals for FLI tutoring programs are designed to help students succeed in school.On March 8, 2019 a silent auction and wine pull will begin at 6:00pm; the Spelling Bee begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at FLI’s website (www.familylearninginstitute.org).  For more information on tickets or sponsorships, contact Jeannine Julien  email jeannine@familylearninginstitute.org, or call  (734) 995-6816.