The Learning Resources Network, LERN, an international organization dedicated to life-long learning, presented the Middletown City School District Adult Education program with its "Best Brochure Design" award for 2009. The organization has 4000 members in sixteen countries.

Adult Education earned ratings of "Exemplary" by the State Department of Education over each of the past four years. Congratulations are due not only to the extraordinary staff, but also the students who successfully returned to school for a second chance to earn a GED, prepare to enter postsecondary and training, or obtain/retain their jobs. The staff and students' perseverance was the key to earning this distinction.

This year the Adult Basic and Literacy program moves from the oversight by the State Department of Education to the Board of Regents. Two of the primary goals of this initiative will be fostering new collaborations with postsecondary and training to better transition students to further education and self-sufficiency.

Free programs available as a result of state and federal funding include:

+ GED Preparation: Classes leading to earning an Ohio High School Equivalency Diploma. Five subjects are covered including math, science, social studies, literature, and English. Classes are held at Manchester School, Oxford, Butler Tech., and St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

+ El-Civics: English Language-Civics a countywide program with classes in Middletown, West Chester, Oxford, Hamilton and Fairfield. Students learn English, U.S. citizenship, culture and everyday living in the USA. It is designed for students who speak other languages.

+ Preparation for Other Tests: GED/high school graduates prepare for WorkKeys, Parapro, college entrance, ASFAB, and work related examinations.

+ GED Testing: Testing is administered every week at locations throughout Butler County. During the 2008-2009 school year, 536 applicants earned the Ohio High School Equivalency Diploma. The cost of the test is $40.00.

+ GED Practice Testing: Take the Official Practice Test, find out if you are ready to take the official test at no cost to you.

+ Learn to Read: Improve reading skills with a private tutor. Consider training to volunteer as a tutor.

+ WorkForce Education: Patient Care Assistants improve basic and computer skills, and medical terminology at Atrium Medical Center. A free Medical Terminology class to meet a requirement for entrance to Butler Tech's free LPN program.

As you enter our office a sign reads, " You are a stranger in this office only once!" As you leave the office another sign says, "We're glad we could serve you." In other words, we are serious about finding the best path to meet your needs, and helping you take the first step to accomplishing your goals.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Questions? Ideas? Willing to volunteer? Please contact me by phone at 513-420-4520, e-mail, rmstiehl@middletowncityschools.com; or by mail:

Rose Marie Stiehl
Principal - Adult Education
4420 Manchester Road
Middletown, OH 45042

P.S. You may not need us now. We will be here if you do... whether it's a family member, a friend, someone you love, or you.

E-mail Rose Marie Stiehl