Beacon for English Language & Literacy

11/03/2026

Happy ! At BEACON we know the value of learning to read early in life. Studies show that reading aloud can have a profound effect on children when it comes to learning later on in life, and it's never too early to start.

11/02/2026

Today, November 1, is the Day of the Dead (el Día de los Mu***os), a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2.

Today is also All Saints Day, observed in Western Christianity to honor all known and unknown saints who have attained heaven. Tomorrow, November 2, is All Souls Day, a commemoration of the faithful departed meant to honor ordinary Christians who have passed.

💀🇲🇽🕯🧛🏻‍♂️ 😇 ✝️

10/31/2026

Wishing you a Halloween filled with fun, treats, and a little magic! Thank you for helping us shine a light on adult literacy and making a difference in our community.

🎃

10/29/2026

📚 BEACON Winter 2026/27 English & Citizenship Class Registration Is OPEN!
Are you ready to improve your English or prepare for U.S. citizenship? BEACON is now accepting intake appointments for new students! Space is limited, so schedule your appointment today!
👉 How to Register:
Visit https://beaconliteracy.org/registration/ and click the Schedule Intake Appointment button to get started.
Winter Session Dates: November 30, 2026 – March 4, 2027
No classes December 22–31, January 18, or February 15.
Class Options:
📍 In-person classes in Manassas or online via Zoom
🌞 Morning English classes: Monday & Wednesday, 9:30–11:30 AM OR
🌙 Evening English classes: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00–9:00 PM
Citizenship Classes: In-person ONLY on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 PM.
Cost: $100 per 12-week session, including a textbook and workbook.
🌎 Need this information in another language? Visit our registration page and select your language in the top-right corner.
📣 Please share this post with friends, family, and anyone who wants to improve their English or prepare for U.S. citizenship!
Questions? Call BEACON at 703-368-7491.

10/28/2026

Al Westrom is following up his military service by serving his community as a BEACON volunteer teacher. He says willingness--and not teaching experience--is the most important skill you need to make a difference.

10/26/2026

Happy 🎃! Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns come to us by way of several cultures, much like our BEACON students. Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) are native to what is now the southwestern United States, through Mexico and Central America, and into Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Pumpkins have been cultivated since about 3500 B.C. and were a food staple among Native Americans, who would grow the squash along river banks next to maize and beans. Irish immigrants brought us the tradition of jack-o-lanterns, finding pumpkins much easier to carve than their native turnips.

10/22/2026

Why do BEACON students come to the U.S.? Their motivation is simple: they want to live in freedom, to make a better life for their children, to work, to be part of the community, and to give back to their neighbors.

10/21/2026

We're very excited about our Travel Training Workshop today with OmniRide! We'd love you have you join us if you are available!

🚌 Learn to Ride with Confidence!

Join OmniRide and BEACON for English Language & Literacy for a FREE Travel Training Workshop!

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
⏰ 10:15 AM
📍 Bethel Lutheran Church Gym
8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas, VA 20110

Learn how to use public transportation to get to medical appointments, access community services, visit new places, and enjoy activities in your community!

The workshop includes classroom instruction and hands-on activities to help you feel more confident using OmniRide bus services.

🚌 Did you know many OmniRide bus routes are FREE? Come learn how to get where you need to go!

Who can attend? BEACON students and members of the public are welcome!

✅ The workshop is FREE, but please register in advance.

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/zHnAFF5hd5cpKUwk9

10/20/2026

Happy ! Can you capture your memoir by writing a six-word story? When was the last time you mailed a handwritten letter, postcard, or thank you note to someone who inspires you?

Our BEACON students are learning writing skills to get ahead in school, get a job, and write letters home. Their writing inspires us.
National Council of Teachers of English

10/18/2026

📚 BEACON Winter 2026/27 English & Citizenship Class Registration Is OPEN!

Are you ready to improve your English or prepare for U.S. citizenship? BEACON is now accepting intake appointments for new students! Space is limited, so schedule your appointment today!

👉 How to Register:
Visit https://beaconliteracy.org/registration/ and click the Schedule Intake Appointment button to get started.

Winter Session Dates: November 30, 2026 – March 4, 2027
No classes December 22–31, January 18, or February 15.

Class Options:
📍 In-person classes in Manassas or online via Zoom
🌞 Morning English classes: Monday & Wednesday, 9:30–11:30 AM OR
🌙 Evening English classes: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00–9:00 PM

Citizenship Classes: In-person ONLY on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 PM.

Cost: $100 per 12-week session, including a textbook and workbook.

🌎 Need this information in another language? Visit our registration page and select your language in the top-right corner.

📣 Please share this post with friends, family, and anyone who wants to improve their English or prepare for U.S. citizenship!

Questions? Call BEACON at 703-368-7491.