“The idea that we could collaborate as a community of thinkers and readers to make literature exciting, dynamic, and really quite irresistible, is exciting to me…”
Watch more here:
For Dr. Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, the work involved in bringing a community together comes as naturally to her as breathing. In her role as the George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and in her many positions prior, Dr. Brownlee has kept community central to everything she does.
It is for her unwavering commitment to community and the transformative power of art and literacy that Dr. Brownlee is READ USA’s 2024 READ to Heal Award Honoree. The READ to Heal Award recognizes someone who embodies the importance of healing in all forms – intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Healing brings our community together and unites us in support and respect for one another, and the READ to Heal Award honoree personifies the intersection of healing and literacy – something Dr. Brownlee does on a daily basis.
Have you seen our Read Alouds that took place at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens? Check them out!
Dr. Brownlee will be honored alongside six other award winners at our upcoming Peace in the Pages in Honor of Roseann Duran luncheon on Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at EverBank Stadium. You can read more about the event here.
Learn more about Dr. Brownlee in READ USA’s recently published Jeremy’s Journey book about her here!
We look forward to celebrating Dr. Brownlee and all of our awards winners in October!
Attendance to Peace in the Pages is currently a benefit to our generous donors who support READ USA at $1,000 a year or more. You can become a READ USA sponsor here or by contacting Sydney King, READ USA Development Senior Director, at sydney@readusainc.com
Announcing Judy Howard, The Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
On the heels of last week’s announcement of the Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute, named in honor of the Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Foundation’s unprecedented gift to READ USA, today we are thrilled to announce our new senior director!
Judy Howard brings her 30+ years of experience in Duval County Public Schools (DPCS) to comprehensively elevate the literacy skills of students, teens, parents, and educators through the Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute. In her role, Judy ensures that the Institute directly and proactively supports the implementation of READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring, Family Engagement, and Literacy Professional Development for Educators programs.
“I know what I’m called to do, and that is to empower students, teachers, parents, and the community through literacy,” said Judy. “After 30 years with the school district, my role and tasks have changed – but ultimately, my assignment has not. Providing servant leadership to our community by advancing literacy is what I’m here to do, and my work with READ USA enables me to do just that.”
As the Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director, Judy leads READ USA’s family literacy workshops and literacy professional development for teachers that READ USA provides for parents, families, educators, reading coaches, paraprofessionals, and others throughout the year. All of these efforts are focused on elevating students’ literacy performance in the classroom and beyond. She also proactively seeks opportunities to further embed READ USA’s proven, evidence-based practices into the community, all with the goal of ensuring that educators, parents, and students themselves have access to resources and knowledge to improve literacy.
During her 30+ years with DCPS, Judy has been a first- through fifth-grade teacher, a reading recovery teacher, a school instructional coach and district literacy specialist, and she has held numerous leadership and administrative roles. She has twice served as an assistant principal as well as a behavior and reading interventionist, and she holds multiple national certifications. Judy earned her undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University and her master’s in education from Grand Canyon University.
Please join us in welcoming Judy to team READ USA! If you are an educator or parent and would like to learn more about free available resources, contact Judy at judy@readusainc.com.
Curious to learn more about the workshops that Judy leads in the community? Read more about that here – and stay tuned for upcoming dates!
Perfect Attendance = A (Free!) Chance to See Elmo!
Next Friday, Sept. 13, Sesame Street Live will bring Elmo and friends to the Florida Theatre!
To celebrate, READ USA and the Florida Theatre have teamed up to provide a special reward: a chance to see Elmo and his friends, FOR FREE!
Two weeks ago, Duval County Public Schools, the City of Jacksonville, and READ USA announced the “Show Up to Shine” school attendance initiative, aimed at improving school attendance rates across the district. READ USA and partners will pilot the initiative at four DCPS elementary schools that include:
- Arlington Elementary
- Jacksonville Heights Elementary
- Long Branch Elementary
- Normandy Village Elementary
As a reward for elementary students at these four schools who are participating in READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring and who have had perfect attendance so far this school year (up through this Friday, Sept. 6), those students will be entered into a random drawing to WIN four free tickets to see Elmo and friends next Friday!
READ USA will also provide transportation to the winning students and his/her family members or caregivers.
Many thanks to the Florida Theatre for helping make this fun giveaway possible! We can’t wait to select the very deserving winners and to see their smiling faces next Friday!
READ USA’s Chief Information Officer Becomes Stein Fellow
We are thrilled to share that our Chief Information Officer Holden Scyster (who also recently became a first-time father!) was selected as a 2024-2025 Stein Fellow!
Holden with our CEO Dr. Rob Kelly during his commencement ceremony at Jacksonville University after graduating with his master’s degree in May. It’s been quite a year of accomplishments for Holden!
Established by esteemed philanthropists David and Linda Stein at United Way of Northeast Florida, the Stein Fellowship is an immersive, year-long leadership and mentorship program. The purpose is to more fully prepare young professionals and tomorrow’s leaders for philanthropic leadership and personal and professional growth. As part of the program, each Fellow serves as a Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentor and is paired with a Tocqueville Society member to foster professional skills and nurture relationships.
“The Stein Fellowship is the perfect opportunity for me to grow as a leader,” Holden shared. “It is exciting to be a part of a cohort of young leaders who are committed to solving poverty in our community and mentoring future leaders in the schools through a partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I am excited to give my time and talent to support my community not only in my work with READ USA but also outside of work through volunteering and being a servant leader.”
We are quite excited for the journey that Holden is embarking upon and know that he is the perfect candidate to learn and grow through this opportunity! You can read more about the Stein Fellowship here.
Children’s Book: They’re Heroes, Too: A Celebration of Community by Pat Brisson
Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan
This week we celebrated Labor Day. Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States. It is a holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
They’re Heroes, Too: A Celebration of Community is a celebration of the everyday heroes who keep our world running smoothly.
Pat Brisson and Anait Semirdzhyan follow a young child in a red polka-dot dress and blue vest and her caretaker as they move through their diverse city. Bouncy rhyming verses identify the heroes they see, only one of whom (a pizza delivery person) wears a superhero costume. These heroes cook and serve food, drive buses, haul away garbage, deliver mail, cut hair, and lead demonstrations (in this case, against climate change).
The child points out that when kids are “brave or generous,” they are heroes, too: “You be there for me. // and I’ll be there for you.” Helping clean up a park, picking up a child’s dropped books, and sitting with someone at lunch are all things kids can do. An after-matter note states: “Heroes are people who make the world a better place through their work, generosity, and caring interactions with others. Be a HERO.” The single- and double-page spreads show readers the many friendly faces of heroes—proof that anyone can choose to be a hero.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, Tutoring Program Content Specialist
Parent Education Corner: Helping Your Child with Homework
Homework is an opportunity for children to learn and for families to be involved in their children’s education. However, helping children with homework isn't always easy.
Children need to know that their family members think homework is important. If they know their families care, children have a good reason to complete assignments and to turn them in on time. You can do many things to show your child that you value education and homework.
Here are some tips to guide the way:
- Know the teachers and what they are looking for. Attend school events, such as open house and parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child’s teachers and ask about their homework policies.
- Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure your child has a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies – paper, pencils, glue, scissors – within reach.
- Schedule a regular study time. Some children work best in the afternoon following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner. Try to keep the scheduled time consistent.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, electronic devices, or loud music.
- Make sure kids do their own work. They won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it’s a child’s job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
- Praise their work and efforts. Post a successful assignment or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives and friends.
Following these simple tips can make a big difference in your child’s success in school and demonstrate to them that their education is a priority.
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.”
-Jane D. Hull
From Nemours KidsHealth
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Content Specialist
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!