Last week, thousands of classrooms, libraries, and organizations across the country celebrated early literacy by reading the same story on the same day – and READ USA staff and volunteers were thrilled to join the movement!
Created by Jumpstart 19 years ago, the 2024 Read for the Record event on Oct. 24 featured the children’s book Piper Chen Sings by Grammy winner and Tony-nominated actress Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran (illustrated by Qin Leng).
Piper Chen Sings is a story about a young girl who loves to express herself through singing but is struck with self-doubt and nervousness when asked to perform a solo in front of an audience. Piper tells her Nai Nai that she felt “like butterflies were having a dance party” in her belly; she doesn’t feel she can sing in front of others without making a mistake. Thankfully, Nai Nai teaches Piper that feeling butterflies means “something exciting was ahead” and that recognizing and welcoming that anxious feeling would help it pass. Nai Nai’s advice empowers Piper, who finds her voice on stage.
READ USA staff and volunteers fanned out across 15 Duval County elementary students to read to hundreds of eager students, from kindergarten through 4th grade – and we had so. Much. FUN!!
Not only was the story sweet and inspiring, but its lessons also resonated with students. “Believe in yourself!” said one student when asked the moral of the story, and “don’t give up!” said another. And probably our favorite, “Butterflies can mean something good is going to happen!”
Truly, spending our Thursday morning in elementary classrooms was the highlight of our team’s week, and we are so grateful for our volunteers who joined us as well! The magic was possible because of YOU!
Thank you to the Jacksonville Public Library team for their leadership and support in helping bring our community together for Read for the Record this year! Most importantly, many thanks to the principals and teachers who welcome our staff and volunteers into your schools and classrooms last week:
- Anchor Academy
- Annie R. Morgan Elementary
- Beauclerc Elementary
- Biltmore Elementary
- Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary
- Hyde Park Elementary
- Jacksonville Heights Elementary
- Lake Lucina Elementary
- Long Branch Elementary
- North Shore Elementary
- Ramona Elementary
- Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary
- Susie E. Tolbert Elementary
- Twin Lakes Academy
- Westview K-8
We can’t wait for next year!
Leadership Jacksonville – and Jeremy! – Honor Audrey Moran
The Honorable Audrey Moran received the 2024 Frederick H. Schultz Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Jacksonville last week during a special reception dedicated to celebrating Audrey’s exceptional contributions to the people of Jacksonville.
From serving as the first female director at the State Attorney’s Office early in her career to most recently becoming a Duval County judge, Audrey’s professional accomplishments have influenced all of community’s sectors. She previously led the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and served the people of Jacksonville as Chief of Staff for Mayor John Delaney, among other positions, and earned numerous awards and accolades along her journey.
Yet it’s Audrey’s personal and endearing approach towards all whom she encounters that resonated with everyone at the Schultz Center last week – and far beyond that room as well.
- To further honor Audrey and share her story with everyone in attendance, READ USA’s Founder and Board Chair Ellen Wiss, Board Member Marla Buchanan, and READ USA supporter Judy Beaubouef generously sponsored a special edition of Audrey’s Jeremy’s Journey biography. It was given as a gift to everyone in attendance at the luncheon.
Originally published in 2022, the special edition Jeremy’s Journey biography included a dedication that spoke to Audrey’s compassion, leadership, and friendship that has lifted up so many of her loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors:
To our beloved friend Audrey,
Your life and leadership are a guiding light, generously inspiring so many of your loved ones, friends, colleagues, and others throughout their life journey and instilling a renewed and uplifted spirit in each of us. You have shown us all, through your exuberance for life and love, how we can confidently face anything with grace, courage, and kindness – even when we are called to open the door to the final chapter of our earthly existence.
For your sincerity of spirit, kindness of heart, and fortitude of mind, we thank you so deeply for what you have given us. You have contributed to and influenced so much good in our community of Jacksonville, but more importantly to our community of humanity. Thank you for being unwavering in your commitment to uplifting everyone around you, from the most prominent people and places in Jacksonville to the humblest corners of our city.
Your love and light have known no bounds, and we are forever grateful for you.
With immense love and in forever friendship,
Your many friends and loved ones
The dedication also included a link for guests to listen to the “Find It” podcast Audrey did in September with Kate Moorehead Carroll. In it, she discusses embracing the hardest personal challenge of her life with joy.
While the books and dedication were a personal contribution to Audrey, READ USA was immensely grateful to be able to share Audrey’s story through Jeremy’s voice back in 2022 – and have it featured again in celebration of Audrey during the event. Audrey has been a dear friend to READ USA since our very first book fair back in 2011, and we are forever grateful for her support and embrace of our mission.
Thank you, Audrey, for all you have done for our neighbors, our community, and beyond!
Congratulations, Dr. Dana Kriznar!
Dr. Dana Kriznar has dedicated her whole career to the students and educators of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), and last week she officially kicked off her next chapter: retirement!
READ USA was honored to join multiple other organizations as sponsors of the event, recognizing Dr. Kriznar’s immeasurable contributions to our community’s youth during the past 40+ years. A HUGE thank you to VyStar Credit Union and Foundation and our Founder and Board Chair Ellen A. Wiss for being major sponsors of the event. Many thanks also to Duval County Public Schools, MOCA Jacksonville, Teach for America, Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and United Way of Northeast Florida for their generous sponsorships to help make this celebratory event happen.
“Dr. Kriznar’s unwavering focus on the success and wellbeing of Duval County’s students has inspired countless educators across our district, including me,” said our CEO Dr. Rob Kelly, who has held numerous positions in DCPS, including elementary school teacher and district literacy specialist. “Many of us who have worked in Duval County schools have significantly benefitted from her counsel and support, but most importantly from the example she set. She is a master educator and leader whose daily presence will be missed, yet her impact will be seen and felt for years to come.”
Tributes to Dr. Kriznar emphasized her passion for students and teachers, and how, “she is the kind of person…when she gets a new job, within a very short period of time, she has not only mastered it, but she has become the ideal of the person in that job,” said former DCPS Superintendent Dr. Ed Pratt-Dannals.
City Council Member Tyrona Clark-Murray, District 9, issued a City Resolution in honor of Dr. Kriznar, and Melissa Ross, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Press Liaison for Mayor Deegan’s office, delivered remarks and congratulations on behalf of Mayor Deegan. Additional tributes came from Paula Renfro, DCPS Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Diana Greene, former DCPS Superintendent; Marsha Oliver, Senior Vice-President of Community & Public Engagement for the PGA Tour; and Walter Carr, former DCPS Principal.
While every tribute was exceptional and heartfelt, DCPS School Board Chair Darryl Willie took it a step further in addressing, “how she shows up for you…and she one of the heartbeats of Duval County Public Schools.” He authored a poem about, “walking a mile in her shoes…or her heels.”
Heart on Sleeve, Heels on Feet
For years you walked the crowded halls, answered every call, both big and small,
With every heart on sleeve and heels on feet, you led with grace, never missed a beat.
You lifted children, made them believe, your love for them is clear to see.
Through every challenge, through every feat, you stood with courage, heels on feet.
Now comes a time to rest and pause,
But you know you left a lasting cause.
Your heart on sleeve, your steady beat, will echo on, through heels on feet.
So now that you walk your final mile, know you changed lives with every smile.
Heart on sleeve, heels on feet; your legacy, forever sweet.
Team READ USA was honored to celebrate you, Dr. Kriznar! We are forever grateful for the lasting impact you have had not only on the students and teachers of Duval County Public Schools, but on many of our team members who have had the honor and privilege to serve alongside you during the past 40+ years.
Lions, and Tigers, and B… Books!
The Wild Reading Safari this past weekend at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens was full of family fun, animals, and our favorite thing: books!
Hosted annually by ESC4Kids, formerly known as Episcopal Children’s Services, the event was a celebration of literacy and the importance of encouraging early literacy in children. This was READ USA’s first year participating and we were thrilled to give out over 120 free books to children along with Reading Activity Guides!
“We brought three languages of our Reading Activity Guides – English, Spanish, and Portuguese – which are actually available in nine languages from READ USA,” said Stephanie Darilus, our Operations Senior Director. “We had a number of Spanish-speaking families in attendance, and those parents really appreciate having them available in their native language!”
ECS4Kids President and CEO Dr. Natalya Roby did a read aloud for children, as did Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and Melissa Ross, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Press Liaison for Mayor Donna Deegan.
Thank you to our fabulous volunteers for their support on Saturday, and to ESC4Kids for inviting READ USA to participate! We look forward to next year!
Children’s Book: The Smallest Girl in The Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts
The Smallest Girl in The Smallest Grade is a beautifully illustrated picture book that empowers students to discover their own ways and to make a difference in the world. Sally, the smallest girl in her class, is the subject of this story. Sometimes, Sally is overlooked due to her quiet nature, but in the end, she makes a significant impact on her classmates and her school community.
Sally quietly watched her classmates and adults exhibit unkind behavior until one day she expressed her concern about the negative impact of bullying and the impact it has had on the school's culture.
This story is full of messages about bravery, courage, and leadership. When students receive the message about small acts of kindness, they begin to realize that bullying is not a normal or accepted behavior. The theme of this story is centered on kindness and acceptance, which moves us past exclusion and judgment. The Smallest Girl in The Smallest Grade is a great story to help prevent the spread of bullying.
Parent Education Corner: Literacy Activities for Preschoolers – Find Time to Rhyme
As parents we try to help our children navigate the exciting journey of learning to read – while also wanting reading to be fun! Children grow and learn in many ways, and language and literacy for preschoolers can take many forms. Many children learn best when they can be active, connect to the real world, and learn through play.
Here are a few literacy activities that take only a little paper or preparation and can fill your home with movement, letters, sounds, and word fun!
Find Time to Rhyme
Language and literacy for toddlers start with the spoken word and the recognition of patterns. Rhyming literacy activities help them connect to the similarities in different sounds and words to pave the way for more confident literacy skills further down the road.
Rhyming Ball – It’s easier for children to recognize rhyming words than it is to come up with them. In this game, children can show the rhymes they know. Sit facing each other a few feet apart and roll a ball to your child. Then say two words. If the words rhyme (truck, duck), your child should roll the ball back to you. If the words don’t rhyme (red, cat), your child should keep the ball until you offer a pair of rhyming words.
Rhyme Workout – Get kids to stretch their rhyming muscles! When you call out a word, your child has to think of the body part that rhymes with that word and then touch it. Model a few examples: I say “jelly” then you touch your (belly) and I say “hear” then your touch your (ear). Then do the workout with your child! Call out the rhyming word: I say “snow” then your touch your _______ and then say the rhyme together as you both move – “snow, toe!” Go through as many body parts as you can (feet, knees, head, arm, hand, cheek, hair, neck, back, etc.) Keep your child thinking and moving by changing up the rhyming words when you repeat body parts (grow, toe).
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Teacher
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!