“Attending the READ USA Book Fairs was truly inspiring…” is what Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Board Member Melody Bolduc, District 7, shared after visiting her first READ USA Book Fairs last week – and we are so grateful for her support and feedback!
Mrs. Bolduc continued, “Watching our students light up as they chose two books—completely free, thanks to the generosity of READ USA, our School Board partnership, and dedicated donors—was a beautiful reminder of the power of access and choice in fostering a love for reading.”
The power of access and choice is precisely why our donors and volunteers continue to support READ USA Book Fairs year after year, and why our gratitude leaves us (at times) speechless!
If you have not yet experienced a READ USA Book Fair, NOW is the time to JOIN US as a volunteer!
“It was inspiring to watch Mrs. Bolduc interact with the students at both Twin Lakes Academy Elementary and Crown Point Elementary. As an educator herself, you can see how much passion and genuine care she has for our students and their success,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. “For Mrs. Bolduc to witness the return on the School Board’s investment – the same return that our team and volunteers witness at every READ USA Book Fair – was a joyful and highly gratifying experience. The children’s enthusiasm for reading and for books makes all the effort it takes to host the Book Fairs every year more than worth it.”
Thank you to The Honorable Melody Bolduc for visiting the Twin Lakes Academy Elementary and Crown Point Elementary Book Fairs last week – you gave the students another reason to smile! And a huge thank you to DCPS for providing the majority of funding for READ USA Book Fairs this year!
Speaking of Crown Point Elementary School, we also want to recognize one of our foundational READ USA Book Fair donors: the DuBow family.
Students enjoy the Beauclerc Elementary School Book Fair, one of two sponsored by the DuBow family.
“The DuBow family were vital catalysts in expanding our Book Fairs from one to multiple fairs in 2015 when we officially became a 501(c)3,” shared our Co-Founder and Board Chair Ellen Wiss. “Without the DuBow’s support at that time, READ USA Book Fairs would not have gained the momentum that they did a decade ago – which has continued strong through today.”
The DuBow family not only provided financial support that helped READ USA Book Fairs expand from one to multiple elementary schools, but they were key to making introductions to new donors for READ USA as a new nonprofit organization.
Students enjoy the Beauclerc Elementary School Book Fair, one of two sponsored by the DuBow family.
“They helped us solidify the adopt-a-school fundraising concept for READ USA Book Fairs and brought new donors to our mission and purpose behind the Book Fairs,” added Wiss. “They also were key donors who committed multi-year gifts to matching challenge grants, giving READ USA the investment we needed as we transitioned to a full-time, staff-run organization. The DuBows and other donors – several of whom they introduced to READ USA – are recognized in perpetuity as Founders for the Future.”
Every year since, the DuBow family has remained ardent supporters of the READ USA Book Fairs, “adopting” both Beauclerc Elementary and Crown Point Elementary schools for many years.
Team READ USA is grateful for the DuBow family’s consistent support of READ USA Book Fairs, and for empowering thousands of students with book access and choice in what they read for the past 10 years!
READ USA Book Fairs continue through Friday, May 9, so sign up today to join us as a volunteer!
Get to Know: Mitzi Jones, Book Fair Lead Volunteer
Mitzi is in the middle holding the books during GRASP Academy’s Book Fair.In celebration of National Volunteer Week, recognized this year from April 20-26, we’re continuing to feature our fabulous Book Fair Lead Volunteers.
This week, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Mitzi Jones!
For the past six or so years, Mitzi and her husband, Herb, have been very involved in supporting local children’s activities. She and Herb, who are raising their grandson, Hunter, volunteered with their local Cub Scout group before she became the PTA President of GRASP Academy, which Hunter attends. As PTA President, Mitzi has been very involved with GRASP Academy students and student initiatives, driven by her personal passion for education – which is also why she loves volunteering her time with READ USA:
“What I love about READ USA is that children don’t have to buy books at the Book Fairs and they can choose any book that’s there that interests them! To me, a book becomes a part of me whenever I read it, so for children to pick up a book, hold it, and discover what’s in it…that’s very important to me. We can open doors for children, but books open doors to endless possibilities. They can do anything they want if they can read,” Mitzi said.
She also shared this from a GRASP Academy teacher: “Ms. Watson, 5th grade, was thrilled that we had a table set up for our students who spoke Spanish or were learning Spanish.” The teacher went on to say how grateful she was that so many Spanish titles were included. To note, READ USA was proud to provide over 40 different titles in Spanish at this year’s Book Fairs. “She had chills and was so happy to see her students excited about their books. They picked up Spanish and English books.”
Mitzi continued, “And it’s so important for children to be able to put their name in the book! They know it’s theirs and they really enjoy that. I always make a big deal about that, and they love it! They get to start or build their own libraries at home!!”
We share your excitement, Mitzi! This is precisely why READ USA Book Fairs began years ago! Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm for children, education, and books with students and volunteers across Duval County! Your support is invaluable!
Get to Know: Brianna Thomas, Book Fair Lead Volunteer
Brianna Thomas tutoring at Lake Lucina Elementary.
In addition to volunteering her time at this year’s Book Fairs, Brianna has also been a READ USA tutor since September 2023. She has tutored every semester since then and is now in her fourth semester as a tutor, serving currently at Lake Lucina Elementary. Brianna also participated in our Summer Leadership Academy last summer.
Further demonstrating her commitment to students and their success, Brianna also currently serves as a substitute teacher for Duval County Public Schools through ESS.
“I volunteer at READ USA Book Fairs because I enjoy seeing the smiles on students faces when they find a book they can keep and enjoy. When they realize they are able to keep the books they picked out, it makes them more excited to go home and read. Also being able to be a part of the process to help them choose a book of their interest is very joyful to me,” she shared.
It makes us very joyful as well, Brianna! Thank you for your dedication to the students of Duval County, who you positively influence in so many ways as a tutor, substitute teacher, and volunteer! We are grateful you’re a part of Team READ USA!
Did You Feel the ROAR?
The applause was so thunderous at Pinedale Elementary School that you probably not only heard it, but felt it, too!
The 500+ students at Pinedale Elementary experienced a Literacy Locker Room last week, where they not only got to participate in a literacy-themed pep rally, but they also received one free book of their choice!
Sponsored by the Florida Lottery, the Literacy Locker Room event brought Jacksonville Jaguars Legend Neal Sterling, formerly #87, to do a read aloud with the students. He was joined by ROAR of the Jaguars members Alex and Lexi – and of course, Jaxson de Ville himself!
“Adriel Rocha, Vice President of Community Impact and Football Development, created Literacy Locker Rooms so the Jaguars could play a larger role in promoting literacy in our community. They continue to be a highlight of the school year for many students across Duval,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. “The energy and excitement the players share with the students while emphasizing the importance of literacy from a sports perspective creates lifelong memories for these young students. These events are both meaningful and fun, and we are immensely grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Jaguars and Jaguars Foundation.”
Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars and to Adriel Rocha and Michael Carnahan, Jaguars Foundation Community Impact Senior Manager, for making the Literacy Locker Rooms possible! Thank you also to the Florida Lottery for sponsoring the event and giving every student a free book to take home and keep!
Special Guest Visits Literacy Tutoring
Team READ USA has had multiple reasons to visit the students and teens at Twin Lakes Academy Elementary recently, and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it!
Not only did the Twin Lakes Academy Elementary Book Fair occur last week, but we also had a special guest visit the students and teens in Literacy Tutoring at Twin Lakes. Kirsten Martino, a local small business owner and community advocate, took the time to observe Literacy Tutoring and Workforce Development in action, meet our teen tutors and students, and speak with our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly about all the multi-pronged impact of Literacy Tutoring.
“At the core of our workforce development model is our comprehensive Literacy Tutoring program that brings elementary students up to grade-level reading proficiency,” shared Dr. Kelly. “Through Literacy Tutoring, our teen tutors gain valuable workforce skills – skills that position them to succeed in any future career they choose, be it college, trade certifications, or any other professional pathway. While reading proficiency is vital for our elementary students, it’s our workforce development outcomes that also generate a lot of interest and support for READ USA – particularly among the business community. It was a privilege to host Kirsten, and we appreciate her taking the time with Team READ USA!”
Kirsten and her husband, Josh, are highly active both as small business owners and philanthropists in the greater Jacksonville area. Kirsten has served on the boards of the St. Vincent’s Foundation and Jacksonville Country Day School; she is also a graduate of the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative and is a member of the Women’s Giving Alliance, both affiliated with the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.
Thank you to Kirsten for experiencing Literacy Tutoring first-hand – and to the tutors and students at Twin Lakes for your warm welcome, as usual!
Children’s Book: Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost, edited by Gary D. Schmidt
Illustrated by Henri Sorensen
This book introduces the works of one of America’s most celebrated poets in a way that is accessible to children. This edition is part of the Poetry for Young People series, which aims to present classic poetry to younger audiences engagingly and educationally.
Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost features 25 of his poems, selected for their appeal to young readers. These poems are thoughtfully organized by the four seasons, allowing readers to experience the cycles of nature and its environment through Frost’s eyes.
Each poem is accompanied by a brief note by the editor, Gary Schmidt, providing context and insights that enhance understanding without being overly complicated. The watercolor illustrations by Henri Sorensen are a standout feature of natural settings that often inspired Frost’s poetry. The illustrations complement the poems beautifully, adding depth and visual appeal that enrich the reading experience.
This book serves as an excellent resource for educators and parents seeking to introduce children to poetry. The combination of carefully selected poems, informative notes, and engaging illustrations makes it a valuable tool for teaching literary appreciation and understanding the themes of a poem. The seasonal organization also provides opportunities to integrate the book into lessons about nature, the environment, and the changing seasons.
Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost is a great edition that brings the timeless poetry of Robert Frost to a new generation. Through its selection of poems, insightful commentary, and beautiful illustrations, it offers an enriching experience that can foster a lifelong appreciation for poetry and the natural world.
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Parent Education Corner: Boosting Fluency through Poetry: A Fun and Effective Approach
Reading fluency is crucial for your child’s overall reading success. It refers to the ability to read text smoothly and with accuracy and expression. Poetry is a wonderful way to boost fluency because of its rhythmic patterns, repetition, and rich language. Here’s how poetry can help your child:
- Repetition and Rhythm: Poems often feature repeating words, phrases, and structures, which help reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation. This rhythm allows children to internalize language patterns and increases their comfort with reading.
- Engagement: Poetry is fun! Its creative nature, combined with rhyme and rhythm, can capture your child's attention in a way that traditional reading materials sometimes don’t. This engagement makes reading feel less like a task and more like a delightful experience.
- Improved Expression: Poetry allows children to practice reading with expression. Rhythm, mood, and emotion revealed in a poem encourage young readers to vary their tone and pace, fostering better fluency and comprehension.
Support at Home
You can easily incorporate poetry into your child’s daily reading routine. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Read Aloud Together: Take turns reading poems aloud. This practice not only builds fluency but reading aloud helps your child hear how fluent reading should sound. Emphasize the rhythm and pauses in the lines.
- Memorize Favorite Poems: Encouraging your child to memorize a short poem can be a fun and rewarding way to enhance fluency. It helps them become more confident readers while strengthening their memory and understanding of language.
- Create a Poetry Corner: Prepare a space in your home dedicated to poetry—be it a special book collection, printed poems on the wall, or even a fun “Poetry of the Week” activity. Let your child explore different poems and discover their favorites!
- Use Rhymes and Songs: Many children’s songs are poems with melodies! Sing songs together and focus on the rhyme and rhythm. This will help develop your child’s ear for language, which is key to fluent reading.
Poems to Try
To get started, here are a few classic poems that are perfect for building fluency:
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (Traditional)
- “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson
- “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll
- “Hey Diddle Diddle” (Traditional Nursery Rhyme)
Incorporating poetry into your child’s reading practice can be a fun, interactive, and highly effective way to boost fluency. By reading and enjoying poems together, your child will continue to develop stronger reading skills while having a great time doing it!
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!