Winter 2016 Newsletter - Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County

www.LiteracyPBC.org • Winter 2016
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Lisa Koza, Northern Trust
Vice Presidents
Susan Rabinowtiz, Bank of America
Tom Streit, Akerman LLP
Secretary
Kathy Metzger, Florida Crystals Corporation
Treasurer
Lynn Kalber, Community Volunteer
Parliamentarians
Dr. Robert Gingras, Palm Beach State College
Joan Williams, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart
& Shipley, P.A.
Bettina Young, Community Volunteer
Immediate Past President
Robert Patterson, SunTrust
DIRECTORS
Aurora Arthay, Palm Beach County Library System
Dr. Regine Bataille, Gentle Medicine Associates
Elizabeth Cayson, Health Care District of
Palm Beach County
Maggie Dickenson*, U.S. Bank
David Fleisher, Lynn University
Laurie L. Gildan*, Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Sharon Hill, Community Volunteer
Alma Horne, Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee
Julia Jennison, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Lawrence Katz, Wells Fargo
Dean Lavallee, Park Avenue BBQ & Grille
Dr. Joseph Lee, School District of Palm Beach County
Amanda Lundergan, Ice Legal, P.A.
Ken Montgomery, Barnabas Consulting Group, Inc.
Kellyn Muller, International Materials, Inc.
Ginny Neal, Neal, Crossman & Associates
Bernadette O’Grady*, WPTV NewsChannel 5
Peter Robbins, Florida Power & Light
Carol Rose, The Palm Beach Post
Lourdes Sanchez, Om Yoga Wellness Studios
Sheryl Simon, TD Bank
Kenneth G. Spillias*, Town of Ocean Ridge
Kelly Starling, AT&T
Matthew Turko, Haile, Shaw & Pfaffenberger, P.A.
Nancy Vera, C
ommunity Volunteer
* Past President
Founding President
Gale G. Howden
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Kristin Calder
ADVISORY PANEL
Kathy Adkins, Community Volunteer
Dr. Alina Alonso, Palm Beach County Health Department
Elaine Alvarez, Community Volunteer
Ryan Beiser, PNC Bank
Michael Bracci, Northern Trust
Cheryl Budd, NCCI Holdings, Inc.
Tim Burke, The Palm Beach Post
Marta Casas-Celaya, Comcast
Laura Corry, South Florida Water Management District
Douglas Crane, Palm Beach County Library System
Phil DiComo, Haile Shaw & Pfaffenberger, P.A.
Nancy Dockerty, Dockerty Romer
George Elmore, Hardrives
Dennis Grady, Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
Karen Granger, Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Honorable Susan Haynie, Mayor of Boca Raton
Leanna Landsmann, Scripps Florida
The Honorable Jeri Muoio, Mayor of West Palm Beach
Elizabeth Neuhoff, Neuhoff Communications
Jennifer O’Flannery, Nova Southeastern University
Stacy Ostrau, Sun-Sentinel
Ava Parker, Palm Beach State College
Val Perez, TD Bank
Jonathan Porges, Greater Boynton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
Rocki Rockingham, Jarden Consumer Solutions
Dr. Kevin Ross, Lynn University
Cindi Russamano, Gunster
Tim Snow, The George Snow Scholarship Fund
Shelley Vana, PBC Board of County Commissioners
Samantha Vassallo, SunTrust
Anne Vegso, Peter Vegso & Kim Weiss, HCI Communications
Florida Literacy Coalition and ProLiteracy Member
On the cover: AmeriCorps members Samatha Haverly,
Alexis Luis and Morris Jaspers take their oath of service.
Leading Through Reading
A Message from our CEO
Literacy Coalition
Recognized In Top 2% of
Charities Nationwide
Leading through Reading has been the
tagline of the Literacy Coalition since
2009. It represents that we are leading
adults, children and families to gain
literacy skills and empowering them
to succeed in life as they embrace
reading in their daily lives as students,
employees, parents and citizens.
Through extensive outreach and
collaboration with a network of
community partners, the Literacy
Coalition is working to address these
needs with services by our Literacy
AmeriCorps, Adult and Family Literacy
programs and Children’s Literacy
programs like Budding Readers, Reach
Out and Read and Building Better
Readers, which support our efforts
with the National Campaign for Grade
Level Reading.
We are excited to announce a fantastic
event season to celebrate reading and
support literacy. Please join us to be a
part of this important chapter as we
work toward improving the quality of
life in our community by promoting
and achieving literacy.
Literacy Coalition Recognized In Top
2% of Charities Nationwide
The Literacy Coalition has earned our
seventh consecutive 4-star rating from
Charity Navigator. Receiving four out
of a possible four stars indicates that
our organization adheres to good
governance and other best practices
that minimize the chance of unethical
activities and consistently executes
our mission in a fiscally responsible
way. Only 2% of the charities rated
have received at least 7 consecutive
4-star evaluations, indicating that
the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach
County outperforms most other
charities in America. This “exceptional”
designation differentiates the Literacy
Coalition of Palm Beach County from
its peers and demonstrates to the
public it is worthy of your trust.
-- Kristin Calder
The Literacy Coalition participated in the
2015 Charlie Brown Christmas Forever
Stamp Dedication at Palm Beach Children’s
Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center in
West Palm Beach. The Coalition made
a book donation for the young patients
at the hospital and the students who
attended and performed at the event.
Curlita Rogers-Saunders, Custom Relations Coordinator for West Palm Beach, United States Postal Service (USPS),
Shelley Vana, Palm Beach County Commissioner, Kristin Calder, Literacy Coalition CEO and Richard Fermo,
Postmaster, West Palm Beach, USPS.
Our Mission
Only 2% of the charities rated have received at least seven
consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Literacy
Coalition of Palm Beach County outperforms most other
charities in America.
The mission of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach
County is to improve the quality of life in our
community by promoting and achieving literacy.
The Literacy Coalition’s AmeriCorps
program has played a vital role in
helping to improve literacy in Palm
Beach County since 1997. The Coalition
trains, supervises and places 40
members who dedicate a year of service
at 66 sites throughout our community.
Each year, the members contribute
68,000 hours of service as graduation
coaches, reading tutors, college
readiness coaches and mentors in
schools, libraries, family literacy centers
and community based organizations
throughout Palm Beach County.
Last year Literacy AmeriCorps
members:
• assisted 852 adult learners with reading, English and
employability skills
• coached, tutored and mentored 1,312 at-risk youth for academic success
• tutored 168 children to improve reading skills
• provided homework help to
342 children
Anne Watts, Assistant Library Director
at the Boynton Beach City Library, sees
firsthand the impact of the members
on the 16-18 students who attend the
teen discussion group each session,
with the middle school students who
attend the homework help class each
day and with the 100 students that
attend four adult literacy classes held
daily. She says, “Our AmeriCorps
members are as good as it gets.”
James Rhoads, director of training and
education at The Lord’s Place, sees the
impact, too. He says, “The heartfelt
caring effort of the AmeriCorps
members, along with The Lord’s Place
staff, provides the missing human link
for many homeless who come through
our agency. Their efforts play an
integral part in assisting more than 300
homeless clients each year to obtain
apprenticeship opportunities and even
find employment.”
“
I will get things done for
America, to make our
people safer, smarter,
and healthier. I will bring
Americans together
to strengthen our
communities. Faced with
apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will
seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will
persevere. I will carry this
commitment with me this
year and beyond. I am an
AmeriCorps member, and
I’m getting things done!
“
Getting Things
Done for Literacy
AmeriCorps
Oath of Service
One of the greatest legacies for
Palm Beach County and the Literacy
Coalition is the large number of
members who remain in Palm Beach
County after their year of service.
They have become leaders in our
community-based organizations and
companies, adding significant value to
our workforce.
For more information on how you
can support the Literacy AmeriCorps
program, contact the Literacy Coalition.
Literacy AmeriCorps member Dave Neifeld
tutors a student at the Literacy Coalition’s
Village Readers program in Delray Beach.
Right to left: Mary Chaffee, Andrew Bourizk and
Irijah Kanoyton take the Oath of Service.
40 full time Literacy
AmeriCorps
members in Palm
Beach County
contribute over
68,000 HOURS
of service each
year in local tutoring,
mentoring, teaching
and community
Read for
the Record
2015
The Literacy Coalition celebrated the 2015 Read for the Record
on October 22 by coordinating 800 local volunteers to read to
14,000 children at 300 childcare centers and schools throughout
Palm Beach County. The campaign was funded locally by PNC
Bank and featured the book, Not Norman, by Kelly Bennett.
The main event was held at the Barnes & Noble and
PetSmart in Boynton Beach. Children from the community
and the Literacy Coalition’s early literacy and family literacy
programs attended along with Tiny Tikes Academy and West
Palm Beach Junior Academy preschool classes. Children
enjoyed story time with guest celebrity readers Tania Rogers,
WPTV NewsChannel 5, and Kim Reckley, PNC Bank, went
on a scavenger hunt and participated in additional hands-on
activities.
Mayors and public officials competed in our annual contest
to see which municipality would have the greatest number
of community leaders reading. Out of 16 participating
municipalities, 225 officials and staff members read at more
than 111 centers to 7,020 children. The City of Boynton Beach
won for larger cities where 65 adults read to 1,814 students and
the Town of Lantana, the winner for smaller municipalities,
had 28 adults read to 610 students. Honorable mentions went
Cindy Pilloni, PNC Bank, Ashton Parfitt, Barnes & Noble, Kristin
Calder, Literacy Coalition, Tania Rogers, WPTV NewsChannel 5,
Kim Reckley, PNC Bank and Jason Hawkins, PetSmart
to the City of West Palm Beach, the Village of Palm Springs
and the City of Lake Worth.
We thank everyone who supported Read for the Record and give
a special thanks to the members of the Palm Beach County
Fire Rescue, who had 75 firefighters from 25 fire stations read
to more than 2,000 students throughout the county.
Mayors and city officials
make literacy a priority
Dr. Joseph Lee, Kristin Calder, Marta Casas-Celaya, Richard Radcliffe
and Dr. David Christiansen
The Literacy Coalition hosted
the 8th annual Mayors’
Literacy Initiative Luncheon
at the Flagler Steakhouse
at The Breakers, Palm Beach, September 16 to provide
updates for Mayors and city officials about literacy and
education issues. Held in partnership with The Palm
Beach County League of Cities, Inc. and sponsored
by Comcast, the Literacy Coalition encouraged
participation in our literacy efforts including “Read for
the Record” and “Read Together Palm Beach County”.
Featured speaker Dr. David Christiansen, Deputy
Superintendent for the School District of Palm Beach
County, was introduced by Dr. Joseph Lee, an Assistant
Superintendent with the School District. Our
2015-2016 Literacy AmeriCorps members also took
their oath of service administered by City of Boynton
Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor.
Caitlin Cantrell, Dr. David Christiansen, Chip Block, Mayor Daniel J.
Comerford, III and Ryan Flynn
Lori LaVerriere and Mayor Jerry Taylor photographed with a special
Read for the Record “Not Norman” cake from Diva-licious Cake
House.
Dawn Pardo, Shelley Vana, Mayor Susan Haynie, Debbie Manzo, Robert
Weinroth, Paula Bousquet and Mayor Sam Ferreri
Mayor Tom Lynch, Kristin Calder, Mayor Jeri Muoio and Mayor
Thomas Masters
DAVID BALDACCI Headlines
25th Love of Literacy Luncheon
Thursday,
March 10, 2016
11:30 a.m.
West Palm Beach
Raymond F. Kravis Center
for the Performing Arts
Cohen Pavilion
Made possible by
The Literacy Coalition is proud to welcome David Baldacci,
international bestselling author and literacy advocate, as
our featured speaker for the 25th Annual Love of Literacy
Luncheon on Thursday, March 10 at the Kravis Center in
West Palm Beach. The event is being chaired by Bettina
Young and sponsored by Bank of America.
David Baldacci published his first novel, Absolute Power,
in 1996. A major motion picture adaptation followed, with
Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has
published 30 novels for adults; all have been national and
international bestsellers, and several have been adapted
for film and television. His novels have been translated
into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80
countries; over 110 million copies are in print worldwide.
David has also published five novels for younger readers,
including the #1 bestseller The Finisher, which is in
development as a feature film.
While David is involved with several philanthropic
organizations, his greatest efforts are dedicated to his
family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David
and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation
supports family and adult literacy in the United States by
fostering and promoting the development and expansion
of literacy and educational programs.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Platinum Sponsor $10,000
• Receive recognition in all publicity
• Name on produced media
• Full-page ad in event program with prime placement
• Recognition from podium
• Reserved table for ten with prime seating
• Name on sponsor board at luncheon
• Signed copy of a David Baldacci book
• Private reception with speaker (for 10 guests)
Gold Sponsor $4,500
• Receive recognition in all publicity
• Name on produced media
• Full-page ad in event program
• Recognition from podium
• Reserved table for ten with priority seating
• Name on sponsor board at luncheon
• Private reception with speaker (for 6 guests)
Silver Sponsor $3,000
• Recognition in event program and publicity
• Reserved table for ten with preferred seating
• Half-page ad in program book
• Name on sponsor board at luncheon
• Private reception with speaker (for 4 guests)
Table Sponsor $1,500
• Reserved table for ten
• Recognition in event program and publicity
All sponsors have the option to have two adult literacy
students or AmeriCorps members at their table.
Patron Ticket $300
• Includes a personal color photograph with speaker at a
private reception prior to the luncheon. • Patron ticket(s) to private reception will be mailed.
Individual Ticket $150
• No ticket(s) will be mailed.
• Registration is complete upon payment.
Ad Sponsor
• Half Page $175 • Full Page $275
• Back inside cover $500
Please mail payment to:
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
3651 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
www.LiteracyPBC.org
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED
FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 AND
REFERRING TO CH3135. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE COALITION’S FEDERAL I.D. IS #65-0169781 AND
100% OF THIS CONTRIBUTION GOES TO THE LITERACY COALITION OF PALM BEACH COUNTY.
PLEASE NOTE TICKET SALES AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. FAIR MARKET
VALUE OF GOODS AND SERVICES RECEIVED ESTIMATED AT $36.60 PER PERSON. ANY
PAYMENT IN EXCESS OF $36.60 IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
The wheels are turning for the Loop the Lake
Sixth Annual
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Join us for the 6th Annual Loop the Lake for Literacy
on Saturday, February 6, 2016. This fun and exciting
cycling event fosters economic development in
the Glades area and helps raise much needed
funds for the Literacy Coalition’s efforts including
our Glades Family Education program in Belle
Glade serving the Tri-City Glades area. The event
is being chaired by Elizabeth Cayson and Tom
Streit. Visit LooptheLakeforLiteracy.org to register
as an individual or a team and to learn more
about sponsorship opportunities starting at $500.
Participants who fundraise more than $200 can ride
for free in the event and those who raise more than
$400 can ride for free and earn a free Loop the Lake
jersey. Register a team of 9 and the 10th rider is free.
Bronze Sponsor
Lori and Steve Leveen ride in Loop the Lake.
Kick-off Reception
A Loop the Lake for Literacy Kick-off was celebrated
Monday, November 16 at Table 26 in West Palm
Beach in honor of our 2016 “sweet” supporters
including Florida Crystals Corporation, Domino
Sugar, the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative and
Levenger Foundation.
Karin Cabrera, Cesar and Marcella Contreras and Christopher
Hopkins
Bob and Karen Marks
John Bartosek and
Dr. Joseph Lee
John Metzger, Brian O’Malley, Kristin Calder, Tom Streit and Kathy
Metzger
Len and Barbara Gray, Kristin Calder, Andrew Travieso and Christy Potter
Rob Kennedy, Janet Longenecker,
Sharon Doyle and Sheryl Simon
Kathy Metzger, John
Metzger and Evelyn
Hopkins
Lori and Jeff Ritter
The results of the Great Grown-Up
Spelling Bee are in!
Thanks to some competitive spellers, the
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
raised more than $42,000 with the
Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee. The event
was held Oct. 15 at the Harriet Himmel
Theater at City Place and was chaired by
Literacy Coalition Board Members
Dr. Rob Gingras and Ginny Neal.
Nearly 20 teams competed in the spelloff. After 22 rounds, it came down to
3 teams: Palm Beach State College,
NextEra Energy and Duffy Sports Grill
All-Stars. The Duffy’s team clinched the
Dr. Rob Gingras, Amanda Lundergan, Ginny Neal,
Ariane Miller, Tom Ice, Buzzby Book Bee (Ken
Montgomery), Lisa Koza and Kristin Calder
win by spelling the word ENCEPHALON.
Palm Beach State College placed second.
The Literacy Coalition is grateful for
Presenting Beekeeper Sponsor
the support from Presenting Sponsor
LegalYou; Bee Hive Sponsor Publix Super
Markets Charities; Bee Wordmaster Mike
Sfiropoulos, Palm Beach State College;
Bee Hive Sponsor
Bee judges Dr. William Mech, Florida
Atlantic University, Lourdes Marx, Palm
Beach State College, and Carol Rose,
The Palm Beach Post; and Master of
BEE TEAMS
Akerman LLP
Ceremonies Jon Shainman of WPTV
Duffy’s Sports Grill All-Stars
NewsChannel 5. Proceeds benefit the
Duffy’s Sports Grill MVPs
many programs of the Literacy Coalition. Florida Crystals Corporation
Winning bee team Duffy’s Sports Grill All-Stars:
Jayme Bennett, Mina Le and Tina Maura
Second place team Palm Beach State College: Allen
Weber, Cheryl Zimmerman, Ken Montgomery and
Becky Mercer
Third place team NextEra Energy: Kevin Maida,
Jennifer Belger, Orin Shakerdge and Ken Montgomery
Bee Hive Sponsor Publix Super Markets Charities
team: Laurie Cripe, Al Banks and Coleen Schaefer
Mike Sfiropoulos, Lourdes Marx, Ken Montgomery
Carol Rose and Dr. William Mech
Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System
Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Haile, Shaw & Pfaffenberger, P.A.
LegalYou
Levenger
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Lynn University
NextEra Energy
Palm Beach State College
The Palm Beach Post
Publix Super Markets Charities
SV Microwave
TD Bank
WPBF 25 News
LETTER SPONSORS
A: AT&T
a: Allianz Championship
B: Bernadette O’Grady
C: Dr. Regine Bataille, Gentle Medicine Associates
c: Allianz Championship
D: Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.
E: Elizabeth Cayson
F: Fox Rothschild LLP
G: The Gildan Family
H: Alma Horne
K: Lisa Koza
L: Lynn Kalber and Scott Eyman
M:The Metzger Family
N: Ginny R. Neal
O: Om Yoga & Wellness Studios
Q: Park Avenue BBQ & Grille
R: Dr. Regine Bataille, Gentle Medicine Associates
S: Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.
T: AT&T
V: The Vera Family
X: Ken Spillias
Y: Bettina Young
Z: Tom Ztreit
One Book, One Community
The Light in the Ruins
Chosen as the 2016
Read Together Book
2016
2002
2004
2006
2008
The 2016 Read Together Palm Beach County book
was announced by Campaign Chairman Sharon Hill
at a “Celebration of Reading” event at the Blume
Literacy Center on December 2nd. The Light in
the Ruins, by New York Times bestselling author
Chris Bohjalian, is historical fiction set against
an exquisitely rendered Italian countryside that
unveils a breathtaking story of moral paradox,
human frailty and the mysterious ways of the heart.
2010
2012
2014
same time. The community comes
together at various events to discuss
key themes in the book including a
finale event and book signing with marks are trademarks of American Girl.
All rightsRead
reserved.
All American
Girl
Together
Partners
the author.
Copyright © 2013 American Girl.
Read Together Committee
licensed from American Girl Programs.
Aurora Arthay
Craig Clark
Laura Cunningham
David Fleisher
Laurie Gildan
Robert Gingras
Mim Harrison
Lisa Hathaway
Sharon Hill
Lynn Kalber
Esther LaBovick
Tina Maura
Deborah Nix
Carol Rose
Christina Wood
American Girl Fashion Show is
The book is at the center of our 8th biennial “one
book, one community” campaign in which adults
throughout the County read the same book at the
Visit LiteracyPBC.org to learn more about Read Together events and how you can get a copy of the book.
American Girl
Fashion Show
Make plans to join the Literacy Coalition on Saturday, April 16 for the
4th Annual American Girl Fashion Show to see historical American Girls
come to life. The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls
and their families, friends and favorite dolls. Celebrate the experience
of being a girl, yesterday and today, through a colorful presentation of
historical and contemporary fashions. More than 100 local girls will walk
the runway in genuine American Girl clothing while carrying a matching
doll from the American Girl collection. During each of the three shows,
attendees will enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door
prizes and discover how clothing has changed over the years to
reflect history, culture and girls' individual styles. The event, which is
co-chaired by Literacy Coalition board members Maggie Dickenson and
Nancy Vera, raises funds for the Literacy Coalition's children’s education
programs. For more details, visit LiteracyPBC.org. Thanks to our sponsors:
Door prizes!
Three
shows!
nts!
e
m
h
s
e
r
f
Re
Children’s
Literacy
Volunteers Changing
Lives with Literacy
The Literacy Coalition is in the midst of our second year
of recruiting and training adult volunteers for our newest
program, Building Better Readers, to help children in Palm
Beach County improve their reading skills and enhance
their chances for long-term academic success.
We have surpassed the milestone of 100 volunteers tutoring
children in first and second grades in 23 elementary schools
throughout the County and tutoring children in reading
afterschool at our Blume Literacy Center.
Teachers, parents and tutors are seeing the results of improved reading and increased confidence in the
students. The experience is equally rewarding for the tutors. A couple of volunteers have shared why they
volunteer:
Why I Volunteer:
“I am loving the kids I work with. Their teacher
said she sees a great deal of improvement with the
three students I work with! She told me they look
forward to my sessions each week. I truly feel I am
making a difference in their reading skills.”
– Maria B.
“Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity
to impact a child’s life. After 33 years of teaching it
was wonderful to be back in a classroom and to have
the joy of working with students. The three boys I’m
working with are eager to have another adult dote on
them with praise and build reading confidence!”
– Judy H.
Would you like to volunteer as a tutor? Contact the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County to learn more.
Until the end of third grade, children are “learning to read”. Beginning in fourth grade,
they “read to learn” as students use their reading skills to master other subject areas.
Children who fail to develop good reading skills at a young age rarely “catch up” as they
get older. According to many studies, including the national Campaign for Grade Level
Reading, 74% of students who fail to read proficiently by the end of third grade falter
in the later grades and often drop out before earning a high school diploma. In Palm
Beach County, 46% of third grade students read below grade level.
The Literacy Coalition’s Building Better Readers program, in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach
County and made possible by support from community donors, is in support of our efforts with the national
Campaign for Grade Level Reading to get all children ready to read on grade level by the end of third grade.
Books Build Better Brains
READING TIPS
Reading Aloud =
Success in School
Reading aloud in the early years exposes a child to story and
print knowledge as well as rare words and ideas not often found
in day-to-day conversations or screen time. Reading aloud
also gives a child the opportunity to practice listening, which
is a crucial skill for kindergarten and beyond. Reading aloud to
children, the age-old report, Becoming a Nation of Readers,
indicates is “the single most important activity for building the
knowledge required for eventual success in reading.”
To develop lifelong learning and love of reading skills, our
Budding Readers program staff has been reading aloud weekly
in interactive one-to-one sessions with 380 children each year.
As a result, more than 94 percent of the children last year
demonstrated comprehension in early literacy skills needed for
future success in school.
Vanzandra Pompeo from partner site, Opportunity, Inc., shared
a success story with us. She says, “After the Budding Readers
program, Noonchee has gone from a child who had no words to
express herself to one who now speaks in sentences; from being
a non-participant in literacy activities presented in class to one
actively engaged by making comments about a book’s story and
illustrations.”
The Literacy Coalition is proud to be in our 10th year of
providing the Budding Readers program to our community.
Through the program, in the last decade we have helped more
than 3,000 children develop early literacy skills.
from our partner
• Make reading with your
children a part of your daily
routine, even for just a few
minutes.
• Talk about the pictures.
You do not have to read
the book to tell a story.
• Let your child turn the pages.
• Show your child the cover page. Explain what the
story is about.
• Run your finger along the words as you read them.
• Silly sounds, especially animal sounds, are fun to
make.
• Choose books about events in your child’s life such
as starting preschool, going to the dentist, getting a
new pet or moving to a new home.
• Make the story come alive. Create voices for the
story characters.
• Ask questions about the story. What do you think
will happen next? What is this?
• Let your child ask questions about the story. Talk
about familiar activities and objects.
• Let your child retell the story.
• Visit your local library often.
Reach Out and Read estimates that fewer than half of the
young children in the U.S. are read to daily. The Literacy
Coalition of Palm Beach County distributes nearly 55,000
books each year to 35 local clinics in support of Reach Out
and Read in effort to educate families about the importance
of early literacy and school readiness skills. Trusted
pediatricians “prescribe” reading at each well-child visit from
6 months through 5 years of age. Most children see their
pediatrician at least 10 times during this period. Reach Out
and Read explicitly ties reading aloud to later school success
and this strategy supports the aspiration that parents
have for their children. For more reading tips and literacy
resources, or to find out how you can support our program
visit LiteracyPBC.org.
When every child is read aloud to for 15 minutes every day from birth,
more children will be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten, more
children will have the literacy skills needed to succeed in school, and
more children will be prepared for a productive and meaningful life
after school. The Literacy Coalition is proud to be a partner of the Read
Aloud 15 MINUTES National Campaign.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. Postage
PAID
West Palm Beach, FL
Permit No. 2217
Blume Literacy Center
on the Brenda & C.P. Medore Campus
3651 Quantum Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 279-9103
www.LiteracyPBC.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2016 LITERACY EVENTS
January 6
Volunteer Training
Literacy Coalition
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
February 6
Loop the Lake for Literacy
Port Mayaca
6:00 a.m.
February 24
Pink Shirt Day
Palm Beach County
March 10
Love of Literacy Luncheon
Kravis Center for the
Performing Arts
11:30 a.m.
April 16
American Girl Fashion Show
Boca Raton
10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and
4:00 p.m.
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will provide literacy services to
adults, children and families who
are working to achieve a better
life by improving their literacy
skills. For example, a gift of:
• $50 can provide 10 books for
a child in poverty.
• $500 can provide a graduation
coach to at-risk high school
students for a month.
• $5,000 can provide literacy
classes for a family for a year.
BOOK DRIVE VOLUNTEER
Several programs at the
Literacy Coalition have a need
for new and gently used books
for preschool and elementary
school age children. Start a
book drive today!
Would you like to help children
improve their reading skills?
Become a trained volunteer tutor
with the Literacy Coalition of
Palm Beach County. Volunteers
must be at least 18 years old
and able to commit to tutor
two sessions per week for 90
minutes a session. No experience
is required. Training will be
provided by the Literacy Coalition
of Palm Beach County.