Literacy is a fundamental skill that plays a critical role in education, which is why it is one of our core focus areas. New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home literacy program to help eligible VPK through fifth-grade students bolster literacy skills, build reading confidence and foster a lifelong love of reading.

We secured funding to become a Regional Partner of the New Worlds Reading Initiative, which will allow more access to books and parent engagement opportunities. Parent engagement is a critical component of student achievement. The goal of the parent engagement activities is to provide parents and caregivers with knowledge and confidence to support their child’s reading development and encourage meaningful engagement in literacy.

Melrose Elementary hosted the first parent engagement activity last month. Over 70 parents, caregivers and students attended the event! In partnership with Pinellas County Schools, we will host nine more parent engagement activities, giving parents tips and tools to support students’ cognitive, language, and comprehension skills.