December 11, 2018
It’s December, the season of reflection and gratitude! As we reflect on what we are grateful for here at the National Office, it’s you, our network of over 290 Affiliates. Throughout the country, our Affiliate partners are working to create ‘Book Bag Movements’ in local communities; supporting Implementers as they nurture the love of reading with children and helping families to incorporate shared reading into their daily lives.
As you continue this critical mission, know that Raising A Reader is available to help you along the way. With ever-evolving and increasing book collections, quarterly webinars, monthly newsletters, the Online Affiliate Network, training and so much more, our team strives to make sure you have the latest and most useful resources available. Featured in this month’s newsletter are just a few of our many resources, including: Affiliate highlights and RAR In The News, 2019 training updates and December Sales Promotions. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of our social media resources or post your own successes online. Be sure to #RaisingAReader!
Thank you for all you do to help families! We look forward to serving you in the New Year!
Your Raising A Reader National Office Team
Raising A Reader In The News
In 2014 Coachella Valley Unified School District in Thermal, CA, received grant funding from the Masons of California for their initial kickoff to serve 300 families. Coachella Valley Unified School District continued to build a strong relationship in their community, and this did not go unnoticed. Coachella Valley Unified School District and United Way of the Desert made a connection at Coordinator training that later grew into a partnership. Due to this relationship, Coachella Valley Unified School District will expand their program by 2,000 families in the next year. This expansion was funded by United Way of the Desert from a grant provided by First 5 Riverside.
“They want to read more stories and they want to be able to read to their brother,†Sabrina Hijazi, a mother of seven said about the program. “I really enjoy it.â€
Affiliate Spotlight
Shout out to YMCA of Greater Kansas City in Kansas City, MO, for hosting a successful Volunteer event with their local Union workers, UAW 249! UAW clocked over 100 volunteer hours assembling, cleaning and taking inventory of the red bags and books. UAW even shared Raising A Reader books with students during story time at Head Start sites throughout Kansas City. Also, UAW purchased books to place in the Blue Library Bags for students being promoted to kindergarten. The volunteer event was a huge success and all volunteers had a great time!
YMCA of Greater Kansas City Teacher, Terri Hall:
“It has been a very humbling experience to be a part of the Raising A Reader program. UAW believes one of the greatest gifts you can give is your time…When we walk into the classrooms week after week, seeing the kids smile from ear to ear and running to give us hugs makes it all worth it.”
YMCA of Greater Kansas City, President & CEO, David Byrd:
“The UAW volunteers have helped implement the Raising a Reader program for the children and families in our YMCA Head Start programs. Thanks to their efforts, children are learning important literacy skills and also building bonds with their families as they bring the books home to read together.”
Annual Affiliate Check In Reminder
The clock is ticking, and you have 3 more days to complete and submit your Annual Affiliate Check-In materials! The check-in materials are due on December 14th in order to keep your Affiliate account in good standing.
Surveys completed by the final deadline on December 14, will be entered into the Book Worm Drawing and a chance to win a 2018 Refresher Set.
Need to complete the Check- In? Click here: Survey Link
Contact Tymisha at tsweet@raisingareader.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sales
Congratulations to the winners of the Raising A Reader National November Sales Promotions Prize Drawing!
- Save the Children US (RAR iPad cover/notepad)
- St. Francis Community Center (RAR Swag Bag)
- Salinas City Elementary School District (RAR Holiday Ornament)
- Dillon County First Steps (Wordless Book Collection)
Check out Raising A Reader’s December Sales Promotion! Affiliates placing orders in December will be entered into a weekly drawing to win 100 Cricket Media magazines. Tune in to our next weekly drawing on December 11th at 2 PM Eastern time!
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In Person Coordinator Training
Online Coordinator Training
Webinars
Welcome to our New Affiliates!
Salinas, CA
Salinas City Elementary School District
Washington, DC
House of Ruth
Café Press and Lands’ End Storefront
Want to order items featuring the Raising A Reader logo for yourself, your staff, or as gifts and prizes? Visit Lands’ End and Cafe Press today!