Bonding through Books

May 2024 Newsletter

Bonding Through Books: Celebrating Reading Power's Mother-Daughter Duos

This May, we celebrate the many mother-daughter duos in our Reading Power family. These dynamic pairs not only share a love for reading but also create lasting memories together while fostering the promise of literacy for their Reading Power students.

Doris Gierlach, who tutors weekly with her mother Linda, shares, “No matter what age you are, opening the world to a young reader is reliving the joy you discovered in books during your childhood. Tutoring with my mother at Reading Power has given us quality time together and an opportunity to share our love of books with wonderful students.”

Mandy Siegel joined Reading Power’s staff last year and quickly inspired her mom, Janet, to get involved. “Mandy’s enthusiasm was contagious, and when she suggested I might want to become a tutor, I quickly agreed. I truly treasure my time tutoring this year and am proud that Mandy is part of Reading Power and that she introduced it to me.”

Volunteer Tutors Alison Graf (daughter-in-law) and Nancy Graf (mother-in-law)

Volunteer Tutors Linda Gierlach (mother) and Doris Gierlach (daughter)

Volunteer Tutors Marybeth Shearron (mother) and Melody Shearron (daughter)

Reading Power Site Coordinator Mandy Siegel (daughter) and Volunteer Tutor Janet Pomorantz (mother)

Volunteer Tutor Bonnie Shlensky (mother) and Twain Elementary Principal Dr. Alyssa Shlensky (daughter)

As principal of Twain Elementary School in Wheeling, Dr. Alyssa Shlensky was instrumental in bringing Reading Power to her district. After witnessing the program’s success firsthand, she recruited her mom, Bonnie, to become a tutor. “I am so proud of all Alyssa does for her students and the community - like bringing Reading Power to Twain!” Bonnie says.

Marybeth and Melody Shearron’s shared passion for early childhood education brought them to Reading Power. “Reading to preschoolers is the highlight of my day,” Marybeth shares. “I always leave Reading Power smiling. It brings back fond memories of reading with my daughters.”

These heartwarming stories highlight the powerful connections forged through Reading Power. We are grateful for all our mother-daughter duos' dedication and commitment to our mission of accelerating children’s literacy learning.

Writer's Workshop

Reading Power's first and second graders engage in Writer's Workshop and Author's Day each spring. Guided by their tutors, they explore poetry and storytelling over a month-long project. In addition to strengthening literacy skills, the project promotes creative thinking, handwriting, and self-esteem. Students often delve into personal topics, forging deeper connections with their tutors. Author's Day celebrates their achievements, as each student proudly shares their hardcover book with classmates and tutors, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Fun and Games

Learning is an adventure filled with fun and games! Thank you to Learning Resources and Hand 2 Mind for gifting Reading Power amazing new word work activities and literacy games for all our Reading Power classrooms.

Reach for the Stars Recap

Reading Power marked 20 years on April 25, with the Reach for the Stars benefit at Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, IL. It was a remarkable evening of community, celebration, and inspiration! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $450,000 to further our mission of accelerating children’s literacy learning.

Thank you to our Sponsors that made the night shine:

Relive the magic of the evening with our "Next Chapter" video:

There's still an opportunity to make a difference! Let's continue writing the next chapter for more Reading Power students.

Donate Today

Become a Tutor

Save The Date

Reading Power proudly presents its fourth annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games event at Knollwood Club in Lake Forest on September 16. If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Grace Drake.