Reading Power Friend, We Are Thankful For You

November 2023 Newsletter

November is National Family Literacy Month

At Reading Power, we are passionate about fostering the promise of literacy. Our students receive an average of 150 minutes of one-to-one, individualized tutoring each week from a dedicated, caring adult. Join us in celebrating the power of literacy this month and beyond.

Lucy's Story: A New Tutor's Journey of Impact and Connection

As part of Reading Power's expansion this year, we partnered with Lincoln Elementary School in Palatine, IL, to offer our first and second grade program. Director of MTSS for Palatine CCSD15 Dr. Rachael Bland shares, "We were so excited to add Reading Power to Lincoln Elementary. The students benefit from working with the volunteers who are encouraging them to enjoy and love reading. The one-to-one setting allows the volunteers to design lessons specifically for the needs of the students based on what they know and need to learn to achieve academic success."

Twenty new volunteer tutors were recruited to run the program. One of those tutors, National Louis University graduate student Lucy Weber, graciously agreed to share her Reading Power experience with our readers.

"When my children were young, I was able to help them learn to read. I had the time, the resources, and an interest in education. Even then, I realized how lucky they were to go into kindergarten knowing the basics, and the more I learn in my graduate-level education program, the more I see how crucial it is for children to read at grade level. Not all children have such opportunities, and the negative effects on their education are dramatic.

While studying at National Louis University, I was thrilled to learn about the school's partnership with Reading Power. The expansion into Palatine allowed me to sign up as a volunteer tutor, as it was close to my home in the western suburbs. The program is evidence-driven and easy for tutors to follow. We have time to focus on the students because everything has been so well thought out in advance. I love seeing the smiling faces of my students each week. They are so delighted when they have even a tiny measure of success, and it's my privilege to guide them as they become more confident readers."

Thank you, Lucy, for sharing your time and talents with Reading Power.

There are still five open positions in our Palatine tutoring team. If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer, please email Beth Zender today!

Introducing Page Turners

We are celebrating our incredible volunteer tutors at Reading Power with a weekly recognition program, Page Turners. Each nominated Page Turner will select a favorite picture book donated by our Board Chair Kathy McFarland for their program site library. Building a brighter future for our students, one book at a time.

Reading Power In Action

Thank you to all who came to see Reading Power in action this month. As one attendee of our LEARN 6 event noted, "Once you see the program in person, you can't help but become more involved. Reading Power is a program that works!”

L to R: Lisa Stukel and Reading Power CEO Lisa Bulzoni

L to R: LEARN 6 Site Coordinator Marla Guziec, Reading Power Co-Founder and Board member Mary Jane Hender, and Director of Programs Kristin Fine

L to R: Sandy Hart, Reading Power CEO Lisa Bulzoni, Board member Pete Ting, Director of Programs Kristin Fine, and Shira Schwartz

L to R: Daron Terfehn, Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor, Reading Power CEO Lisa Bulzoni, Board member Jackie Ramdin Johnson, and Thomas Maillard

Welcome To The Team

The Reading Power Board of Directors welcomes its newest member, Pratik Patel, JD, Head of Family Wealth Strategies, BMO Family Office.

As a father of two, Pratik understands the value of early literacy and is excited to join our mission to accelerate children’s literacy learning. Please join us in welcoming Pratik!

Reading Power welcomes its newest Assistant Site Coordinators, Annette Anderson at Little Fort (L) and Joy Israel at LEARN 10 (R), to the programs team!

In The Press

Reading Power's third annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games event was featured in the Social Life section of the November issue of Forest & Bluff magazine. Read the entire article here.

Save The Date

Lake Forest Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Reading Power is once again participating in the Lake Forest Think Local Pop-Up Shop November 24 - December 30, Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 am-4 pm at 653 Bank Lane (adjacent to Market Square).

We will sell wax amaryllis bulbs, which make fantastic holiday hostess gifts, for $25, the children's book, "The Snowy Morning" wrapped and ready to gift for $20, and Reading Power branded tumblers for $25.If you would like to purchase any of our items directly, please contact Kate Burke for more information.

Giving Tuesday is November 28th

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of the holiday giving season. This year, Reading Power’s Giving Tuesday goal is to raise $10,000 to fund material costs for one program for one year. You don't have to wait until the 28th to donate. Visit our Facebook fundraiser or our website to contribute today. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to accelerate children's literacy learning.