Literacy First

LITERACY

FIRST

FUMCR Pilots RISD’s We Read Together

by Robert and Lisa Grinsfelder

We Read Together promises to make a difference in the lives of students in RISD. Because of our existing partnerships with Mark Twain and Greenwood Hills Elementary

Schools, FUMCR is piloting the program this spring at those schools.

Research shows that children who do not read on grade-level by the end of 3rd grade have only a 1 in 8 chance of catching up to their grade-level peers. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a wider gap, especially among Pre-K – 2nd grade students. We know that students who enter school lacking in reading readiness need additional intervention and resources. We also know that volunteers and mentors can play a pivotal role in helping students learn to read and gain confidence to build their skills. The mission of the program is to help ensure literacy success for all students.

This pilot program is taking place from March through May. Volunteers have been trained to help students during the school day in 30-minute sessions, one or more times a week. We Read Together also provides for students’ access to books of their choice in their homes and empowers parents with literacy skills to assist their students at home and school.

RISD’s goal is to expand the program in the coming years to include more schools, faith communities, community organizations, and corporate partners. FUMCR can take great pride in the relationships and year-round support that we provide to Mark Twain and Greenwood Hills. With the full endorsement and resources of RISD, We Read Together will take these partnerships to the next level. We have a special opportunity to bless these children. A big thanks to the 74 volunteers (of all ages) who signed up for the pilot program! We look forward to another exciting opportunity for more of our congregation to participate this fall.

Reading is the most critical academic skill for a student to master because it is the basis for all learning. YOU can help a child read, and their opportunities in life will be endless!

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to send every student home with their own books, and we are positioned to send them home with even more at the end of this semester.

Children who do not read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Compelling research shows that reading below the expected 3rd grade level is highly correlated to negative outcomes beyond high school, including incarceration and poverty. Imagine if… All students had access to self-selected books at home. Every child had a parent or trusted adult to read with. All students were reading on grade level. We could change the trajectory of every student RISD serves.

4/14 Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm, sanctuary* 4/15 Good Friday 7:00 pm, sanctuary* 4/16 Service of Baptism & Joining 4:00 pm, sanctuary 4/17 Easter Sunday sunrise service - 7:30 am, Plaza traditional - 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 am* modern - 9:45, 11:00 am online - 9:45 am, on demand

*livestream available

more details at fumcr.com/easter

BOBBY CAVE AT THE WELCOME DESK

LUNCHTIME LEARNING COMMUNITY

WEEKDAY KIDS AT FIRST "TWOSDAY" CELEBRATION

GAMES AT THE GATHERING

W E E K D A Y L I F E A T FUMCR

CELEBRATINGYouth

Claire Spradley

Recently played Ariel in The Little Mermaid performed at North Texas Performing Arts I love being a part of shows because they allow me to meet so many new people and bring lots of characters to life. Ariel is definitely one of my favorite roles that I have played. Music and theater have been a big part of my life since my first show when I was 8 (I’m 15 now), and I am so grateful for everything I have learned. Although I don’t plan on pursuing musical theater as a career, I know that it will always be a part of my life and has given me skills that will help me in the future.

Clara Nell Lindh

Released her first single, “You’re My Everything" (iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon) I started writing this song after school one day when I was questioning my worth. I just didn’t feel like I was good enough, so I got out my guitar and started writing. “You’re My Everything” was the result. My dad played on the recording with me, and that was so special. He’s been my number one supporter and motivator, along with my mom, throughout my entire 13 years. I’m so thankful for this experience and for everyone who’s listening. I know we’re always “good enough” for God because I truly believe that we are his everything.

Makenzie Smith

Accepted into Auburn University School of Nursing I’ve always known two things: the first being that I want to work with people and the second being that I want to work in medicine. I am extremely excited about connecting with patients and helping them to get better but nervous about new and challenging opportunities in the years ahead that will help to determine my path. I hope to come back to Texas to work and be closer to my family before continuing my education to become a nurse practitioner. I am so grateful to both my family and Auburn for the opportunity to pursue my nursing career! War Eagle!!

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