Reading to Success: How our public

by Chely Cantrell, Brand Innovation Officer, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public library

One thousand books might sound like a scary number, but what if you think about it as 17 books a month? That’s only one book every other day or four a week at bedtime! With these odds, your family’s odds of succeeding at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library’s 1,000 books before kindergarten program are dramatically higher.

Keeping track of 1,000 books may sound like an arduous task, but the library makes this doable for you with a super easy way of signing up and logging books. You can visit HCPLC. org/kids/1000-books and sign up for this free program; this lets you log books digitally and track your child’s progress. You can select any book you would like and can repeat the same book. The library will alert you to the different milestones you reach and help you celebrate them along the way.

Those few minutes spent reading each week can be worth a lifetime of improved early literacy skills. Reading to children between the ages of 0 to 5 instills a love of reading, reinforces family bonding and boosts academic performance and vocabulary.

The library recently honored one of our super readers at a small ceremony for accomplishing a massive

Liandromeda Sternemann celebrates reading 3,566 books through the library's 1,000 Books Before Kidergarten program. milestone of reading 3,566 books before kindergarten! Liandromeda Sternemann is a determined young girl who loves books because they are filled with fun stories that teach her new things. She reads every day and enjoys going to the library to pick books. She wants to share her love of reading with other kids and wants them to love Pete the Cat as much as she does.

Liandromeda’s parents, Corinne and Dan, attribute the accomplishment to making reading a part of their lives by having books easily accessible all over their home: “We have books everywhere—living room table, mini library in the dining room, and two bookshelves in Lian’s room… not to mention the kitchen table and wherever else we decide to read that day. With this, we’ve integrated it into our daily routine: Read before, on the way to and from school, during homework or play breaks, in the car, at bedtime, traveling. We have made a weekly routine of stopping at the library and picking out books. If we have an event or activity coming up, we try to read about that topic ahead of time.”

Their advice to parents is to keep books at arm’s length, go to the library, incorporate variety, get on email lists that provide book recommendations and build reading into their routine. If you have no time to browse in person, browse online, place books on hold, transform timeout into relaxation and reading time, and most importantly, join the library’s 1,000 books before kindergarten challenge.

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

We are an award-winning Magnet School of the Arts located in historic Ybor City. Students learn through arts and science integration and can take part in the Annual Arts Festival and school musical. Students expand their horizons through visual art, dance, strings, music, drama, STEAM Engineering and robotics programs. Our partnership with the Straz Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to our students--something you will find at no other school!

Founded in 1923, Shorecrest is a coed, nonsectarian, PK3-12 independent school in St. Petersburg, FL. In a safe, student-centered environment, Shorecrest educates a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the development of a commitment to social responsibility.

Simmons Career Acceleration Academy High School in Plant City serves students 9-12, providing a school culture focused on academic achievement, personal growth, and preparing students for a successful future after high school. Students experience a hybrid learning approach, career preparation through industry certifications, and a streamlined path to graduation. Students can take part in athletics and extracurricular activities at their zoned school.

Skycrest Christian School provides a 21st century education that enables your children to enter their high school years with outstanding academic preparation, leadership skills and confidence in their ability to succeed. Skycrest offers newly integrated technology, extensive extracurricular activities, and dedicated and caring teachers.

(HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCES)

Join a culture of future health professionals whose uniforms are doctors' scrubs four days a week. We are preparing students for one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. Electives engage all students with Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and our AVID college readiness program.

South County Career Center offers an accelerated program to any high school student to either earn previously lost credits or to accelerate in current courses using Edgenuity. We currently offer Automotive program as well as Agriculture as electives.

(IB CANDIDATE)

We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our sixth grade structure creates a supportive middle school transition. We are the only middle magnet school in South Tampa and prepare our students to potentially step into the halls of Robinson IB! Enrollment: 373 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,056 Class-Size: 16 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $13,430-$29,600

Enrollment: 143 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 550 Class-Size: 18-25 Grades: K4-grade 8 Tuition: K4-4th: $12,500, 5th-8th: $12,850

Enrollment: 642 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 135 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 434 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities.

Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's Episcopal School delivers an unparalleled, values-driven, progressive education for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Hard work, faith, respect, honesty and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college and beyond.

St. Lawrence is a Parish school filled with rich traditions of our Catholic faith. The graduates are well prepared spiritually and academically for the next phase of their journey, high school. We pride ourselves in our motto, “La Familia.” All are welcome here at St. Lawrence Catholic School.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, world languages, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing into well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead.

St. Peter Claver Catholic School, Tampa’s downtown private Catholic school serving students age 3 through 8th grade, provides its students with a rigorous curriculum that is a balance of academics, religion, and enrichment subjects—such as music, art, physical education and STREAM. We take pride in preserving the legacy of our beautiful school and community and our students continue this work as they graduate and share their gifts with the world.

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)

Be part of one of the only nationally recognized NASA Explorer Schools in the country! Through our Project Lead the Way curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. Our location on the Hillsborough River and next to Blake and near Dunbar Magnet add to the opportunities our students enjoy every day!

Tampa Catholic High School is a co-educational school of the Diocese of St. Petersburg dedicated to providing students with “Veritas et Caritas” (truth and charity) through educational excellence in a Christ centered environment. Its curriculum reinforces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and depth of understanding necessary for 21st-century learners. Enrollment: 445 Class-Size: 20-25 depending on grade Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,774-$8,645

Enrollment: 575 Class-Size: 20 Grades: K4-8 Tuition: $15,280 - $15,840

Enrollment: 493 Class-Size: <25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,046-$11,045

Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-8 Tuition: $17,740

Enrollment: 90 Class-Size: 10:1 Grades: age 3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,685-$8,250

Enrollment: 842 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 725 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $12,000 - $15,000

Celebrating 50 years of meeting the needs of bright students with Dyslexia, ADHD or anxiety, TDS offers a uniquely designed college-prep curriculum. With small class sizes, instruction incorporates interactive and handson experiences, along with an emphasis on study and organizational skills, promoting success and improved confidence. Contact us to learn more!

(GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)

Our students become innovative thinkers who achieve academically and socially through our seven Wonders—leadership, environment, economics, wellness, innovation, communication and culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership, and experience cultural clusters such as yoga, cooking, African art and LEGO makerspace.

At Tampa Prep, we don't limit our thinking. We keep moving forward even if we can't see over the horizon just yet. We stay open to new ideas and at the ready for new challenges. We are Florida's Most Innovative School. We are Tampa Prep, a co-ed, independent school for grades 6 - 12 in downtown Tampa. We are here to inspire the next great explorers, innovators and creators.

A tuition-free, public charter school proudly serving students in kindergarten through fifth Grade, the school provides a well-rounded elementary foundation through a challenging curriculum with a focus on teaching math and science in proven and innovative instructional methods preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies. Cognia accredited.

The Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Vanguard specializes in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that works with academic strategies, executive functioning, social skills, celebrates student strengths and assists in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living.

VCS Tampa K-12 is proud to be an IB Candidate School! Our mission is to awaken and develop the socially responsible, technologically literate, and self-motivated leader within ALL students via an innovative, internationally focused, and student-centered curriculum that challenges students intellectually, creatively, in a nurturing and safe environment that promotes the development of the total child so that they can be successful in an interconnected global community.

The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is a 24-year old early childhood and elementary school with a 100+ year old European curriculum rooted in child development. Our preschool and kindergarten is play-based with an emphasis on developing the physical body, and our grades classes teach art, music, movement and practical skills concurrently with robust academics. All our children spend between 2 to 6 hours outdoors, every day. Enrollment: 153 Class-Size: 10-12 Grades: 3-8 Tuition: $22,250 + $1,800 in fees

Enrollment: 294 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 710 Class-Size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $26,295 - $27,245

Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 100 boarding, up to 120 total Class-Size: 6-10 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: 7-day $49,000; 5-day $43,000; Day $25,500

Enrollment: 411 Class-Size: grades K-3: 18, grades 4-8: 22, grades 9-12: 25 Grades: K-9, K-12 by 2025 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 15 Grades: Parent + Child through Grade 8 Tuition: $10,000-$15,000

WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

We develop creative and confident learners. Communication, reflection and whole-child learning energize Walker Middle Magnet, Odessa's IB World School. As a Magnet School of Distinction, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum. High-impact teachers and our Florida Power School Library highlight our exceptional, highly-rated team of educators. Enrollment: 1,094 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

WOW, where learning meets adventure and education, isn’t limited to the classroom. We offer college preparatory academics (AP/Dual Enrollment) in conjunction with extraordinary extracurriculars. These include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, climbing, camping, athletics (K-12), computer programming, automotive repair, music and photography. We are the education that you’re looking for, with the experiences that your child will remember forever. Enrollment: 150 Class-Size: 10-19 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $8,800 - $10,500

Westlake Christian School, a National Blue Ribbon School, is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia. Westlake’s mission is to help students develop in their faith, academics, fine arts and athletics. Westlake serves approximately 475 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Northern Pinellas County, Southern Pasco County, Trinity, Westchase and surrounding communities. Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 1:18 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $8,950-$9,275

WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET (IB)

We are a top-ranked IB World School, earning an A-grade for nearly 20 years! We create global learners focused on intercultural awareness and communication. Scholar Quest high school credit offerings challenge students in French, algebra and emerging technology in business. Connect through clubs including LEGO Robotics, Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and our award-winning Chess Club. Enrollment: 847 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

We empower creative learners with our Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum. We focus on engineering, sustainability and "Global Planting"— engaging students in hands-on learning with an on-campus hydroponic farm and greenhouse, along with student-constructed rain gardens. Students learn using state-of-the-art technology, including touch-enabled whiteboards and 3-D printers. Enrollment: 446 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE