Kids Read Now Program Receives Support From Community Partner Corning Incorporated Foundation
“I love reading this book because it makes me feel like I’m in the book,” a CPP elementary school student said about the book he received from the Kids Read Now program. The student feedback was shared by a parent with Hugh Gregg Elementary Principal Ann Collins. The parent told Ms. Collins, “He’s always enjoyed reading but I believe the enthusiasm all of you promote about reading has really made a difference and I thank you for that.”
It is a reaction like this, supported with data that has led to the success of the Kids Read Now program in our CPP elementary schools. The program is made possible with the support of community partners, and a recent major grant from the Corning Incorporated Foundation has ensured the program will continue into the summer of 2023.
Kids Read Now is a non-profit organization that delivers in-home book reading programs that get elementary students reading more frequently and consistently. The program will return to all of our elementary schools this summer due to a grant of $69,350 from the Corning Incorporated Foundation. The CPP Board of Education officially accepted the grant at the April 19th meeting. The program was sustained this past summer for all of the elementary schools with a grant from the John G. Ullman Foundation.
The data-driven program includes enrollment and participation statistics in a portal that parents, caregivers and teachers can access. This engagement process is one of the key aspects of the program. It connects the schools and families throughout the summer. A study showed that children can lose up to forty-percent of the gains made over the school year while on summer break. Hugh Gregg Elementary School, where the program initially started in 2020 and is now approaching the fourth summer of Kids Read Now, has strong data to show a reverse of learning loss. “Ninety-seven percent of our current third through fifth graders returned in the fall of year three either at the same reading level they were at in June or grew one or more levels,” said Principal Ann Collins.
In 2022, with the program expanded to all of CPP’s elementary schools, 6,718 books were read by students. Over 700 students across all of the elementary schools reported reading all eight of the books that were shipped to their homes. In addition, communication with families is a large part of the program. Weekly updates were released on the district website and social media, and personal phone calls were made from principals and teachers. The program kicks off each spring with a celebration for the first book distribution and in the fall schools recognize and celebrate the achievement in various ways.
That family connection is something that stood out to the Corning Incorporated Foundation. “I was impressed with the communication commitment of the elementary school principals to ensure success of the program,” said Andrea Lynch, President, Corning Incorporated Foundation. “In addition to Kids Read Now regular contact with readers, the schools will be doing community kickoff celebrations, pre-recorded reminders, and personal outreach to families. This demonstrates the importance of reading and kindness culture that is prevalent throughout the school district.”
Ms. Lynch said, “The vision of the Corning Incorporated Foundation is to enhance and sustain vibrant Corning communities.” She added, “This program addresses the issue of summer slide and helps elementary students read at level by third grade, an important academic hurdle for future success in school.”
Kids Read Now was originally only a program at Hugh Gregg Elementary School initiated by Principal Collins in 2020. As the growth data came in, her colleagues expressed a strong interest in bringing it to their schools. Collins said, “It is clear that we would not be able to offer this amazing opportunity without the financial support along with the trust of our community. Investing in this summer reading program, particularly in the years following COVID closures, is incredibly valuable.”
CPP Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction, Jennifer Batzing, said, "Our community partners are committed to helping our students become better readers. We appreciate all of our community partners as they help us maintain a focus on literacy both in and outside of school the entire year. Thank you to the Corning Incorporated Foundation for supporting this program.”
Ms. Collins said, “Last year we saw amazing participation rates across all six elementary buildings. Specifically, students select their eight books and they are mailed to homes every seven to ten days throughout the summer. The students read or are read to and they can work with an adult to explore the discovery questions that come with each title. Once the book is read, it is reported to Kids Read Now on an App, via text, email, or a phone call.”
She said CPP is looking to recognize the students who read and report all eight books before the start of school. The district goal is that 80% of our students complete the program this coming summer.
For more information about Kids Read Now, visit: https://kidsreadnow.org/
The Corning Incorporated Foundation is a charitable contributions organization established by Corning Incorporated in 1952. Through leadership and collaboration, the Foundation strives to foster vibrant, enriching, and supportive Corning communities. The Foundation focuses on education, human services, culture, and volunteerism in Corning business locations. Visit the Corning Incorporated Foundation website here: https://www.corningfoundation....
Corning-Painted Post Area School District Mission, Vision and Core Beliefs: https://www.corningareaschools...