A READ USA donor has generously planted the seed of something very special at READ USA this holiday season, and we are inviting everyone to be a part of it!
The Lonegro Family has generously donated $10,000 to support READ USA Literacy Tutoring & Workforce Development at Smart Pope (S.P.) Livingston Elementary School. This seed funding has kick-started READ USA’s goal to raise $100,000 before the close of 2025 to support the exceptional teen tutors, students, and teachers we serve at multiple elementary schools across Duval County.
Will you donate today towards our fundraising goal?
To have an even deeper impact on the students and teens we serve, will you consider matching their generous gift?
Your gift this holiday season will directly support elementary students like Gerardo, a third-grade student at Beauclerc Elementary:
When Gerardo started his literacy lessons 16 weeks ago, he knew limited English and could read only a few simple sentences. He was essentially reading at a kindergarten level—despite being in third grade. However, after just one semester of one-to-one Literacy Tutoring lessons with his READ USA teen tutor, Naomi, Gerardo is now fluently reading and comprehending complex sentences in English. Because of this, his perspective on his future has transformed: he previously experienced struggle and saw limitations, yet now he feels confident and more equipped for his future.
All because of Naomi, her dedication to his success, and the proven programming that READ USA’s donors make possible.
“He has blossomed… Not only is he reading English words more fluently, but he is now comprehending what he reads, he smiles, and he wants to be here every day,” shared our READ USA teacher who supervises Naomi.
Your support this holiday season will ensure that other students like Gerardo receive the intensive support they need to succeed in school and beyond, and that tutors—just like Naomi—cultivate vital workforce development skills that prepare them for their next steps after high school.
READ USA Students Express Gratitude for their Tutors
What a wonderful way to head into the winter break!
To show their appreciation for their incredible teen tutors, READ USA students at Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School created a giant thank-you card!
Every note and doodle reflects a moment of connection between our tutors and students. Team READ USA is so grateful for our teen tutors who show up day after day, week after week, to help students improve their reading skills, grow their confidence, and demonstrate all the joy that is possible through literacy.
Thank you for your warmth and thoughtfulness of our tutors—particularly during the holiday season—Hogan-Spring Glen students!
AmeriCorps Team Leaders Gain New Skills Through DCPS Training
READ USA's AmeriCorps Team Leaders are already making a huge difference in classrooms — and now they’re equipped to have even greater impact than ever before!
Last week, our AmeriCorps Team Leaders (read more about them here!) were invited to participate in a Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) professional development event: CHAMPS Training. Their participation in this training reflects the strength of the partnership between READ USA and DCPS and celebrates the role our Team Leaders play in supporting elementary students with Literacy Tutoring.
Your Last Chance to Vote is Friday!
Thank you, San Marco Books and More and Cookie Fix San Marco, for your support of the students, teens, and teachers READ USA serves through the Deck The Square holiday event!
Our gratitude also goes to Louann at Gladwell's Florist, who donated her time to decorate the two trees! Thank you, Louann!
This Friday, Dec. 18, is your last chance to vote & support READ USA and two wonderful locally owned businesses!
Hosted by the San Marco Merchants Association, Deck the Square features two Christmas trees in support READ USA:
San Marco Books and More: “Red, White, and Blue Christmas” Theme
Thank you to Desiree Bailey and her team for choosing READ USA!
VOTE FOR THIS TREE HERE!
Cookie Fix San Marco: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Children’s Book Theme
Thank you to Michelle Clipp and Michele Megas for choosing READ USA!
VOTE FOR THIS TREE HERE!
For Deck the Square, participating merchants in San Marco choose a nonprofit organization to “represent” with a decorated Christmas tree. The Christmas trees are decorated in San Marco Square, and the community is invited to vote for their favorite trees from 12/5-12/18.
Each vote is $1.00, and you can vote in-person in San Marco Square via the QR codes at each tree or via the links above. The tree with the most votes wins a grand prize on 12/19!
If you choose to vote more than once, we hope you’ll cast votes for both of our trees! Please share this with family and friends!
THANK YOU to San Marco Books and More AND Cookie Fix San Marco for choosing READ USA as their partner! We are very grateful for your support of our mission!
Books & Family Fun at Two Schools Last Week
Last week, Team READ USA had the pleasure of joining two wonderful DCPS elementary schools for family-focused learning events celebrating literacy and creativity!
At Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary’s Scholastic Book Fair & Family Night, READ USA hosted a table with Parent Education Corners, literacy activities, and free books, including Spanish titles for families to enjoy at home. A special thank you to our Teacher of Content, Deb, who stayed after our Literacy Tutoring sessions to ensure families went home with meaningful literacy resources and practical takeaways to support reading outside of school.
Later in the week, we also joined the fun at Lake Lucina Elementary’s Family STEM & Sing Night! After cheering on students during their fantastic musical performances, families rotated through interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) stations where they built, experimented, and explored new ways to learn together. Team READ USA loved giving out free STEM-themed books to help families continue the learning at home and reinforce curiosity beyond the classroom.
Team READ USA is thankful for DCPS elementary schools like Hogan-Spring Glen and Lake Lucina that create engaging opportunities for families to learn together and make education joyful for every child. Congratulations to both schools on their successful and fun events!
Children’s Book: Snow Day! by Lester Laminack
Snow Day! by Lester Laminack is a charming and humorous picture book that captures the excitement and anticipation children feel when a winter storm rolls in. Told from the perspective of a father who watches the snow fall and eagerly predicts a school cancellation, the story cleverly builds suspense as the family celebrates the possibility of a day off. The playful twist at the end—revealing that the enthusiastic narrator is actually a teacher, not a student—never fails to delight young readers. 
Laminack’s writing is rhythmic and vivid, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for weather news. His use of sensory detail—the sound of icy branches, the glow of streetlights reflecting on snow, the quiet of early morning—creates an immersive atmosphere. Children are drawn instantly into the scene, while adults recognize the accuracy of these winter rituals.
The book’s warm, expressive illustrations by Adam Gustavson beautifully complement the text, highlighting the cozy joy of winter mornings and the shared family experience of hoping for a snow day. Children can easily relate to the feelings of waking up early, checking the weather, and imagining all the fun things they’ll do if school is closed.
Snow Day! remains a beloved read-aloud because it blends humor, warmth, and clever narrative choices. It captures the shared humanity between students and teachers, reminding readers that educators also experience joy, anticipation, and even a little mischief. Laminack’s storytelling, paired with Gustavson’s expressive illustrations, makes this book both entertaining and instructive—a rare combination that resonates with children and adults for years to come.
Submitted by Melanie Poag, READ USA Content Assistant
Parent Education Corner: Tips for Halfway Through the School Year
Can you believe we are almost halfway through the school year?!
At the halfway point, the goal is building confidence, filling in any gaps, and establishing routines that will carry your child through the rest of the year successfully. Here’s a clear, practical guide for what parents can focus on at home:
Reading
- Encourage daily reading—both independent and shared reading. Even 15–20 minutes daily can make a difference.
- Discuss the story, ask questions, and encourage your child to predict what happens next.
- Practice fluency and comprehension by having your child summarize what they read.
Homework Habits
- Set up a consistent, distraction-free homework space.
- Break homework into manageable chunks and take short breaks if needed.
- Review assignments with your child to reinforce understanding.
Organizational & Study Skills
- Teach your child to use a planner or checklist for assignments and projects.
- Help them organize materials (folders, binders, or digital tools).
- Encourage time management: break tasks into steps and set mini deadlines.
Attendance & Routines
- Reinforce the importance of regular school attendance.
- Maintain consistent bedtime and morning routines to ensure your child is rested and ready to learn.
Communication & Partnership
- Stay in touch with teachers to understand strengths, challenges, and upcoming expectations.
- Celebrate successes—small wins count as motivation to keep improving.
- Encourage your child to ask questions in class and advocate for themselves.
Enrichment & Curiosity
- Encourage hobbies, interests, and exploration outside of school.
- Visit libraries, museums, or nature centers to connect learning to the real world.
Submitted by Melanie Poag, READ USA Content Assistant