On their first day of READ USA Literacy Tutoring training, our teen tutors had the unique opportunity to meet with professionals from a variety of careers and backgrounds to discuss job skills and traits that will position them for success – not only as a READ USA tutor, but in any career path they choose to pursue after high school.

Let us just say, WOW! Our team was impressed to hear all that our tutors learned in just one hour of conversations!

Here are some of the takeaways our tutors gleaned from the experience:

“Be prepared, be open to learn, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

“If you come in with a serious attitude, the people around you – your peers – will take you seriously.”

“You have to learn to tolerate your coworkers and put your differences aside and realize you’re both there for the same reason.”

We are so grateful to the many professionals who joined us during the past couple of weeks – even on a Sunday! – to meet with our teen tutors. Our immense gratitude goes to the following community leaders for sharing their wisdom and experiences:

• Theresa Bennett, SouthState Bank
• Melody Bolduc, DCPS School Board Member, District 7
• Sheila Collier, Women’s Giving Alliance and READ USA Board Member
• Natalie Dreyer, Cowford Realty & Design
• Tillery Durbin, VyStar Credit Union
• Michael Durbin, VyStar Credit Union
• W.C. Gentry, Coker Law Firm
• Jeff Hill, Clay County Education Foundation
• Shay Hill, JEA
• Kevin Kelly, Sauer Construction
• Vincent Metzger, Model System Consulting
• Rebecca Nathanson, RSN Consulting
• Cindy Pearson, DCPS School Board Member, District 3
• Anthony Ricardo, DCPS School Board Member, District 1
• Xavier Rosas, University of North Florida
• Melissa Ross, City of Jacksonville
• Kawanza Suarez, VyStar Credit Union and READ USA Board Member
• Vincent Taylor, DCPS Teacher (and Duval County’s 2025 Teacher of the Year!) and READ USA Board Member

“I received a lot from our time together; I just want to thank each of you whom I got to talk with…I’m just so excited about your students. I can tell they are going to really benefit from the time and energy you’re giving them, so thank you!” -Sheila Collier, addressing our teen tutors

READ USA Board Member Kawanza Suarez meeting with teen tutors. 

With READ USA Literacy Tutoring kicking off very soon, the Job Essentials Roundtable discussions were a fantastic way to get our teen tutors in the right mindset from the very beginning: keeping them open and curious about all that they will soon experience and learn.

“It’s okay not to go to college; you can take your skills or whatever you like to do and turn it into a profession. Also, it’s okay to say yes, even if you don’t know how to do something – you can still try and be willing to help.”

“Being confident is really important because you can present yourself in different situations where you can make an impact, [including] in places you have never been before. You can walk into a room and be confident, and someone can say, ‘I want that person on my team!”

“When communicating with other people and there is conflict, give them grace, but also communicate how you’re feeling and advocate for yourself. Also, take some time to reflect on what they said, and let them reflect, and come back five minutes later. Communicate effectively to clear up conflicts that may arise.”

Thank you again to all of the professionals who joined us during the past couple of weeks! We cannot wait to see how our tutors will learn and grow during the coming year of Literacy Tutoring!

“I can’t imagine doing this work without READ USA…” 

This week was back-to-school for Duval County Public Schools students, and Team READ USA is still feeling the energy from last week’s Back-to-School Bash at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena! (And we have been loving all the back-to-school photos that are filling our social feeds!)

We also wanted to take another opportunity to extend our gratitude to DCPS leadership. Last week, DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier sat down with Jax Today for a discussion about his goals and plans for the school year.

#ICYMI: Read the Q&A | Duval superintendent identifies goals ahead of 2025-26 school year article HERE.

During the discussion, Dr. Bernier addressed how READ USA and other district partners are vital to augmenting classroom instruction.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

Q: During (the Aug. 5) School Board meeting, there were some agreements with Communities in Schools, I’m A Star (Foundation), United Way and other organizations. How do they help augment what the district does in the classroom?

A: I was out at five different community events (on Aug. 2), including the Mayor’s; Oceanway Church out at Oceanway Middle; Harvest Ministries out on the Westside near Frank H. Peterson watching these community groups gather together to make sure our children for Aug. 11 have backpacks, pencils, haircuts, everything they need (as well as) additional food for their families to put in the pantry.

This “A” district is really an “A” grade for the community. It’s the mayor’s initiatives; it’s our hard work and heavy lift at our schools and here at the central office. But it’s also some of the partners. I can’t imagine doing this work without Betty Burney and I’m a Star. I can’t imagine doing this without READ USA and Rob Kelly. I can’t imagine doing this without Kevin Carrico and the Boys and Girls Club or Communities in Schools with Leon (Baxton).

A year ago, when we sat down, I didn’t know who any of those people were. And, I know I’m leaving somebody off the list.

The reality of it is, the “A” grade is representative of not just the effort of the school district, but our amazing partners who help us move the needle. Before school, after school, weekends, there is just so much investment in the youth here and it’s finally starting to pay off.

Dr. Bernier met with a student during Literacy Tutoring at Lake Lucina Elementary last year.

“We are enthusiastic to begin another year of READ USA Literacy Tutoring that is transformative for the students and teens we serve,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. “Through our partnerships with stakeholders across all sectors in Duval County, we are increasing DCPS’s capacity and the capacity of all who serve students and teens in Duval, including homeschools, private schools, microschools, and charter schools. We are improving the literacy proficiency and career preparation of elementary students and teens, ultimately moving them – and our community – to greater future success. It is through trusted, proven partnerships that positive transformation occurs across our community – and we are honored and grateful to do our part.”

Thank you to Dr. Bernier, his leadership team, the DCPS School Board members, and the teachers and students across Duval County for your ongoing partnership with READ USA! Together, alongside our donors and community partners, we are closing the literacy gap in elementary school and preparing teens – the workforce of tomorrow – for career success!

Have You Seen Our Teens in the News?    

This morning, our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly was joined by Ronnie, one of our former READ USA teen tutors, for a live, in-studio segment with Eden Kendall on River City Live!

#ICYMI, you can check it out here:

Thank you to Eden and the River City Live / News4Jax team for inviting READ USA to join you this morning! 

Also, keep an eye and ear out for more: two of our current teen tutors will be sitting down with Jax Today reporter Will Brown, and our teen tutor Moya will join Dr. Kelly on First Coast Connect next week with Anne Schindler! STAY TUNED!

Thank you to the local news media for informing the community about READ USA and showcasing our teen tutors! We are grateful for your reporting and support of the students and teens of Duval County!

Children’s Book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Illustrated by Garth Williams 

Charlotte’s Web is a beloved story that masterfully explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the natural rhythms of life. The text centers around Wilbur, a young pig destined for slaughter if not for the compassion of a girl named Fern. When Wilbur is moved to her uncle’s farm, he feels lonely and out of place—until he forms an unlikely bond with Charlotte, a clever and kind-hearted spider living in the barn. As Wilbur faces the threat of being harmed, Charlotte begins spinning messages in her web, such as “Some Pig” and “Terrific”—to show the humans how special he truly is. Wilbur’s character is portrayed as innocent and endearing, and he grows emotionally as the story progresses.

Charlotte stands out as the brave and wise figure whose loyalty and intelligence drive the story forward. Fern symbolizes the purity of childhood and the close bond between people and animals. Charlotte’s Web is a story about the bond of friendship and the beauty of selflessness. Charlotte’s devotion to Wilbur is deeply moving, reminding readers how small acts of love and sacrifice can have a powerful impact.

The story also gently handles the concepts of change, growing up, and loss in a way that is comforting for young readers. Charlotte’s Web is far more than just a tale for children. It teaches timeless lessons and remains a treasured piece of literature for all to enjoy.

Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.