Team READ USA was at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ press conference on Monday to hear first-hand the thrilling news that Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has officially become an “A”-graded school district!
Our congratulations go to Team Duval on this momentous occasion, which has been more than 20 years in the making. DCPS is now one of 28 school districts across Florida that has earned the coveted “A” grade.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with DCPS teachers, staff, administrators, and school board members. More importantly, we celebrate the positive impact this represents on the students and workforce of Duval County,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. “Achieving an ‘A’ grade took incredible effort on behalf of our educators and staff, as well as the school-based partners, like READ USA, who support the district every day towards high academic achievement. I want to specifically recognize DCPS Superintendent Dr. Chris Bernier, Chief Academic Officer Paula Renfro, School Board Chairman Charlotte Joyce, and the incredible school board members and staff whose leadership made this possible.”
As reported by local news outlets, DCPS was previously a B-graded school system for six years and a C-graded district for five years prior. (You can read more in the Florida Times-Union and Jax Today here.)
READ USA played a role in improving reading outcomes by providing Literacy Tutoring in several elementary schools funded by Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), Mayors Youth at Work Program (MYAW), AmeriCorps (AC), and/or DCPS. Here are a few highlights:
3rd grade Reading Proficiency increase on FAST from 2024 to 2025:
4th grade Reading Proficiency increase on FAST from 2024 to 2025:
Congratulations again to every educator, paraprofessional, administrator, district leader, community partner, and school board member across Duval County Public Schools! READ USA is proud to be a partner in this work, helping all students read on grade level and graduate workforce ready!
“When students are not reading on grade level, it’s a workforce problem.”
A message from our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly:
At the DCPS school board meeting last week, Board Chairman Charlotte Joyce, District 6, shared a powerful personal story about the importance of literacy achievement – a reason she became and teacher and later ran for school board.
Mrs. Joyce’s father, Charles Boone, recently passed away after a courageous battle with multiple health conditions. She shared that Charles and his two brothers, students at Oceanway Elementary School in Duval County in the 1940’s, grew up in poverty without the luxury of owning their own shoes. Charles and his brothers performed low in both academics and behavior. Due to the strain of poverty on the family, their parents decided to move the boys to Lake City to live with their grandparents.
Charles remembered his teachers’ reactions when they found out the brothers were leaving Oceanway Elementary – they were joyful. Upon arriving in Lake City, Charles’ grandparents said they would not allow the boys to stay with them, so the family traveled back to Jacksonville. When Charles and his brothers were re-enrolled at Oceanway Elementary, Charles also remembered his teachers’ reaction – they were disappointed. At this point, Charles felt the tremendous weight of rejection – threefold – from his teachers, his parents, and his grandparents.
Soon after, Charles quit school and began working full-time. He first worked on a tobacco farm, seven long days each week. He later worked at a gas station. All the while working hard and contributing to his family and community. Around 1967, Charles started working as a machine tender at U.S. Gypsum Company and continued there for 35 years until his retirement. During his time at U.S. Gypsum Company, Charles was recognized for his honesty, reliability, and hard work. Other than being hospitalized, he never called out or missed work.
It wasn’t long before Charles was offered a promotion to supervisor – a position he desired but declined. Why? He could not read. Charles knew that, as a supervisor, he would be required to read documents and time sheets and write reports, but he was not taught to read or write proficiently in school. Illiteracy prevented Charles from accepting a well-deserved, higher-paying job at a company he loved.
This is one of the driving forces within Chairman Charlotte Joyce. When she became a teacher, she saw many students – just like her father Charles – who could not read or write proficiently. It was her job to help them achieve those goals. And then in 2019 when Mrs. Joyce ran for school board, and won, that passion for literacy has continued to fuel her mission.
It was no coincidence that Monday, at Governor DeSantis’ press conference, Chairman Joyce congratulated Duval County Public Schools on earning an “A” grade from none other than Oceanway Elementary. But this time, it was different. This time, Oceanway Elementary was recognized for their amazing increased academic achievement – they are now an “A” school.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: when students are not reading on grade level, it’s a workforce problem. Charles represents millions of people who cannot read proficiently, and that affects the workforce – job options, mobility, promotions, salaries, and productivity. And ultimately, that directly affects community members – families.
We’ve made great strides in Duval County Public Schools – we should celebrate this monumental achievement. Now, there is still work to be done. READ USA will continue to partner alongside DCPS and the School Board to support grade-level reading proficiency and workforce readiness.
We must lock arms – everyone in the community – and support our educators and leaders to continue to achieve higher academic outcomes.
Dr. Rob Kelly
READ USA President & Chief Executive Officer
Thank You, READ USA Volunteers!
During the past few weeks, our READ USA volunteers have – once again! – stepped up and stepped in to support our mission, no matter the task at hand!
Our gratitude runs deep for our volunteers who continue to show up when Team READ USA needs them most – and not only do they show up, but they do so with a warm smile, eager attitude, and a steady heartbeat for service!
Recently, we have needed volunteers to help accomplish a number of tasks this summer before READ USA Literacy Tutoring resumes in mid-August for the Fall semester. To support, our volunteers:
As part of that, we want to extend a big THANK YOU to Florida State College at Jacksonville and Dr. Tara Haley for lending us space at its downtown campus for us to conduct this project! We also thank Jacksonville University and Dr. Chris Corbo for lending storage space as we moved materials and curricula out of schools for the summer. We literally could not have accomplished these tasks without the availability of their spaces, and we are so thankful!
We also want to give a special shoutout to our volunteers who helped us out at some recent community events! Team READ USA had the privilege to give out free books and reading resources recently at WJCT Public Media’s Be My Neighbor Day, and at the Bad Guys Library Takeover held in partnership with Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers and the Jacksonville Public Library.
READ USA relies on the dedication and support of our volunteers to help us accomplish our mission, and we are immensely grateful to the individuals who continue to support the children, teens, parents, and teachers we serve! THANK YOU for helping bring our mission to life!
P.S.: There are four – YES, 4! – back-to-school events happening on Saturday, August 2 and our volunteers will be vital to their success as well. If you’re interested, sign up here!
Cultivating Altruism in the Next Generation: Thank You, Diocese of St. Augustine!
While ALL of our volunteers are special to Team READ USA, we wanted to give a special shoutout to a new group of folks who recently volunteered with us: local teenagers representing the Diocese of St. Augustine!
Over the course of three days last week, 25 teens and youth joined us at the Schultz Center and at FSCJ Downtown to help us with our volunteer projects (more on that above!). Plus, they were joined by chaperones – who didn’t simply sit on the sidelines but joined in the activities as well!
The teens and youth attend schools and summer camps administered by the Diocese of St. Augustine. The Diocese, which extends from Northeast to North Central Florida, is led by the Most Reverend Erik T. Pohlmeier. You can read more about the Diocese of St. Augustine, its schools, and more HERE.
Thank you to the Diocese of St. Augustine and the wonderful teens and youth who helped us out with such enthusiasm last week! We are inspired by your desire to ‘give back’ at such a young age!
Children’s Book: F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
Illustrated by Barbara Duke
Wendy Cheyette Lewison’s F is for Flag is an engaging and informative picture book that introduces young children to the meaning and importance of the American flag. With its clear, rhythmic text and vivid illustrations by Barbara Duke, the book makes complex ideas – like national pride, unity, and symbolism – both accessible and enjoyable for early learners. Designed to educate and inspire, this book is an excellent first step in helping children understand American heritage and values.
Children will learn about the Pledge of Allegiance, Flag Day, and other patriotic observances, all explained in a developmentally appropriate way. The book offers a well-rounded, age-appropriate introduction to the flag’s place in American life and history.
The theme of patriotism, expressed through pride in one’s country, respect for national symbols, and recognition of shared values, helps children understand what it means to be a good citizen in America. Lewison successfully conveys how the American flag represents a powerful emblem of freedom and unity.
F is for Flag is a wonderful resource for introducing younger readers to one of the most iconic symbols of American identity. With its gentle storytelling, educational value, and vibrant visuals, the book effectively communicates the significance of the American flag in a meaningful and engaging way.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Parent Education Corner: Supporting Your Child with Comprehension Strategies – Informational Texts
Nonfiction texts help children build essential reading skills and gain real-world knowledge. Here are a few simple yet powerful ways you can support your child when they’re reading informational texts at home:
Remember, your involvement can make a big difference in your child’s reading confidence and comprehension. Always remember you are an important partner in their learning journey!
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!