This week, we are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Marva McKinney, Principal of Cedar Hills Elementary School, as the 2026 Marjorie Broward Memorial Scholarship Award Honoree!
A distinguished educator, transformational school leader, scholar, and passionate advocate for children, Dr. McKinney has dedicated more than three decades to education, including over 20 years as an elementary school principal. READ USA is honored to recognize her outstanding leadership and commitment to helping children learn, grow, and discover their limitless potential.
A proud Jacksonville native and graduate of Jean Ribault High School, Dr. McKinney earned her bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman University, master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and Doctor of Education from the University of North Florida.
Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional leader, assistant principal, and principal, guided by her belief that meaningful relationships, high expectations, and genuine care are essential to student success.
One of her most notable accomplishments came during her time as Principal of Long Branch Elementary School, where she led the school to its first-ever “A” school rating! This milestone reflected the collective dedication of educators, students, families, and community partners working toward a shared vision.
Today, as Principal of Cedar Hills Elementary School, Dr. McKinney continues to make a lasting impact. Under her leadership, Cedar Hills has demonstrated consistent academic improvement while fostering a positive school culture where every child feels valued and supported. As one of READ USA's Literacy Tutoring sites, Cedar Hills also reflects her commitment to providing students with additional opportunities to strengthen their reading skills and build confidence.
At the heart of Dr. McKinney's work is a lifelong passion for literacy.
Her love of reading began during childhood, when books introduced her to new ideas, experiences, and possibilities. She fondly remembers exploring the Childcraft collection, which helped nurture her curiosity and imagination. Those early experiences continue to shape her belief that literacy is more than an academic skill, it is a foundation for confidence, independence, and lifelong opportunity.
In addition to her work as an educational leader, Dr. McKinney is committed to advancing research that addresses the challenges facing today's students and schools. Her manuscript, Exploring the Lived Experiences of Title I Elementary School Principals about Youth Mental Health: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, is currently under review for publication. Her research explores the challenges school leaders face in addressing children's mental health needs.
Dr. McKinney's commitment to service extends beyond the classroom through her being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and her dedication to mentorship and community engagement. She also treasures her family, including her husband of 30 years, Kevin, and their two children, Kennedy and Miles, whose love and support have been an important part of her journey.
After more than three decades in education, Dr. McKinney remains guided by her belief that every child deserves adults who recognize their potential and help them discover what is possible.
Congratulations to Dr. Marva McKinney on being named the 2026 Marjorie Broward Memorial Scholarship Award Honoree! Team READ USA is immensely grateful for her dedication to education, her advocacy for children, and the lasting impact she continues to make on students, families, and our Jacksonville community!
We look forward to celebrating Dr. McKinney at Peace in the Pages on Friday, November 6, 2026, at The Schultz Center!
READ USA AmeriCorps Members Explore Career Pathways at FSCJ!
From exploring college opportunities to getting hands-on experience, READ USA AmeriCorps members recently spent a day discovering new possibilities at the Florida State College at Jacksonville, Downtown campus.
About 30 of our AmeriCorps members participated in a special visit to the FSCJ Advanced Technology Center, where they explored career pathways, and learned about opportunities to further their education.
During the visit, Chris Lee, Associate Dean of Engineering and Industry at FSCJ, facilitated an interactive workshop in the college's advanced manufacturing training lab, giving members a hands-on introduction to the field and an opportunity to explore technical career pathways.
Members also enjoyed a tour of FSCJ's Downtown Campus led by Caroline Yazdiya, who delivered an informative workshop covering college programs, admissions, and financial aid. The session provided members with valuable information about continuing their education and exploring the opportunities available to them.
At READ USA, our commitment to AmeriCorps members extends beyond their service in classrooms. Experiences like this help members explore their interests, discover educational and career opportunities, and consider the next steps toward their personal and professional goals.
A special thank-you to our partners at FSCJ, Dean Chris Lee, and Caroline Yazdiya for welcoming our AmeriCorps members and providing such a meaningful learning experience. We are grateful for partnerships that help open doors to new opportunities and brighter futures!
A Winning Day for Young Readers at North Shore Elementary!
For hundreds of students at North Shore Elementary School, Tuesday wasn't an ordinary school day! A special visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars Literacy Locker Room brought a morning of reading, excitement, and memorable moments.
Presented by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, in partnership with JEA, the event brought over 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade together for a morning centered on books, literacy, and fun.
Jacksonville Jaguars Legend Donovin Darious, read aloud to students during a lively assembly that also featured special appearances by Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville and members of the ROAR, bringing plenty of excitement to North Shore Elementary!
Through the Literacy Locker Room, students also had the opportunity to celebrate reading and discover the joy of books. By connecting literacy with the excitement of their hometown NFL team, the program helps encourage young readers to develop a lifelong love of reading.
We are proud to partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and JEA to help bring these meaningful literacy experiences to elementary students across Jacksonville.
A special thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, JEA, and the entire North Shore Elementary School team for helping make this celebration possible. Together, we're inspiring young readers, one book at a time!
Children’s Book: A Book Of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer
What makes a neighborhood feel like home?
In A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer, a child preparing to move leaves behind a special gift for the next person who will live in the house: a handmade guide to the places, people, and little surprises that make the neighborhood unforgettable.
From favorite corners to unexpected discoveries, each map tells a story about a place worth knowing. Maxwell Eaton III’s detailed illustrations invite readers to slow down, look closely, and find something new with every page.
The book also offers a creative way to explore how maps and words can work together to share information and memories. Both tender and playful, A Book of Maps for You encourages children to notice the communities around them—and perhaps create a map of their own favorite places.
Parent Education Corner: Building Independence Through Reading
As children grow, they begin making more decisions about what, when, and how they read. Giving them appropriate choices can help them feel ownership of their reading lives. Independence does not mean leaving a child to figure everything out alone; it means offering support while gradually making room for their decisions.
Invite your child to choose between several books that match their interests and reading abilities. Create a place where books are easy to find and return. A basket or small shelf works just fine.
Ask your child to set a small, realistic reading goal, such as finishing a chapter or exploring a new topic. Encourage them to notice when a book is too difficult and ask for help, or save it for a read-aloud together.
Let them share their opinions. A child who says, “I didn't like the ending,” is practicing thoughtful reading, too.
Keep reading aloud and talking about books, even as your child becomes more independent. Your interest shows that reading remains something to share, while your child learns to make choices of their own.