April 2019 Newsletter
Reading Power Open Houses Open Eyes
Seeing is believing, particularly when it comes to understanding how and why Reading Power is so effective at helping improve early literacy skills.

This year’s Open Houses – our best attended ever - were no exception.

Donors, tutors, and friends joined Reading Power staff and members of our Board of Directors at two Open Houses in March to watch tutoring in action and ask questions about our innovative programming. Even friends who have been supporters for years learned something new! Guests were impressed with our comprehensive program, individualized instruction, and all-in commitment from children and tutors.

Our sincere thanks to all who joined us. If you were unable to attend but would like to visit a Reading Power classroom to learn more, we’ll be happy to schedule a visit just for you! Contact us at info@readingpowerinc.org . 


Turn up the volume and enjoy this
short video of our Open Houses!
Race to the Finish Line!
Reading Power students have begun working on their writing workshop projects in preparation for Author’s Day, to be held at the end of the year. Author’s Day is a highlight for students, tutors, and staff as students share what they’ve written with their peers and tutors. Some write stories, others write letters to authors, sports figures, museums, best friends, or even members of their own families!

“Reading and writing are reciprocal processes,” explains Director of Programs Lisa Bulzoni. “During a Reading Power tutoring session, we explicitly teach the connections to monitoring and self-correcting during reading and writing. Learning to read and write require many of the same tasks, and struggling readers who do not spend time writing may struggle even more with literacy.”
In May, Author's Day books and letters written by Reading Power students are shared with peers and tutors.
How do children learn to write?
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Foster the Promise of Literacy!

What Do Children Need to Know Before Kindergarten?
Reading Power’s Director of Programs Lisa Bulzoni and Green Bay Early Childhood Center Site Coordinator Joy McGreevy gave an excellent presentation to North Chicago parents about preparing their children for Kindergarten. Held at the Green Bay Early Childhood Education Center, Joy and Lisa explained how children learn to read, and provided tips and ideas for parents.

“It’s never too early to start reading to children,” Lisa Bulzoni counseled. “Children learn so much just from the experience: how to hold a book, how we read left to right, how to turn the page.”
More than 30 parents and children were in attendance. Each family went home with a new children’s book and writing pad, compliments of Reading Power.

Above photo (L to R): Reading Power Site Coordinator Joy McGreevy, Principal Nicole Johnson, Reading Power Director of Programs Lisa Bulzoni.

At left, Joy McGreevy helps parents pick out books for their children, compliments of Reading Power.
What do children need to be able to do in Kindergarten?
·       Have the ability to listen and follow two to three directions
·       Be able to play well with others, share, and take turns
·       Be able to read and write his or her name
·       Be able to say the alphabet and recognize letters

What can parents do to help their children be prepared for Kindergarten?
·       Touch things when counting. It helps children learn letters, words, and sentences.
·       Make up rhymes and ask children to fill in the blanks.
·       Read. Read. Read!
·       Unplug the tv, phones, and computers.
·       Sing songs and play games.
·       Scavenger hunt letters, numbers, and colors in street signs, grocery stores, etc.
·       Ask your child to make grocery lists and birthday lists and to “read” them to you. 
Our Mission

Working in partnership with underserved schools, 
Reading Power provides one-to-one tutoring during the school day 
for children in prekindergarten through second grade.  

Our mission is to accelerate children's literacy learning, 
and to develop in them a love of reading and writing. 
All children deserve to reach their intellectual potential.

Reading Power Board of Directors
Kathy McFarland, PhD, Chairman, CEO
Germaine Arnson
Ann Bates, EdD
Kathleen Cowie
John Davidson 
Mark Goodman, JD
Mary Jane Hender, EdD
Todd Litzsinger
Marra Lochiatto, MBA
Melinda Mooney
Beverly Raudabaugh, MBA
Frank Sibley
Nancy Smith, CPA, CMA
Mary Weber
Tom Wood
George Zorich
Rev. Dr. Gordon Butcher, DMin, Emeritus
Reading Power Program Staff
Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Director of Programs
Daniela Cruz, Administrative Assistant

North Chicago Schools
Evelyn Alexander Elementary School
Marion Schmidt, BS, Site Coordinator
Joanie Alley, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator
Kristin Fine, MEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Forrestal Elementary School
Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator
Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator
Sue Butman, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Green Bay Early Childhood Center
Joy McGreevy, BA, Site Coordinator

LEARN 10 Charter School
Cheryl DePaul, MAT, Site Coordinator
Jenny Kronauer, BS, Assistant Site Coordinator

Zion Schools
Beulah Park Elementary School
Julie Collishaw, MA, Site Coordinator

Shiloh Park Elementary School
Cathy Keller, BS, Site Coordinator
Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Beaufort, South Carolina Schools
Joseph Shanklin Elementary School
Mary Jane Hender, EdD, Site Coordinator
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Learn more at READINGPOWERINC.ORG
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