July 2020 Newsletter

Planning for Everything: Future Programming Possibilities

As school districts and states develop multiple scenarios for school re-openings based on COVID-19 conditions, Reading Power is busier than ever enhancing our programs to meet the needs of more children who will need reading interventions. “An education tsunami has hit us,” says Ann Bates, EdD, co-author of The Complete Guide to Tutoring Struggling Readers and a member of the Reading Power Board of Directors Executive Committee. “Children were pulled away in March – a critical time of development during any school year. We can expect a larger-than-normal ‘summer slide’ caused by the interruption of school. And children have lost the sense of community and the critical social and emotional connections that school provides.”

Above, Site Coordinator Cathy Keller delivers a one-to-one tutoring session via Zoom.

In response, Reading Power has delivered Literacy Learning materials and new books to children through schools and community partners, and developed a robust You Tube channel of Instructional Read Aloud videos . We have begun one-to-one tutoring of students virtually, and now know that this is a viable option. Virtual instruction also allows us to grow our program through partnerships with community groups.

“The potential learning loss caused by this pause in school cannot be underestimated,” concurs Director of Programs Lisa Bulzoni. “We have to do everything we can to reach the growing number of students who are at risk of underachievement.”

What will school look like this Fall?

Reading Power has been researching solutions for tutoring children in the Fall based on updated guidance from the Illinois Department of Education. The following are several scenarios being discussed: The Best Case: COVID-19 is under control, schools are fully open, and one-to-one in person tutoring can take place in the classrooms. Next Best Case: Students and staff are allowed into the schools, but volunteers are not. Reading Power tutors would deliver tutoring virtually to children using devices in the Reading Power classroom, or if schools are closed, from their homes. All Cases: Reading Power will expand its programming beyond the school day through partnerships with schools and community groups. These individual and group Literacy Learning Sessions might occur before and after school and could be delivered in-person or virtually.

We are absolutely committed to providing more to meet the growing need for reading interventions among young students.

More Children Need Your Help!

Transitioning our program to meet the needs of more students during this pandemic will include investments in computers and video technology, expanded purchases of quality books, digital resources, and additional training for tutors and staff. We are so grateful for your support which makes our work possible. Click below to donate.  Donate a new book for a child for $15! Build a classroom library for $500 Tutor a child for a year for $2000! 

For more information about meeting specific needs (computers, etc.), contact Nancy Duffy at Nancy.duffy@readingpowerinc.org .

Donor Spotlight: BCU

Reading Power would like to thank BCU (Baxter Credit Union) for their generous donation to support our mission during these critical times. BCU believes in improving the world around us, and contributes to nonprofit causes that support healthcare, financial education & empowerment, and community well-being.  “Reading Power is a great cause,” says Mike Valentine, President and CEO of BCU “Keep it up!” Our sincere thanks to all at BCU for their continuing support!

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 Marra Lochiatto, MBA, Vice Chair Ann Bates, EdD Kathleen Cowie John Davidson  Mark Goodman, JD Mary Jane Hender, EdD Todd Litzsinger Rahul Malhotra Melinda Mooney Beverly Raudabaugh, MBA Frank Sibley Arthur Turner Mary Weber Tom Wood Jim Young Rev. Dr. Gordon Butcher, DMin, Emeritus

Reading Power Program Staff

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Director of Programs Daniela Cruz, Program Assistant Nancy Duffy, Resource Development Manager Joanie Alley, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator Julie Collishaw, MA, Site Coordinator Kristin Fine, MEd, Site Coordinator Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator Mary Jane Hender, EdD, Site Coordinator Cathy Keller, BS, Site Coordinator Jenny Kronauer, BS, Assistant Site Coordinator Joy McGreevy, BA, Site Coordinator Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator Kay Roller, Site Coordinator Marion Schmidt, BS, Site Coordinator Karen Uihlein, Assistant Site Coordinator

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