March 2022 Newsletter

The need for reading intervention has never been greater. Reading Power has the people, the program, and the proven results to accelerate reading skills growth and get students on track to achieve the milestone of grade-level literacy.  

Partner School Spotlight: Oakdale Elementary, Waukegan, IL

As light poured into the bright and colorful Reading Power room at Oakdale Elementary one recent March morning, one could feel the buzz of activity in the air. Books were being read, fast words recited, and handwriting practiced. “You’re a good reader,” a tutor shared with her proud student. “Soon, you’ll be an even better one,” she added as they shared a knowing smile.

Similar connections are evident between each Reading Power tutor and their first and second grade Oakdale students. “I tutored virtually last year, and it was really hard,” shared tutor Julie Shroka. “This is such a gift. Being together again, seeing the students' progress, working with such a welcoming school and staff. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Reading Power expanded to Oakdale Elementary in the fall of 2021. Like almost every school, the need for one-to-one literacy tutoring at Oakdale was great. So much was lost last year with school closures and virtual classes due to COVID-19. “Academically, the one-to-one attention Reading Power provides is invaluable.” Oakdale Principal Catalina Quiñones-Nelson stated. “The quality of the Reading Power staff and tutors has impressed me. They really want to be here. They are invested in the students. I feel that, and so do our students. Reading Power is a program that works.” Oakdale second grade teacher Diane Jimenez agreed adding, “My students have grown so much this year. I am so thankful to have Reading Power at our school to help close this gap from the pandemic.”

Under the watchful eye of Site Coordinator Julie Collishaw and Assistant Site Coordinator Cathy Plate, the first and second grade programs have been running smoothly three days a week all year. Next fall, Reading Power plans to expand at Oakdale once again. “Working in partnership with our wonderful Oakdale Elementary school staff,” Julie shared, “we will be adding additional tutoring days and programming for prekindergarten and kindergarten students next year.” More connections, more learning, more progress to come.

Reading Power Tutors - Making Connections, Leading the Way

Connections allow the Reading Power family to DO MORE together to foster the promise of literacy. The relationships between students and Reading Power tutors help make learning possible. Below are comments from three Oakdale Elementary tutors.

In The News

The fallout from the pandemic is just starting to be felt. “We’re in new territory,” educators say. Read more about this year's reading emergency in the New York Times article, "It’s ‘Alarming’: Children Are Severely Behind in Reading"

Women's History Month

“The world was hers for the reading.” Betty Smith

March is Women’s History Month. To celebrate, Reading Power staff is sharing their favorite children’s novels written by women that present compelling, strong, brave, smart role models for all children.

"Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books by Betty MacDonald. She was a parenting expert before there was even such a thing!" Jennifer Bruns, Site Coordinator

"I was a fan of Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. I, along with two childhood friends, used to act out adventures with Pippi, Tommy, and Annika." Andrea Glickman, Site Coordinator

"I love anything by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. The messages in her books are the best." Brooke Davis, Assistant Site Coordinator

"Jan Brett’s detailed illustrations tell just as rich a story as her text. My favorite of hers is The Mitten." Kristin Fine, Associate Director of Programs & Site Coordinator

Donor Spotlight

Thank you to North Shore Gas Community Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation for awarding Reading Power 2022 grant funds. The funding will help us continue to Extend, Expand, and Enhance our programming to reach more students in need.

Save the Date

Spring is on its way and so are our upcoming events...

- Open House at LEARN 10 from 9-10 am on April 19th and 21st. Email Nancy Duffy for more information or to RSVP.

- Family Literacy Night May 2022

- Play for Literacy September 12, 2022 

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Executive Director of Programs and Operations

Kate Burke, BS, Marketing and Communications Manager

Daniela Cruz, Program Assistant

Nancy Duffy, Resource Development Manager

Kristin Fine, MEd, Associate Director of Programs/Site Coordinator

Joanie Alley, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Kate Bulzoni, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Katie Burdiak, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Jennifer Bruns, MST, Site Coordinator

Julie Collishaw, MA, Site Coordinator

Brooke Davis, MEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator

Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator

Mary Jane Hender, EdD, Site Coordinator

Joy McGreevy, BA, Site Coordinator

Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Melayna Pokorny, BA, Office Assistant 

Elizabeth Soling, AA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Heather Sommers, MA, Site Coordinator

Summer Zilisch, Assistant Site Coordinator