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Just Read, Florida!
Just Read, Florida!  |
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 444 ·
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 ·
Phone: (850) 245-0503 ·
Fax: (850) 245-9530
News Items
Area schools participate in statewide literacy program to advance students’ skills
LADY LAKE — On Friday afternoon, in a kindergarten classroom at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, Linda Schwartz sat cross-legged on a colorful rug across from two students.
“What is this sound?” she asked, tapping her finger to a reading flashcard.
“Ruh-rain,” she said, emphasizing the first part of the word. The two girls followed along.
“Good girl!” Schwartz said, her voice exuding encouragement and enthusiasm.
The Village of Santo Domingo resident is a regular fixture in the school, and volunteers three to four times a week in the same classroom. She said much of her work is helping the students assemble the building blocks of their education, including learning to read and write.
1/28/2010
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Horse inspires young Florida students to read
A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tallahassee, Florida - A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tuffy the quarter horse is the only horse in the nation that's officially registered as a student, according to the state Department of Education
1/28/2010
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Students learn character from Tuffy
Quarter Horse travels Florida, teaching grade-schoolers about hard work and courtesy
1/28/2010
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Area schools kick off Literacy Week
Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson read a book to a group of Hartsfield Elementary and Gadsden Elementary Magnet School students in the Capitol courtyard to kick off Literacy Week.
All week long the importance of reading will be acknowledged in and out of the classroom.
"The ability to read opens many worlds for kids, enables them to learn about far off places, people and things," Bronson said. "But they may not realize it until they are motivated by others."
Motivation is why Bronson and other volunteers will be in the classrooms all week to read to children.
1/27/2010
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Deltona High literacy promotion takes 3rd in state contest
Deltona High School took third place -- and won a $250 gift card -- in the high school division of a state-sponsored contest for public service announcements promoting literacy.
The winners were announced Monday as Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp kicked off the state's second annual Celebrate Literacy Week in a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda in Tallahassee.
1/27/2010
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Horse inspires young Florida students to read
Tallahassee, Florida - A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tuffy the quarter horse is the only horse in the nation that's officially registered as a student, according to the state Department of Education.
Tuffy is enrolled as a second grader at East Milton Elementary School in the Panhandle and his mission is to promote reading. He's the subject of a book, told in first person, that's being circulated in schools.
1/27/2010
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This week, take time to teach reading
Reading is still fundamental. Emphasis on fun.
On Monday, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp led the charge to promote literacy through the Department of Education's second annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! The event at the Capitol was attended by the requisite groups — schoolchildren, dignitaries, teachers, state employees, and Tuffy, the only horse in the state to be enrolled in the public school system.
1/27/2010
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Santa Rosa Schools: Saddling up for literacy
Celebration of literacy begins Monday, W.H. Rhodes Elementary School to receive 900 books, and a Pace resident remembers the Haitian people.
Tuffy goes to the Capitol
Tuffy, a horse used to promote literacy and positive character, has been invited to the Capitol in Tallahassee on Monday for the kickoff to Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!
1/26/2010
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Department of Education to kick off literacy week today
The Department of Education will kick off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! this morning at the Capitol.
The 11 a.m. event will include special guests Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson; Florida Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte-Ros; Director of Capitol Police Dennis Bustle; and Tuffy, the first and only horse to be enrolled in the Florida public school system.
1/25/2010
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East Milton student part of Literacy Week kickoff at Capitol
For a while Monday morning there will be some horse sense outside of the Florida capitol buildings in Tallahassee.
Tuffy, the All-American Hero quarter horse, will play a part in the kickoff of Literacy Week in the State of Florida on Monday.
Florida Agriculture Commission Charles Bronson will be reading to a group of students from Gadsden County while Tuffy looks on as part of Just Read, Florida.
“This is a huge honor for us,” said Kyle Holley, who is the owner of Tuffy, a registered second grader at East Milton Elementary School. “This is our way to give during a difficult time across the entire state.
1/25/2010
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Most kids in kindergarten came ready for reading
TAVARES - About 90 percent of Lake County's 5- and 6-year-olds entered kindergarten last fall with the skills they needed to start learning to read, according to a recent state report.
The state Department of Education released the results of its kindergarten readiness screening last week – an annual test that showed that Lake kindergarteners again outperformed many of their peers in the region.
1/12/2010
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Early learners are better prepared
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s kindergartners are entering classrooms with better foundational skills, according to the 2009 Florida Kindergarten Readiness screening results released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.
Administered within the first 30 days of kindergarten, the screening measures a student’s knowledge and understanding in seven areas: language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social and personal skills, physical health and fitness and the creative arts.
“Early learning is essential for future success and I’m thrilled that more students are entering school better prepared and ready to learn,” said Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith.
1/7/2010
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Reading Aloud to Teens Gains Favor Among Teachers
Mention teachers’ practice of reading aloud to their students and a typical image comes to mind: In a cozy corner of an elementary classroom, youngsters are gathered on a rug, listening intently to Charlotte’s Web.
But, in fact, many teachers across the country are reading to students in middle and high schools, too, and some education researchers say more teachers of adolescents ought to be using the same strategy.
1/7/2010
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Governor Crist Applauds Success of Holiday Book Drive
Florida foster care organizations receive books during the holiday season.
Friday December 25th, 2009
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist lauded the success of the Governor’s Holiday Book Drive, an effort to collect book donations for local foster children, families and foster agency workers. The book drive collected more than 550 books for foster children across Florida .
“The annual book drive is a wonderful opportunity to give the gift of reading to Florida ’s children longing for the love and support of a forever family,” Governor Crist said. “I pray that the New Year brings them joy and happiness, and the gift of a permanent, loving home.”
In addition, Scholastic Books and Principle Woods Publishing generously donated 1,600 books through Volunteer Florida Foundation. Florida Department of Education/Just Read! also kindly donated 100 books. SKB Consulting Group helped facilitate the donation of the books.
12/28/2009
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Reach Out and Read helps break the cycle of poverty
day in America, there are more than 11 million children age 5 and under who are living in poverty.
Millions of these children will arrive on the first day of kindergarten already well behind their peers, unprepared to read and learn. Despite the billions of dollars Americans have invested in reading recovery programs, those children are highly likely to never catch up, placing them at increased risk for absenteeism, dropping out, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
If we want to break the cycle of poverty and help children realize their tremendous innate potential, we must target children before they enter school, making it a priority to help them develop the basic skills that will enable them to excel.
12/28/2009
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Gadsden County Kids Stayed up Late to Stop, Drop and Read
Gadsden County Kids were told to do three things after school this week and that was stop, drop and read. The porch light signaled that there was reading going inside! And actually, it was more like a reading party!
12/17/2009
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Educators Try New Ways to Spark Interest in Reading
LAKELAND | If students can't comprehend what they read, they can't pass the FCAT to graduate.
If they can't graduate, they can't get a decent paying job.
That's the reality facing 70 percent of Polk County's 10th-graders who couldn't read at grade level last year.
Reading teachers face myriad problems when trying to teach these students. Some students have problems pronouncing vowel sounds. Others just don't put forth the effort because they are bored
12/14/2009
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Tougher FCAT is coming, and it's just what we need
It's raining outside, and I have three very bored fifth-grade girls on my hands. I've got an idea, kids. Let's take the FCAT! They look at me like I'm crazy. So to make this interesting, I propose that we make it the high-school reading FCAT, the test required for graduation. This intrigues them.
12/7/2009
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River Ridge High students use fairy tales to promote reading
NEW PORT RICHEY
A girl with no name — call her Every Girl — sits alone in her bedroom, refusing to read because it's just no fun.
Suddenly characters from her favorite movies appear, singing the songs she loves, explaining that their stories come from the books she rejects.
The Scarecrow from Oz in particular surprises the girl.
"You're in a book too?" she asks. "Are there other characters in books that aren't in movies?"
11/17/2009
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Students In Gadsden Take Time To "Stop, Drop and Read"
"Stop, Drop and Read!"
That's what kids in Gadsden county will be doing every night from six to eight, if their parents and teachers have any say in it.
The initiative is geared toward raising reading scores by having kids flip through the pages of their favorite books each night.
You'll know who is reading by their front porch light, and the students couldn't be more excited.
"Try to get a book and read because it helps you and it will help you in life," said Demarcus Haggins, a reading fan from Gadsden Elementary Magnet School.
"It's very important to read because it builds your vocabulary and it shows that you're interested in reading," said Al'Tianna Baker, student at Gadsden Elementary Magnet School and an avid reader.
11/17/2009
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Teacher memorialized in school's new reading area
The rigid wooden chairs never enticed students to kick back with a book in Wellington Elementary School's library.
But this school year started with something softer for children to settle into: A Harry Potter reading nook created in memory of a teacher who for a quarter century helped the school's children leaf through pages and learn language.
The school in late October dedicated the nook to Fran Shane, who in May 2008 died at age 59 after five years of trying to beat breast cancer.
11/16/2009
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Tis the Season of Giving ~ Help Kids in Need
Kids love the holiday season, so it’s a great time to teach them the joys of both receiving and giving gifts. Families can get into the holiday spirit by supporting Volunteer USA Foundation’s holiday book drive.
It’s simple…Volunteer USA is collecting gently-used or new Magic Tree House books, a favorite series among young readers. Your child might consider writing a personal message in the book to share with the next spellbound reader.
Volunteer USA has a goal to collect 25,000 new and used Magic Tree House books for our Teen Trendsetters™ program, where high school volunteers step in to mentor struggling 2nd and 3rd graders each week.
Please send books to: Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, Florida 34474…or, you can donate $5 or more so we may purchase new books for children. Make checks payable to: Volunteer USA Foundation, 516 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
11/16/2009
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Star QBs for FSU, FAMU promote reading to kids
Christian Ponder and Curtis Pulley are well known for being able to read defenses.
The quarterbacks for Florida State and Florida A&M universities showed off their reading skills for a new audience Wednesday, the students at Hartsfield Elementary.
Ponder and Pulley had some high-powered company, including Tallahassee Mayor John Marks and the Big-Headed Beaver and Friends, the mascots from the Character Center. The reading event was part of a national initiative, Raising Readers.
11/5/2009
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HELP KIDS BY DONATING USED “MAGIC TREE HOUSE” BOOKS!
Kids love receiving and reading their favorite books. And, the Magic Tree House books series is a great favorite among young readers. Help us support children , by passing on your family’s gently-used Magic Tree House books. Your child might consider writing a personal message in the book to share with the next reader. Volunteer USA has a goal to collect 25,000 new and used Magic Tree House books for our Teen Trendsetters™ program, where high school volunteers step in to mentor struggling 2nd and 3rd graders each week.
Please send books to: Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, Florida 34474
Or, if you prefer, you can donate $5 or more so we may purchase new books for children. Make checks payable to: Volunteer USA Foundation, 516 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Please spread the word and share this message with your family and friends to make a difference in the lives of children.
10/21/2009
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DOE announces Hispanic heritage reading list
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Florida Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! Office announced the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Recommended Reading List.
Selections are included for readers of all ages to raise awareness and create interest in the legacy and contributions of Hispanic Americans to Florida's culture and lifestyle.
10/7/2009
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Let's promote reading skills for all
With a growing immigrant population, an increase in high-school dropouts and the disturbing fact that 20 percent of our Central Florida residents read at or below a fifth-grade level, today's businesses face a growing labor pool with low literacy skills.
Companies need employees who can read, write, solve problems, perform basic math, use basic computer skills and communicate effectively in English with each other and their customers — particularly in these tough times when employers are trying to do more with fewer staff members and resources.
Today is International Literacy Day, a time when we should recognize the profound negative impact that low literacy has on the workplace. Experts estimate that low literacy costs the American economy $225 billion a year in lost productivity.
10/7/2009
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Our Opinion: Hungry for readers
You can walk into work on Thursday a hero, adored by a throng of riveted, pint-sized devotees and praised by hard-working men and women in your community.
All you have to do is read a book. Aloud. This may require you to use funny voices.
On Thursday, sometime between 10 and 11 a.m., hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren throughout the world will be reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle as part of JumpStart's third annual "Read for the Record" event. Locally, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes have each received a copy of the book through the philanthropic Pearson Foundation.
10/7/2009
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Pasco educators trying to improve reading scores
LAND O' LAKES - It's a mystery that has tugged at Florida educators for years.
Based on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores, elementary school students with excellent reading skills see their reading proficiency drop to mediocre by the end of middle school and plummet to abysmal in high school.
That leaves school board members and educators puzzling over why students would suddenly forget how to read by the time they reach 10th-grade.
One theory is that the high school version of FCAT is too difficult, a claim that is lent some credence by national reading exams in which Florida students outperform many of their peers across the country.
10/7/2009
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As students struggle to keep up in reading, more is expected of them
Almost one-third of Brevard County public high school students can't read at grade level. That's 5,118 struggling readers out of the district's 18,293 high school students -- enough to fill two of Brevard's 15 public high schools, according to a FLORIDA TODAY analysis of this past year's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results.
8/10/2009
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Nonprofit awards educators for spreading literacy
An organization trying to improve reading skills in pre-kindergartners named a director of Malena's Mini School as its first Appleseed preschool teacher of the year.
Pamela Broughton, a director for the school, received the award Wednesday from the nonprofit known as ECARE, an acronym for Every Child a Reader in Escambia.
6/25/2009
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Florida Department of Education Releases Summer Reading List
In celebration of World Environment Day, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a recommended summer reading list that promotes the beauty and adventure found in many of Florida’s natural wonders. Selections in the list provide a focus on Florida’s State Parks but also offer information about other unique ecological se...
6/10/2009
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FCAT scores up again statewide
More Florida students than ever are reading and doing math at grade level, according to FCAT results released Thursday. The state''s students are also doing better in science, though fewer than half were proficient on that section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this year. Statewide, the percentage of students reading at grade level is up 14points since 2001
5/29/2009
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A doggone good reading program
ENGLEWOOD -- Pet therapy dogs are helping struggling young readers overcome the stress and stigma of under performing in the first of the Three Rs, local educators and animal workers say.
The Englewood-based Suncoast Humane Society has 32 teams of trained therapy dogs and handlers that visit area schools, libraries, assisted living facilities and private homes, bringing furry joy to scores of appreciative fans.
Best of all, it's free.
On the second Monday of each month, dog-and-person teams show up at the Elsie Quirk Library so children can read to tail-wagging acclaim in an environment free of criticism.
"They sit there and read and the dogs sit there and listen and they all pet the dogs," said Cris Walton, the senior youth librarian at Elsie Quirk.
5/11/2009
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