Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

"I Feel the Need to Read" is a Service Learning Project Sponsored by 15 Students From Freedom High School (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Initiative: The purpose of the project is to promote literacy by engaging students at Title I elementary schools in reading and learning activities and to encourage community members to get involved with literacy issues. The schools selected are Mort, MOSI Partnership, and Riverhills Elementary. The project will serve as a component of the Worst to First Movement and will be correlated with the National Education Association's Read Across America. The project will be held in March, the month of Dr. Seuss' birthday and will have a Dr. Seuss theme.

The project will consist of five distinct phases: a book drive, elementary school visits, a family and community awareness night, and a Dr. Seuss themed children's literacy festival.

Goals: Encourage and instill a desire to read by giving each second grade student at Mort, MOSI Partnership, and Riverhills Elementary their own personal book.

Targeted Population: Second grade students from Mort, MOSI Partnership, and Riverhills Elementary Schools.

Timeline:

  • December 4: first visit to schools
  • December - March: letter correspondence with children about books they read and experience from first visit
  • March 2: raising awareness in the community (Dr. Seuss' birthday)
  • March 19: Dr. Seuss themed festival for approximately 250 second grade students
  • March - May: more correspondence about additional books received and experience from festival
  • Future School years: possibly continue reading field trips. The extent of involvement depends on future Cafe Freedom (festival planning club) members desire and service projects.

    Staff Development: This service learning project will be monitored by Elsa Tuggle, Director, Federal Programs-ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).

    • ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

    * Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Motivate students to become responsible learners

    FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

    EVALUATION

    SUBMITTED BY:

    Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
    Student Services and Federal Programs
    (813) 272-4879     		Wynne A. Tye
    Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
    (813) 272-4221
    B 01
    Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20091208_367 * Section B Item# 01