Evan Owens’ Eagle Scout Project for St. Ethelreda

We were so happy to meet Evan Owens when he reached out about supporting SitStayRead with his Eagle Scout project this past Fall. After talking with him about ways he could help contribute to our mission, he prepared a fundraiser to purchase classroom materials and books for one of our school partners, St. Ethelreda in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago.

SitStayRead was thrilled to have helped facilitate this connection and we are ever grateful for Evan’s initiative and the support that his fundraiser received. Our special thanks also to Semicolon for supporting the book drive portion of this fundraiser!

Words From Evan

“Hello My name is Evan Owens, I am a senior at DePaul College Prep. I have just finished my Eagle Scout project where I worked with SitStayRead to benefit an elementary school on the south side called St. Ethelreda. With the help of the amazing team at SitStayRead I raised over $2000 through my GoFundMe. I also collected book donations through a local Chicago bookstore called, Semicolon Bookstore, to be donated to St. Ethelreda for their personal library. 

With the money I raised I purchased classroom materials like pens, pencils, hand sanitizer, paper towels, notebooks, and Lysol wipes. I took these materials and distributed them evenly into nine large tote bins, one for each classroom at St. Ethelreda. I brought the bins to St. Ethelreda and met the staff and some of the students. The principal, Dr. Spells, was extremely kind and very grateful for all of the donations. SitStayRead was a very helpful nonprofit to work with and I couldn’t have done it without their help. 

I chose to support SitStayRead with my Eagle Scout project because their goal is to promote literacy throughout the city and they do a great job of doing that with their amazing volunteers and specially trained dogs. I hope that my project can provide the students of St. Ethelreda with a comfortable learning space where they feel like they have all the materials they need in order to learn and keep on reading.”

New Curricula for Second Grade: Tail Blazers

Over the summer program staff dug into learning about the Science of Reading,  an approach to teaching reading based on decades of research and evidence from the fields of education, neuroscience, cognitive psychology and developmental psychology. We have applied researched best practices for reading instruction to SitStayRead's new curricula for second-grade, Tail Blazers.  The new program, which exists in English and bilingual Spanish/English iterations, focuses on five core areas of instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program builds on our foundation of social-emotional learning and more recent work done to choose titles that center protagonists that mirror and affirm the identities of our students. Volunteers who have worked in second-grade classrooms will notice the use of decoder books rather than worksheets, and some new approaches to classroom management and stations to maximize time with Book Buddies and Dog Teams. We continue to value the opportunities for kids to practice speaking, listening, and critical thinking that goes on in these intimate, confidence-building interactions provided by our volunteers.

The new second-grade Tail Blazers program debuts at the end of September at Acero Carlos Fuentes School, a committed school partner that has been engaged and encouraging as we evolved our post-pandemic programs, including our bilingual iterations of revised kindergarten and first-grade curricula. In 2024-25 SitStayRead will now be present in kindergarten, first grade and second grade at Carlos Fuentes, establishing itself as a beloved tradition during key years for emergent readers. Year-over-year partnerships like this allow us to begin evaluating our impact in a collaborative environment. Thank you Principal Fink, Assistant Principal Reimer, and our classroom teachers for being SitStayRead champions.  We can't wait to be back with your wonderful students in just a few weeks.

New 2024-25 Partnership with Chicago Public Library!

SitStayRead is proud to kick off a new partnership with our city’s extraordinary, and much beloved, Chicago Public Library this fall!

As part of Chicago Public Library’s new initiative Jump Into Reading, a program and collection of decoder books aimed at supporting emerging readers in the same developmental stage that we serve, SitStayRead offers ten out of school time (afterschool or Saturday) Family Literacy Events with our Certified Reading Assistance Dogs. All events are free and open to all, but aimed at young readers in Kindergarten through Second Grade and their families.

After an engaging, interactive story time with one of our program leaders, children and their families will be introduced to CPL’s new collection of decoder books at the branch, and invited to participate in literacy activities using these new titles. Children with an adult present, will get an introduction on how to approach a dog and then may spend time reading to and getting to know our dogs.

Make it stand out

What are decodable books? “Decodable books are a great tool to practice reading skills and build confidence.  They help new readers sound out and decode words. Decodable books are designed to encourage children to practice their knowledge of letters and their corresponding sounds. They use specific letter patterns and go in a specific order from simple to more complex.”

The SitStayRead program staff have been busy this summer studying and incorporating components of the Science of Reading, including centering decoder readers, into our revised second grade curriculum, Tail Blazers, which is ready for students in English and bilingual English/Spanish iterations this fall. Program Director Jamie Crockett led volunteer trainings on our new curriculum in August, and we look forward to additional joint professional development for staff and volunteers on September 16 with Beth Gaskill!

Save the Date for SitStayRead + Jump Into Reading

• Thursday, October 24, 2024; Time TBD: CPL South Shore Branch

• Wednesday, November 6, 2024 @ 4:30 pm -5:30 pm: CPL Woodson Regional Library, Washington Heights

• Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: CPL West Town Branch

• Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: CPL Beverly Branch

• Tuesday, February 11, 2025 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: CPL Lozano Branch, Pilsen

• March, 2025 @ TBD: CPL West Englewood Branch

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am: CPL Lincoln Park Branch

• Saturday, April 12, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: CPL McKinley Park Branch

• Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: CPL Legler Regional Library, Garfield Park

• Plus one more to be determined!

Fall 2024 Volunteer Training: Science of Reading

On Monday, September 16, 2024, SitStayRead is pleased to offer its volunteer Book Buddies and Dog Teams, an special evening session with nationally recognized early emerging reader expert and Chicagoan, Beth Gaskill. Join the SitStayRead staff to learn more about evidence-based approaches we are incorporating into our revised literacy enrichment curricula for kindergarten-second grade.

Current and prospective volunteers, board members and other supporters of our work are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided before the event as we know some of you will be coming from work. The event is free but registration is required and active volunteers will be prioritized.

Date

Monday, September 16, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm

Location

Merlo Branch, Chicago Public Library

644 West Belmont Avenue

Chicago, IL, 60657

MAP

Street parking is available. There is a drop off zone in front of the library. Wheelchair accessible entrance, family restroom, water fountain and elevator. The Belmont Red Line stop is nearby. Dogs are not welcome at this event.

Agenda

• 5:30-6 pm Refreshments

• 6-7 pm Science of Reading with Beth Gaskill of Big City Readers

• 7-7:30 pm SitStayRead Staff offer support on SitStayRead’s new Bloomerang Volunteer mobile app and answer questions for prospective Book Buddies, Dog Teams and program partners

Trained in the Orton Gillingham approach to the science of reading, and a multi sensory literacy instructor, former early childhood and elementary school teacher, Beth Gillingham is the founder of Big City Readers. Beth helps adults better understand how to effectively teach reading in ways that each child is uniquely wired to learn. Follow Beth on Instagram: @bigcityreaders

Dogs Helping Students Improve Literacy + Reduce Anxiety

Our grant write Ian Belknap wrote this wonderful article that was published by the kind folks at the Make It Better Foundation.

Meet Community Liaison Briana " Bri" McLean

Briana “Bri” McLean, Community Liaison (she/ella)

April 15 SitStayRead welcomed another new member to the team, Brianna "Bri" McLean, she/ella. Bri is co-creating with us, the new part time role of Community Liaison. Bri holds an M.S. in Early Childhood Education and has worked in early education for over ten years as an educator, coach, and program developer. Briana is committed to expanding access to culturally responsive early learning, and believes high-quality early learning is a tool toward liberation. She is also the founder and director of Boundless Early Education. Check it out!

Brianna is working with Volunteer Program Manager Lexsie Hernández in two key realms: 1) establishing a wide base of volunteer recruitment partners and pipelines across the south and west sides of Chicago and its SE and W suburbs and; 2) creating networks of partnerships with literacy organizations in our priority communities.  Please reach out t her at bmclean@sitstayread.org if you have ideas about places to help recruit volunteer book buddies or dog teams over the summer or next fall.  And also if you are interested in volunteering to help represent SitStayRead at such events.

"I believe high quality culturally affirming early learning is the path toward a brighter and more equitable future for all." Check out Briana's first book Too Fly Not to Fly  We have copies in the office.

Welcome to New Interim Executive Director, Deirdre Harrison CFRE

Deirdre Harrison CFRE, Interim Executive Director (she/ella)

Deirdre Harrison, (pronounced DEER-drah), leaped into the SitStayRead family on February 29 as our Interim Executive Director. She brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership, turnaround experience and forward-looking energy to the organization. Previously, she served in leadership positions at Snow City Arts, Eighth Blackbird, the MacArthur Foundation-funded shared fundraising project Creative Partners, Baker Demonstration School and several other education nonprofits. Her consulting practice, Big Dipper Projects, has served nonprofits in Chicago's education, cultural and healing sectors, including recent projects for Young, Black + Lit, NAMI Chicago, and Gateway to Learning.

Deirdre is a graduate of Yale University, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and earned a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language from Cambridge.  She is a dual Eire/US citizen who lived and worked as a performing artist in Europe in the first part of her work life, often developing and premiering new plays. A lifelong learner, she more recently earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an Executive Education Certificate at Northwestern Kellogg' Center for Nonprofit.

Deirdre serves as treasurer for the World Listening Project; performs regularly with jazz and experimental musicians with her children's literacy band, The Lucky Trikes; and is the proud mother of a bicultural, bilingual daughter, a visual artist who lives in her country of origin, Italy. Deirdre's cat Oona is not fond of dogs, but will tolerate sharing a lap with a good book.

"I feel lucky to be joining such a devoted staff, board and volunteer corps at a time when Chicago students and teachers need more support. Sit Stay Read provides the whole, holistic, foundational literacy package: reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Strategic and moment to moment decision making is happening through an evolving and culturally conscious, asset-based lens at all levels of the organization which is hard and imperative.

One might think kids, books, dogs-cute.  Yes. And. Sit Stay Read is a radical change agent.  Our programs stimulate and nourish the roots of personal agency and voice by supporting individual and interpersonal tools for lifelong learning and living with curiosity, patience, and courage."

Meet Boni & Toby!

Say hello to one of our most loyal Dog Teams, Boni and Toby! 

Boni and Toby have been volunteering at SitStayRead since 2021, and they are a classroom favorite! Can we tell you a little bit about them?

Q: There are tons of amazing organizations in Chicago. Why SitStayRead?

A: I think children's literacy is really at the heart of building good communities, and the earlier we start, the better we are. I don't think there's an organization I know of that's doing it in a more fun and rewarding way. 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your favorite memory as a SitStayRead volunteer?

A: My favorite memory was when I was first observing a dog team. We were in a classroom, and one group of kids came over; there was one little girl who was quite shy, very timid, and didn't really want to pet the dog. But the next week, Toby and I went back to that classroom, and when she came to the group, she was the last one, and she still seemed timid. But seeing the other kids and having the experience from the week before, she ventured forward and met Toby, and then, really, you could just see a bond. And so allowing her to ease into it and seeing her blossom that way was just, you know, it was so heartwarming.

Q: What's it like being able to volunteer with Toby? Do you think he Likes it?

A: It's really rewarding, and I think it's really rewarding for Toby too! He gets very excited when he puts on his little bandana. He prances down the hallway with his chest out in the school and, you know, very proud of himself and loves all the cuddles from the kids.

Q: Last one, in one sentence, can you tell us why volunteering is important to you?

A: I volunteer because I feel that I've been very fortunate in my life. And now that I can give back, I want to.

If you’ve been following along with our emails this week, you know our goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of this week. With your help, we can ensure students have the individualized literacy support they need.

will you join us in supporting volunteers like Boni & Toby by making a donation of $27, $45, or $72 today?

The SitStayRead "Trifecta"

“You should support SitStayRead because it involves 3 of the best things ever – reading, dogs, and children!”

-SitStayRead Volunteer, Melissa Strum

Melissa is a former Chicago Public School educator who now gives back with her dog Waffles as a SitStayRead Volunteer.

Melissa initially learned about SitStayRead during her time as a 2nd-grade teacher at Fuller School of Excellence. We visited Melissa’s classroom of young readers for 2 years in a row, bringing individualized literacy support and excitement around reading. 

Reflecting back on her time with SitStayRead, she describes the experience as "exceptional."

A few years ago, Melissa left the classroom and began to pursue a career in marketing and sales in the literacy sector. Having already seen the impact of SitStayRead, firsthand in the classroom, she felt strongly that it was important to continue supporting young readers one-on-one as a volunteer. 

“Volunteering is important to me because I want to be back in the classroom, giving time to students and educators who need it. Providing that really small group instruction with kids, so they get individualized attention is so important."

In honor of National Volunteer Week, SitStayRead is asking you, the SitStayRead community, to help us raise $5,000 by Friday to bring more volunteers and individualized literacy support to classrooms throughout Chicago.

Will you join us in supporting volunteers like Melissa by making a donation of $27, $45, or $72 today?

Blind Date with a Book is Back

There’s nothing more magical than falling in love with a new book.

This spring, SitStayRead is bringing back Blind Date with a Book, a fundraiser that brings an element of surprise to finding your new favorite book.

Here’s how it works:

1. SitStayRead collects books from amazing local bookstores.

2. We wrap up the book to hide its identity and create a “dating profile” for each book.

3. You then pursue the profiles here and pick a date (aka book).

4. We’ll mail you your date (aka book)

5. Back at home, grab a blanket, your favorite beverage, and get ready for your date!

100% of the proceeds raised go back to SitStayRead, helping us bring more dogs, books, and confidence to young readers throughout Chicago. We have dozens of books from a wide variety of genres. No matter your preference, we’re sure there’s a book for you.

Swipe right (click below 😉) to find your match!