#Fight4Literacy with the LSU Tigers scores big for kids in Mansfield, Louisiana

On December 12th, 2018 the LSU men’s basketball team hosted a #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper.

The coaching staff wore green to promote childhood reading and fans were invited to make donations to help local students become better readers.

With over $9,000 raised, hundreds of kids across the state received critical literacy support.

“Due to the Coaching for Literacy Grant, our students have been able to have more hands-on experience in centers, find enjoyment in Scholastic readers, and practice applying literacy skills while incorporating technology” - Malekah Salim-Morgan, Mansfield Elementary.

Mansfield Elementary School's young Wolverines are delving into phonemic awareness and the enjoyment that comes from reading informational text.  All students in lower elementary now have access to the hands-on materials purchased for centers due to the fact that every teacher has received a set for their classroom thanks to the funds received from Coaching for Literacy. As well, every 2nd-grade student will receive a copy of the scholastic reader to keep each month.  Lastly, every 3rd-grade student now has access to MobyMax - intelligent software that finds and fixes learning gaps with the power of personalized learning.

Jonathan Isaac's #Fight4Literacy Game Helps Kids Like Zarius In Orlando

From December 5, 2018 - December 13th, 2018, Jonathan Isaac raised funds and called attention to grade-level reading by wearing the color green (socks, laces, tights, and wristband). Isaac encouraged fans to donate for every point he scored during those four games. Over $2,500 was raised and 100% supported children participating in OCPS’ Read2Succeed program.

The first-grade Read2Succeed program at Orange County Public Schools not only helps children strengthen their vocabulary and reading skills – but it also helps them gain confidence, builds relationships, and overcome obstacles.

“It’s extremely important, not even just in the realm of literacy, but it’s just extremely important to be active in our community, trying to help these kids in any way that we can,” said Isaac, who will match up to $5,000 of the donations made by fans. “It just so happens that this initiative, Coaching for Literacy, is going to be a literacy project, so it’s super fun. I’m excited to score some points and help these kids get some books.”

The grant that Coaching for Literacy was able to provide allowed Orange County Public Schools to purchase 500 copies of “The Grouchy Ladybug”, one of the books provided to their first graders in the Read2Succeed Program. The book is one of the kids’ favorites, however, it also addresses impulse control and the rewards of being polite - key lessons for young children. The grant was made possible by donations raised through Jonathan’s Isaac’s #Fight4Literacy Game in 2019.

“My student, Zarius, had some real challenges at home,” said Pam, one of Read2Succeed’s first-grade tutors. “He would lash out at classmates, and often struggled with his behavior. One of our most effective sessions was reading ‘The Grouchy Ladybug,’ which helped him start using words when he was upset. It was a real turning point. The joy that lit his face when I showed him how much he’d learned during our final session brought tears to my eyes.”

“Kids in the program broaden their vocabulary, of course,” Pam continued. “But kids like Zarius also get a taste of success, books to take home, and another adult who cares about them. And that made all the difference.”

To volunteer, visit www.foundationforocps.org. 

Partnership With GT Men's Basketball and International Paper Creates Summer Learning Gains

The Swahili word “Harambee” translates to English as “all pull together” or “the act of joining with other people to achieve a difficult task.” At Emmaus House in Atlanta, the staff isn’t afraid to come together and tackle challenges. And this past summer, Emmaus House’s Freedom Schools program got an extra hand from Coaching for Literacy and Get Georgia Reading Campaign to do just that.

This spring, Coaching for Literacy (CFL) and International Paper teamed up with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to raise $9,000 through CFL’s #Fight4Literacy Games. The funds were presented to the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, which supported the expansion of the Freedom Schools® program over the summer months in order to combat the “summer slide” for at-risk children.

Students from the south side of Atlanta access literacy coaching and other academic interventions for six weeks each summer through Emmaus House’s neighborhood school partnership with Barack and Michelle Obama (BaMO) Academy. The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program, hosted at the BaMO Academy, has helped hundreds of children overcome summer learning loss over the past five years.

“Harambee has become a beloved part of our vocabulary,” said Ann Fowler, director of education services at Emmaus House. “It’s a sacred time that kicks off each morning of our program as students gather daily to empower each other, hear from a read-aloud guest, and channel their energy for learning before heading to their classrooms.”

Children from low-income neighborhoods, like Peoplestown, lose two to three months of learning ability compared to their higher income peers who tend to make slight gains. Freedom School helps students increase academic achievement with the goal of ultimately breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Since 2015, 86 percent of Freedom School students tested have maintained or increased their reading level, establishing a strong foundation of literacy and empowerment through the school’s liberatory curriculum. This summer, 96 percent of students tested maintained or increased their academic reading level. Those students entered school this fall prepared to learn, without having to overcome the summer slide.

“Freedom School provides the extra support and encouragement that can motivate students to push themselves beyond the limitations they may experience during the school year,” said Fowler. “For students who might not experience success in reading in the classroom, Freedom School provides so many opportunities to succeed. You can see how the motivation and enthusiasm increases each day that they attend.”

Freedom School starts every morning with breakfast to fuel the young minds for learning. When Harambee is complete, students separate into their leveled reading classes to begin morning lessons using the Integrated Reading Curriculum developed by the Children’s Defense Fund. D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything and Read) is 15 minutes that’s dedicated to free reading before heading off to lunch.

Afternoon activities are diverse and change each week—from enrichment classes such as fine art to weekly swim lessons at Piedmont Park. BaMO Academy teachers also are on hand to help with math. Friday afternoons are reserved for field trips to spots like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, SkyZone, and Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove.

This summer, 120 promising students received instruction from 10 certified teachers at the Freedom School. However, the waiting list indicates that the need significantly outpaces the school’s ability to serve. Students like 9-year-old Jonia who are approaching a critical milestone—being able to read on grade level by third grade—receive vital literacy support during the summer months.

While Freedom School is focused on literacy education for grades K – 6, the program also provides invaluable opportunities for 12 college students to learn to lead as Servant Leader Interns (SLI). Their training takes place at the Children’s Defense Fund Haley Farm in Tennessee, as well as Emmaus House. High school students also have served as Junior SLIs for the past two summers.

“I find it especially rewarding to work in the program because I see how important it is for the young people in our neighborhood to have leadership opportunities and pursue roles that make a difference for their own communities,” said Fowler. “The SLIs often go above and beyond to make learning fun outside of the classroom.”

One SLI, Armoni, had a classroom themed around “The Lion King,” and when the blockbuster was released at the local cinema, she treated all her scholars to a movie night and invited their families to join. This special night provided additional bonding time over a theme they all had grown to love together.

Freedom School staff member Kendra planned a poetry night for a parent meeting that centered on the National Day of Social Action. Scholars wrote poetry, skits, and speeches articulating their views on guns and gun laws—and showed their parents that they are socially conscious and empowered individuals.

The Freedom School program helps students recognize school as a place that can give them the comfort and encouragement they need to thrive year round. The culture and climate plan focuses heavily on creating a site of liberation.

“Scholars are embraced in ways that communicate to them that they’re in a safe space—and that they’re valued emotionally, spiritually, and mentally,” said Fowler. “We approach each scholar and situation with tact and care. Our fundamental mission is to create a place where all our scholars feel genuinely cared for, and where learning feels like love.”

ABOUT COACHING FOR LITERACY

Thanks to the support of its partners and Americans nationwide, Coaching for Literacy has conducted over 125 #Fight4Literacy Games with more than 50 NCAA teams. Their work generates crucial awareness and has provided over $280,000 to fund over 85 literacy projects supporting more than 15,000 children nationwide. The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to use the power of sports to raise awareness about the problem of illiteracy and generate financial support for literacy programs nationwide.

 To learn more about why literacy matters and explore how you can make a difference for literacy efforts in your community, visit coachingforliteracy.org.

For Coaching for Literacy’s Fact Sheet, photos, logos, and videos please refer to the Brand Assets page.

FOR IMMEDIATE CONTACT

• Coaching for Literacy - Chandler Ferguson -chandler@coachingforliteracy.org - 762.338.1224

Coaching for Literacy and Jonathan Isaac Score Big for Local Literacy Efforts

Memphis, TN (October 30, 2018) - Coaching for Literacy (CFL) and Jonathan Isaac are teaming up to benefit school children in Orlando from kindergarten to 3rd grade. Isaac will host a Fight for Literacy Game on December 5th when the Orlando Magic face off against the Denver Nuggets. 

Fight for Literacy Games raise awareness about the issue of illiteracy and generate financial support for effective, local literacy programs. As Jonathan takes the court on December 5th, he'll wear the color green to call attention to the importance of grade level reading. 

Per the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 59 percent of 4th graders in Florida do not read at the proficient level. To help change the stat, Magic fans can pledge a donation for each point Isaac scores during the four-game window from December 5 to December 13. 

One hundred percent of the funds raised will remain in Orlando to provide support to children participating in Orange County Public Schools Read2Succeed (OCPS) program. Jonathan Isaac will match up $5,000 of fan donations. 

“OCPS is very thankful for Jonathan Isaac’s desire to support young students through the power of literacy,” said Meg Bowen, director of elementary curriculum and instruction. “Our goal is to raise a total of $12,250 which would provide 3,500 books to a total of 500 students in the Read2Succeed program.” 

To Fight for Literacy with Jonathan Isaac and OCPS please visit www.fightforliteracygames.org/isaac. 

ISAAC GETS INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT FOR LITERACY

In his debut season with the Magic, Isaac displayed flashes of promise that have Orlando fans excited about the upcoming season. This promise of success on the court is matched by a willingness to make a positive impact off the court, a desire that was formed during his time as a member of the Florida State Seminoles.

“After the Fight for Literacy Game with Florida State, I had the opportunity to read with elementary students in Tallahassee and my perspective changed,” said Isaac. “I made a decision right then and there to use my platform to try and provide kids the literacy skills necessary in life.”

As a Literacy Ambassador for Coaching for Literacy, Isaac lends his influence to support over 32 million illiterate Americans who struggle to complete everyday tasks like filling out a job application, registering to vote, and following instructions from a medical prescription.

“Our dream is to have all American children reading at grade-level by the end of 3rd grade,” said Ryan Viner, executive director of Coaching for Literacy. “This dream edges a little closer to reality with Jonathan’s decision to partner with us in the Fight for Literacy.”

ABOUT COACHING FOR LITERACY

Thanks to the support of its partners, Coaching for Literacy has conducted 103 Fight for Literacy Games funding over 75 literacy projects across more than 20 communities in 16 states and directly impacting over 10,000 children. The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to use the power of sports to raise awareness about the problem of illiteracy and generate financial support for literacy programs nationwide.

To learn more about how you can make a difference for literacy efforts in your community, visit coachingforliteracy.org.

Sources: 

• National Assessment of Educational Progress

• U.S. Department of Education