Nine HISD elementary schools have joined in the effort to promote literacy across Houston by participating in the 3rd annual Walking Towards Literacy event on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Tidwell Park (9720 Spaulding, 77016).
The free event, hosted by Making It Better (MIB), kicks off with a 1 ½ mile-long literacy awareness walk followed by a family festival celebrating the importance of literacy through arts and crafts, entertainment, food, music and more. Attendees will also be provided with books, health and wellness screenings, and financial literacy information.
Founded by District B Houston City Council member Jerry Davis, the non-profit organization addresses the severe disadvantages faced by under-served elementary students throughout the district by providing quality support services to enhance their education and academic success. Davis also formerly served as both dean of students and head lacrosse coach at Westside High School.
“MIB is an organization uniquely qualified to fill a significant gap in services within Houston ISD through programming which includes small group reading interventions and after school programs that focus on building skills for future success,” said Kelly Bukolt, Director of Development for Making It Better. “Making It Better also provides mentoring programs and family literacy outreach events which provide education and materials to parents to promote literacy and reading as a way of life.”
Find out more about Making It Better
Saturday’s event is the first component of a month-long campaign across HISD elementary schools. From September 29 through October 31, community professionals and volunteers will read to participating HISD elementary school students once or twice a week. According to Bukolt, 40 community partners have signed on to participate in the program.
“We anticipate touching 1,000 elementary school children and promoting literacy as a pathway to success during this reach out and read portion of Walking Towards Literacy,” said Bukolt.
The HISD schools participating in the program include:
- Atherton Elementary School
- Betsy Ross Elementary School
- Bruce Elementary School
- Dogan Elementary School
- Isaacs Elementary School
- Kashmere Gardens Elementary School
- McGowan Elementary School
- Shadydale Elementary School
- Walnut Bend Elementary
To sign up as a reading volunteer or to find out more information, contact Kelly Bukolt at kbukolt@mibtx.org.