Celebrate with us

We wrapped up the academic year by assessing all our students' literacy skills. We do this twice a year so we can measure our effectiveness. This year we were able to compare the reading skills of our students against a similar group of students who didn't participate in our program. We are happy to report that the R2S students scored higher on end-of-year standardized tests than a statistically similar comparison group of students who did not receive R2S coaching. We are so proud of our talented coaches and students.

We celebrated our end of year successes with ice cream parties at each school. Many thanks to The Hop Ice Cream Cafe for making our festivities memorable. Enjoy the happy faces of our coaches and students in this slide show.

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Greenlife Grocery Rocks

We were thrilled to learn that Greenlife Grocery  designated R2S as their current "Donate a Dime" recipient. When you shop there with reusable bags, you are rewarded 10 cents per bag for your green-conscious shopping. AND,  from now through the end of September, you have the option of donating that reimbursement to Read to Succeed. We all enjoy a variety of food-shopping choices in Asheville, but I hope that Greenlife is at the top of your list because they are one of our valued supporters. 

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• Combine healthy eating? 
• Reduce your energy footprint
• Make a pain-free donation to R2S  

Most weekends during this period, we'll have a table set up at Greenlife to hand out information about our awesome organization - Drop by and say hi - And remember to bring your shopping bags :-)

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School's out but......

there's no time to rest on our laurels: Summer reading loss is a real problem. Research shows that  it's measurable, and lower income students fare the worst . Here's what we're doing about it: 

First, many R2S students participate in Summer Plus, an Asheville City Schools academic program. Several R2S coaches join them there, and continue the R2S curriculum, although it's not a program requirement. (Yes, our coaches really are the best.)

In addition, this year we're introducing a Summer Reading Camp, which will be held just before the start of school. About 20 our of students will enjoy 5 days of camp activities and literacy coaching on the beautiful grounds of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain. Arts and Crafts, wall-climbing, tennis and reading: perfect ending to the summer break.

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What's black and white and read all over?

Asheville's multicultural newspaper, The Urban News, featured Read to Succeed in a wonderful article. Read about our founders, coaches and students in "Senses, Minds and Hearts are Fuel for Read to Succeed Program". (With special thanks to The Urban News for getting it right.)

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And a few words from our coaches

• "My student is an amazingly wonderful, unique individual! She is very capable, pretty and determined - when she sets her mind to something, watch out! She loves rainbows, stickers and surprises. She is full of energy and (like her reading coach) she is more capable than even she knows!"
• "One day I was getting ready to leave and was packing my supplies and books in my bag. My student told me that I was forgetting something. I looked around and didn't see anything left behind and told her so. I asked what it could be and she said, "My hug."

We're setting up our next intensive training class, which will start in August. If you think that coaching may be a fit for you, or for someone you know, let us know.  Call Julie Sherman at 251-4949 or visit our website  for more information.(Our prospective coach orientation on Saturday morning, August 23 is a good way to check us out.)

Thanks for joining me on the blog. Be sure to leave a comment, forward the link to a friend, or both.

Happy summer days.