LAUNCH!

by Judy Newman

Photos courtesy of Stephanie Zollshan, The Berkshire Eagle

From the NASA Space Shuttle to MTV to Google to the Apple iPhone—I have seen so many thrilling launches.

But this fall, Scholastic’s launch of the United States of Readers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is truly among the most thrilling.

Today, as reported by NAEP, 70% of kids in America are not proficient readers. If America wants to continue to thrive, this is unacceptable. And as the Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report says, when kids choose the books they want to read, they read more. 

The impetus for our new program for kids in high Title 1 schools who currently have no access to choose and own their own books—the United States of Readers—is rooted in those two reports. We have a bold new way to turn around pernicious reading scores and a tested and proven all-inclusive program to do that to enable all kids to choose and own their own books so they see themselves as readers.

We launched the United States of Readers program in five towns in Massachusetts which—thanks to Governor Maura Healey, Representative Ron Mariano, Representative Jessica Giannino, Representative Aaron Michlewitz, and Congresswoman Katherine Clark—is the first state in the U.S. to supply Commonwealth funds to support this groundbreaking program.

Kick-off celebrations were held at the Clifford H. Marshall Elementary School in Quincy; Undermountain Elementary School in Sheffield; and A.C. Whelan Elementary School in Revere, and the highlights included an appearance by rock star author Jerry Pallotta, who helped create a special edition of his popular book, Who Would Win?®: Lobster vs. Crab, and every student received a free copy.

Stay tuned for more launch events in Framingham and Holyoke, and beyond.

The United States of Readers is an unstoppable movement—inspired by the enthusiasm and support of governments, private philanthropists,  individuals, and educators—who recognize that the United States of Readers, co-created with teachers and guided by unparalleled Scholastic expertise, will challenge pernicious reading scores and ensure all kids can choose and own their own books and see themselves as readers and aspire to great things and realize their dreams as active participants in American society.

Judy •

Judy Newman, Chief Impact Officer, Scholastic