Hillsborough Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
United Way Suncoast (UWS) is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for children and families in our community. We serve as the lead agency for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading efforts in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (HCGLR) works to ensure more children enter kindergarten ready to learn and have support to read on grade level by the end of third grade. We aim to address critical issues such as attendance, family engagement, health, kindergarten readiness, and summer learning.
Attendance
Regular attendance in school is essential as it directly impacts a student’s academic performance, social development, and overall success, ensuring they receive consistent instruction and opportunities to engage with peers and educators. The HCGLR is collaborating with Attendance Works and the Florida Grade Level Reading Campaign on a project addressing attendance and chronic absenteeism. A team of community partners is participating in coaching calls and group discussions to identify the root causes of chronic absenteeism and develop strategies to improve attendance. Additionally, UWS hosts an annual Attendance Awareness Poster Contest in the fall to engage Hillsborough County students in a fun and creative activity that promotes school attendance and raises awareness of chronic absenteeism.
Family Engagement
Family engagement plays a crucial role in achieving grade-level reading proficiency. When caregivers are actively involved in their children’s education, they can provide support and encouragement that fosters a love for reading. By working closely with schools, educators, and caregivers we can ensure children receive the necessary resources and support to reach grade-level reading milestones. UWS supports ParentPowered by using text messages to provide year-round, evidence-based support directly to families.
Healthy Learners
We collaborate with a variety of community partners to share resources that promote healthy learners. This includes providing access to essential services such as vision care, ensuring children have the glasses they need to succeed in school and dental care, helping children maintain good oral health. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of nutrition, offering resources that ensure children receive balanced and healthy meals. By addressing these fundamental needs, we support the holistic development of children and contribute to their academic and personal success.
Kindergarten Readiness
Kindergarten readiness is crucial as it sets the foundation for a child’s future academic success, helping them develop essential skills in social, emotional, language, and motor areas that are vital for thriving in a school environment. HCGLR created an annual Color by Number activity to promote Kindergarten Readiness. Caregivers are encouraged to work with their children on a variety of skills that are important in a Kindergarten school setting. As children achieve these skills, they color in the corresponding pictures. This year’s artistic theme is inspired by the public library’s summer theme, The Art of Reading.
Summer Learning
Continuing to learn over the summer is vital as it helps prevent the “summer slide,” ensuring students retain knowledge and skills gained during the school year and are better prepared for the upcoming academic year. The HCGLR has created a Summer Tool Kit. This is a community partner collaborative resource file that provides local information and activities for caregivers. The toolkit can be utilized during the summer months to help curb the summer slide and connect caregivers to the community.
The Hillsborough Campaign for Grade Level Reading meets bi-monthly on the third Wednesday. If you are interested in joining us or learning more about the campaign, please reach out to Allison Welter at awelter@uwsuncoast.org. All are welcome!
