As the year comes to an end, Turning the Page has been hard at work setting students and families up for success in the new year. In the month of December, we have been busy distributing books to families old and new, and engaging communities through our virtual programming. Read about what we’ve been up to in December.
Book Distributions
Turning the Page’s mission is to link public schools, families and our community so that, together, we can ensure students receive valuable educational resources and a high-quality public education. One of the many ways we provide these resources is through our monthly book distributions. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, TTP remains committed to ensuring families receive new, high quality books in order to build their own at-home libraries. In December, TTP hand delivered 588 books to 107 families in Chicago, and 180 books to 60 families in D.C! 78 of the families that received books were new to Turning the Page. We were excited to be expanding our reach while continuing to provide for familiar parents and students.
During distribution, families were thankful to receive their book packs and have the chance to reconnect with TTP in person. From a safe distance, we were able to say hello and chat about the year’s successes and challenges. Parents expressed gratitude for Turning the Page and the educational resources and support we have provided throughout the year. After a long week of deliveries, parents continued to express gratitude for the books. “He LOVES them, thank you all SO much!” a Sumner parent shared. Another parent from the D.C. area said “The books that you provide are just so different! He loves the surprise, he loves the books.”
In the Family Room
To continue to build off of the excitement of book distribution, Turning the Page hosted our last Family Room event of the year: a visit with Author and Illustrator Fred Bowen and James E. Ransome. The two shared about their latest children’s book Gridiron, stories from 100 years of the National Football League. Children and parents alike enjoyed learning about NFL history and reflecting on their own experiences with football. At the end of the event, families had a chance to ask Fred and James their own questions, ending with discussions of favorite football players and tips on how to be the best quarterback! It was a great way to wrap up a year of Family Room events.
December with Turning the Page ended on a high note and we are looking forward to supporting families in the new year, whatever it may bring!
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