the Read

Fall 2022

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Sharing insights on all things literacy, from highlights of CLI’s work and impact in communities nationwide to the latest research in literacy instruction, helpful practices for implementation, and book titles to expand your classroom and at-home libraries.

Volunteers Pitch in to Celebrate Teachers

Just before the school year came to an end, CLI Broward had a very special surprise for its teachers. Initiated and coordinated by Broward advisory board member, Rachel Danzig, Broward coaches presented teachers with care packages during National Teachers Appreciation Week in recognition for their work throughout the year. Visit our blog to see pictures from this special exchange.

Read the full story here >>

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is here, starting September 15 thru October 15. CLI is excited to share some guidance to help you honor and acknowledge this special time, along with book recommendations and resources for the classroom. These picture books, biographies, early readers, and middle grade novels center Latinx and Hispanic characters and culture, bringing us stories from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Inka Empire, and more.

See CLI's Hispanic Heritage Month Tips & Resources >>

Power Players In Education

Children’s Literacy Initiative proudly congratulates Executive Director, Michelle Allen on her recognition by Metro Philadelphia as one of their Power Players in Education. These Power Players work to create greater access to quality education, foster collaboration between schools and communities, support the long-term success of all students, and ensure that every student is learning. Congratulations to Michelle.

Read the full story here >>

Make a gift. Empower a child.

Children deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and learning to read is a critical step in that journey. Help us provide Black and Latinx children the high-quality & culturally sustaining literacy instruction they deserve.

Cultivating a Sense of Belonging Book List

With the start of a new school year—and for some, new schools and new classmates—children may be trying to establish for themselves a sense belonging, whether through feelings of security and community, or through self and identity. This book list provides picture books spanning pre-kindergarten through fifth grade that can help parents and caregivers support children, helping them to build relationships and feel fully part of a caring and nurturing community in their schools.

Download the Cultivating Belonging Book Collection >>

Getting involved in your child’s classroom

A new school year can also be a time of great excitement and even some anxiety for everyone at home. With this in mind, we have put together some tips for parents and teachers to help calm any fears and lay the groundwork for the exciting year ahead.

See this year's Back-to-School Tips & Resources >>

Breakfast Briefing Recap

Each quarter, CLI makes a special intention to engage with you, our supporters by hosting a virtual CEO Breakfast Briefing and “live” Q&A. In August, CLI held its fall briefing, sharing updates on various aspects of its work and impact. The Breakfast Briefing is a great opportunity for CLI donors to engage with senior leadership, ask questions, and feel connected to the mission.

Short on time? Use the video chapter markers to jump instantly to key moments in the recording. 

Watch the Breakfast Briefing here >>

Ways to Give Smarter at the End of the Year

The work CLI is doing is more important than ever, and we want to give you every opportunity to support CLI’s mission, innovation and growth. Here are two additional strategies you can use to direct your charitable giving before the end of the year.

Perhaps you have investment accounts that have grown over time or appreciated securities that you have owned for more than one year. A number of donors maximize their charitable giving and impact by donating publicly traded stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares to CLI. It’s one of the easiest and most tax-smart ways to give more to a cause you care deeply about.

Another popular giving option is the "qualified charitable distributions," or QCDs. If you're over 70½, you can have the QCD sent directly to CLI tax-free from your IRA. While there is no charitable deduction received for making a QCD, the gift counts toward your required minimum distribution. This is an excellent way to give back to CLI.

Consult with your plan administrator, professional or tax advisor to discuss the tax benefits and restrictions that may apply to your specific situation.

Gratitude gallery

We are grateful to you, our community of supporters who have chosen CLI for philanthropically giving over the past several months—in time, talent and treasure.

Click here to see CLI's Gratitude Gallery. >>

Inspired by what you've seen and want to support CLI? Join our mailing list and learn more about our work and how your philanthropic investment can advance our literacy mission.