What are you reading this month?
From the CEO - Joel Zarrow, Ph.D.
Children’s Literacy Initiative is so grateful to each of you who have participated in our first-ever Read-A-Thon. I hope you’re following CLI on social media to see the videos we’ve been posting for #30daysofreading.
I want to let you know about a book I just loved: Manhattan Beach, by Jennifer Egan. Set in WWII New York, the story is about a young woman finding her way to independence. Along the way, she sets out to be a diver, building and repairing battle ships, donning deep sea gear and plunging into a man’s world, both in the water and beyond.
What have you or your family been reading? Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! Even better, post your own video with #30daysofreading and tag CLI. We’d love to hear from you.
CLI Headquarters Has a New Home!
Children’s Literacy Initiative is thrilled to have moved its headquarters into a new location that will allow us to make an even greater impact for children. CLI’s new headquarters is located at 990 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.
New Opportunities for State-of-the-Art Learning
CLI has already begun welcoming elementary school teachers to the new location for trainings that utilize this open, collaborative space. Here’s a sneak peak at our new training rooms:
CLI welcomes donations to support the new building. All gifts of $100 or more will receive a CLI Stainless Steel Travel Mug (while supplies last) and a special invitation to attend CLI’s new building dedication this spring. Additionally, the welcome & reception area will soon feature a donor wall featuring the names of all Leadership Donors who contribute $1,000 or more.
Naming opportunities are also available for CLI’s new Conference and Training Rooms. Please contact Jessica Graham for more information.
Holiday Gift Guide
Books make great gifts for all ages, and winter break is the perfect time to share a book as a family. Whether you are shopping for a gift or looking to cozy up together over the holidays, check out our Holiday Book Guide collection!
Literacy Spotlight Pre-K & Blueprint
CLI has been supporting pre-K instruction for over 15 years. In addition to the coaching, materials, and workshops that compose CLI’s in-school program, CLI also provides an early literacy curriculum to pre-K classrooms. Blueprint for Early Literacy gives teachers a detailed set of plans for delivering engaging and purposeful instruction that ensures children are ready for kindergarten.
Now CLI is preparing to expand its pre-K work, thanks to a five-year, $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant will support the further development of the Blueprint curriculum and pilot the updated curriculum in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Read more.
CLI Read-A-Thon Spreads Love of Literacy
CLI’s first ever Read-A-Thon is under way! Supporters have set a goal to accomplish over 30 days (November 27-December 27) and are asking friends and family to sponsor their participation by donating to CLI.
CLI staff across the country took the time to talk about their favorite books or to read (or sing!) from children’s books in celebration.
Gratitude Corner
CLI recognizes the following generous major donors for their recent contributions.
- Allen H. & Selma W. Berkman Charitable Trust
- Baker McKenzie
- Boone Family Charitable Fund
- Capital Group
- Karen Cheeseman
- Cornerstone Foundation - Brad and Kate Vogt
- Cowen Family Foundation
- Donley Foundation
- Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
- Foley & Lardner LLP
- Bonnie and Lon Greenberg
- Guildford Publications
- Heritage Planning Partners
- ITW Alpine
- James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation
- Julie and Richard Jaffe
- Mary and Justin Klein
- Joel and Sharon Koppelman
- The family and friends of Heidi Krystofiak
- Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Charitable Foundation
- M&T Bank
- Richard and Julie Mahoney
- The family and friends of Martha Moore
- The Philadelphia Foundation
- Philadelphia Insurance Company
- Philadelphia Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company
- Powell Foundation
- REAM Foundation
- Selander Foundation
- Slavic Integrated Administration
- The family and friends of Frank Spada
- Summit Park East Associates
- United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey
- Stephanie VanderLinden