March is National Reading Month— the perfect opportunity to inspire a love of reading and strengthen community connections. By fostering a shared passion for books, we can ignite a desire for learning and create a lasting impact that excites the next generation of readers.
At Communities In Schools of Jacksonville (CIS Jax), we’re thrilled to highlight our Literacy Days with DCPS elementary schools. This initiative offers students an exciting chance to develop reading skills in a fun, supportive environment.
CIS Jax Literacy Days
CIS Jax supports students and families through various programs, one being centered on the importance of literacy. In honor of National Reading Month, CIS Jax has organized two Literacy Days in March designed to promote reading.
CIS Jax creates a vibrant literacy environment by recruiting volunteers from different backgrounds and expertise to read stories aloud. Emphasizing the importance of nurturing one’s mind through community connections is CIS Jax Literacy Director, Sharneka Rollins. She references her favorite quote from Oprah Winfrey, “You must feed your mind with reading material, thoughts, and ideas that open you to new possibilities.”
CIS Jax Literacy Day Impact
The impact of CIS Jax Literacy Days goes far beyond the event itself. By offering resources and support, CIS Jax helps bridge the literacy gap across Duval County, fostering long-term educational growth. These initiatives have led to improved reading skills, increased academic confidence, and a stronger sense of community. The stories of success and transformations within students are a testament to the power of reading. Since becoming a CIS elementary student, Antonio’s academic performance has significantly improved. “I’m excited to go to school every day because I know I’m going to learn a lot,” he said. Moreover, 86% of CIS students showed improvement in their overall reading proficiency in the 2023-2024 school year.
Become a Literacy Day Volunteer
Your next opportunity to volunteer at Literacy Day is on March 27th, which will be held at Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School. Literacy Days start at 3:30 p.m. and last one hour. To sign up, visit our website or contact us at volunteer@cisjax.org.