Blog
STEM Access for Families
We live in an ever-changing environment where a background that includes an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is essential. Children with this knowledge are better positioned to find success in a variety of in-demand fields in the future, and it’s never too early for them to begin learning. STEM learning got its…
Read MorePartner Highlight: Countdown to Kindergarten
“Reading is about freedom. Reading is one of the key aspects of social justice and equity in our society today. If you can read you can obtain knowledge, and if you can obtain knowledge you can become a critical thinker, which is powerful. Reading gives kids power,” said Josette Williams, the implementer for one of…
Read MoreCelebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: A Raising A Reader MA Book List
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the heritage and cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Understanding and knowledge comes from talking about and highlighting the vital roles that those of many other cultures play in society. Reading offers a great opportunity for families to…
Read MoreThanking Our Partners During Teacher Appreciation Week
Access to education is something that many take for granted. With public schools available, and required, for every child, many think that education in the United States is guaranteed. The reality is that education is one of the first places children experience inequality in their lives. From funding to resources, schools in many communities throughout…
Read MoreCommunity Ambassador Profile: Ethel Phiri
Ethel, one of our 14 amazing volunteer Community Ambassadors, has been with Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) for nearly two years. Over the past year, Ethel and other volunteers have given hundreds and hundreds of hours of their time to design events with us, co-facilitate workshops, and connect parents to our programs. Ethel’s passion for…
Read MoreCelebrating Women’s History Month: A Raising A Reader MA Book List
During Women’s History Month, we have an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of women throughout history. Empowerment comes from talking about and highlighting the vital roles that women play in society. As Melinda Gates said so succinctly: “When women and girls are empowered to participate fully in society, everyone benefits.” Until recently, the…
Read MorePartner Highlight: West Springfield Coordinated Family
“Reading can give kids the power to get lost in another world. It can also allow parents the ability to see their children using their imaginations and create quality time for them to spend with their child. Reading opens the door for success in a child’s future,” said Rebecca Burgos, the coordinator for West Springfield’s…
Read MoreCelebrating Black History Month: A Raising A Reader MA Book List
History is a great teacher. As Santayana so eloquently said: “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Along with learning from the darker moments of the past to ensure that they’re never relived, there are many great opportunities to teach children to set their goals and ambitions as high as they…
Read MoreWelcoming Shelley Wilson to the Board of Directors
Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) is pleased to announce that Shelley Wilson has joined the RAR-MA Board of Directors. Shelley is the Marketing Director at PwC US where she leads the marketing team for the firm’s Assurance practice. She’s been with PwC U.S. for the past eight years, and previously spent over 20 years in…
Read MoreSpecial Delivery at Dorchester’s Shaw School
Family engagement is at the core of Raising A Reader Massachusetts’ (RAR-MA) model. Our mission is to close the literacy opportunity gap among children from birth to age six in high-need communities. RAR-MA reduces the literacy gap by helping families develop, practice, and maintain shared reading habits. In response to the current pandemic, RAR-MA has…
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