Blog
Meet Our Program Team
September marks the beginning of the school year for many families with children, and it’s also a wonderful time for families with young children enrolled in our program. Why? Because this is when our partners across Massachusetts begin to hold workshops for families and implement our signature Red Book Bag Rotation program – the core…
Read MoreCelebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: A Raising A Reader MA Book List
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we have an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the history and cultures of those with Hispanic heritage. Understanding and knowledge comes from talking about and highlighting the vital roles that those of many other cultures play in society. As Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice…
Read MorePartner Highlight: Dorchester Family Engagement Network (DFEN) Playgroup and The Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester
“Reading allows kids to create new worlds beyond the bounds of the one they live in. I believe reading is key in helping children grow to be kind people,” said Huong Vu, an Implementer Liaison for two of Raising A Reader MA’s (RAR-MA) partners: the Dorchester Family Engagement Network (DFEN) Playgroup and The Boys and…
Read MoreSTEM 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…
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