Morningside Area Alliance

Children’s authors and families attend Read Out Loud event

Kids choose books for their home library

Children at Read Out Loud! choose books for their home library

Over 249 children and parents attended Read Out Loud! a family literacy festival on December 5, 2009 at the Ralph Bunche School (P.S. 125) in Manhattan. About 30 students from Barnard College, Columbia University, St. John’s University and Teachers College volunteered as individuals and representing organizations Jumpstart and the African Students Association.

Every child that attended Read Out Loud! met children’s authors and received a signed book. Children also chose new books to take home for their home library. Hundreds of books were donated by publishers, local organizations, bookstores and individuals. Approximately 350 new books were given away at the event.

Visiting authors who read aloud and signed their books included Roscoe Orman (”Gordon” of Sesame Street”), Javaka Steptoe, Zetta Elliot, Edel Rodriguez, Jerry Craft, Lucia Menzinger, and Sandra Maria Esteves. Workshop and activity hosts included author Torrey Maldonado, poet DuEwa Frazier and Broadway actor Jarrell Singleton.

Javaka Steptoe, children's author and illustrator and alumnus of P.S. 125, reads to children at Read Out Loud

Thank you to our most generous donors of books, book gift certificates and other literacy resources that were given away to children at Read Out Loud!

African Services Committee
Book Culture
Bank St. Bookstore
Bank St. Head Start
Crabtree Publishing
Lee & Low Books
Literacy, Inc.
Penguin Group, Inc.
Public Health Services
Rourke Publishing
Ms. Donna Conwell, Librarian, P.S. 125
First Book National
Square Fish Publishing
National Book Foundation

We would like to thank the following partners for participating in Read Out Loud!

A girl reads her new book at Read Out Loud

The Ralph Bunche School (P.S. 125)

The Mission of Public School 125 is to provide authentic learning experiences that foster the development of the “whole” child by creating a child centered environment that utilizes workshop model teaching which serves and supports individual needs and learning styles. We are committed to building a caring community of learners that work hard to excel, where the entire school community works collaboratively to ensure all its members grow as learners. Visit www.ralphbuncheschool.org or call (212) 666-6400.

Jumpstart
Jumpstart is a non-profit organization that helps build literacy, language, social, and initiative skills in young children. Jumpstart now serves over 13,000 children across the country by pairing motivated college students with preschool children in caring and supportive one-to-one relationships for an entire school year. Visit http://www.jstart.org, or call 617-542-5867. Jumpstart volunteers at Read Out Loud represent Barnard College, Columbia University and St. John’s College.

Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
The Cathedral runs pastoral, educational, cultural, and community outreach programs serving the needs of the community, including extensive youth programs. Programs, including medieval birthday parties, tours, and arts workshops are available for students and families for low cost. Teachers can choose tours and activities based on NY State Learning Standards. Visit http://www.stjohndivine.org or call 212-932-7347.

Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science and Engineering
The Columbia Secondary School is a new, public, 6th -12th grade school that opened in the fall of 2007. A partnership between the New York City Department of Education, the community, and Columbia University, CSS-MSE serves academically talented students who have an interest in a rigorous and demanding program focusing on math, science, and engineering. Visit www.columbiasecondary.org or call (212) 666-1278

New York Public Library
The NYPL has books, journals, music, and movies, as well as numerous free events and workshops for both kids and parents throughout the year. Visit http://www.nypl.org or call 212-930-0800!
Local branches:
    •   115th St. (203 W 118th St., 212-666-9393)
   •   Bloomingdale Branch (150 W 100th St., 212-222-8030)
   •   George Bruce Branch (518 W 125th St., 212-662-9727)
   •   Harlem Branch (9 W 124th St., 212-348-5620)

The African Students Association: The purpose of the African Students Association (ASA) is to provide a forum for discussion on the political, social and cultural landscape of Africa. We aim to create a culturally enlightened community on campus by educating people about Africa. We welcome all people interested in Africa and African issues. Contact them at asa@columbia.edu. ASA volunteers at Read Out Loud represent Columbia University.

Bank Street Headstart: Operated by Bank Street College of Education Division of Continuing Education, Bank Street Head Start’s mission is to empower and educate low-income families and their children through comprehensive, high quality services. We build long-term relationships and provide a range of individualized support in the areas of early childhood education, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition and social services. Visit http://www.bankstreet.edu/headstart/ or call (212) 353-2532.

Puzzles For Us: Drawing upon the rich cultural legacy of people of color worldwide, Puzzles For Us is the exciting new series of original crossword and word search puzzles developed to spotlight the ongoing contributions of Blacks to world cultures and civilizations. Visit www.puzzlesforus.com or call (718) 538-6102.

Harlem Dowling: Founded in 1836, Harlem Dowling is a non-for-profit multi-service agency providing out-of-home foster care, adoption, therapeutic placement, supportive housing for youth aging out of foster care, and other support services. Related services include, family preservation, HIV/AIDS services, family support services, and after school programs for children and families living in Central Harlem, Washington Heights, Southeast Queens and Far Rockaway. Visit www.harlemdowling.org or call (212) 749-3656.