Reading Revolution: Pinellas Students Transform Their Literacy Future
February 12, 2025 - St. PetersburgWhen we launched our Pinellas November 2024 cohort last fall, we set ambitious goals. What unfolded over the following 12 weeks exceeded all expectations and culminated in a celebration that honored both achievement and potential.
The Numbers Tell a Story
From November 25, 2024, through February 16, 2025, something remarkable happened. Pages turned. Words connected. Confidence grew. By program's end, our dedicated students had:
Our wonderful FLiP Coach Kanithra Mercer maintained consistent communication throughout the program, with over 400 touch points via texts, calls, and emails ensuring students stayed connected and motivated.
Celebration of Transformation
Our March 1st gathering was more than a ceremony—it was a testament to what determined young minds can accomplish with the right support and structure. Families gathered to celebrate not just what these students had achieved, but who they were becoming: confident, capable readers prepared for future academic challenges.
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At the start of the Sing Out and READ program Darionna enjoyed reading and was excited to become a better reader. Now I think she is able to read with a better understanding of what she is actually reading.”
SOAR Parent
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At the start of the Sing Out and READ program Braylon really disliked reading, but he now has learned that he’s a better reader and that reading can teach him a lot of new words and their meanings.”
SOAR Parent
The program was and is fabulous! Before she was not reading or sounding out words. Along with this program and her school instruction she is blossoming. Not to toot her horn. However, Amara is an eager and fast learner. Amara has a large vocabulary and this had helped her increase and understand vocabulary. Thank you immensely!
SEMIDAR, SOAR ParentWhat’s Next?
For these students, this isn't the end of a program—it's the beginning of a lifelong relationship with reading. They've discovered that literacy isn't just about decoding words; it's about unlocking worlds of knowledge, imagination, and possibility.
Sing Out and READ congratulates these remarkable young readers and the families who supported their journey. Together, we're building not just better readers, but brighter futures.
