February 23, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Announces Reading Program for Second Grade Students
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (OYF), New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) and the Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM) have partnered to offer local public school second grade students an opportunity for an engaging literacy and literature experience. Second grade classes that sign up for this free field trip will visit LCM and NOPL’s Main Library. Additionally, each student will receive a copy of the selected book, I Am Every Good Thing, by Derrick Barnes. Teachers will also receive a class book and supplemental learning materials designed by educators from LCM and the Library.
“It is imperative that we help guide our children towards a more successful path by utilizing every tool and partnership available,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “By building upon these core strengths, like reading, we’re ensuring that our kids are prepared to further their education and eventually build their futures. Thank you to everyone involved for supporting our future and helping New Orleans’ youth reach their greatest potential.”
“We know that only 34 percent of New Orleans third graders are reading on grade level – it is crucial that we support all literacy building efforts across the city,” said Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin, Deputy Director of OYF. “The Office of Youth and Families is excited to support strategic collaborations, such as this one, and welcome the opportunity to foster these types of initiatives.”
NOPL and LCM held an information session on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Louisiana Children's Museum. Five elementary schools were represented, and another three expressed interest through an information form that was sent to all public elementary schools.
“We believe that access to the Library is important, and we hope to introduce second graders to their Library and a lifelong love of reading,” said Emily Painton, Executive Director and City Librarian for NOPL. “Our partnership with the Office of Youth and Families and the Children’s Museum ensures a fun and engaging learning experience for these students, and we cannot wait to get started.”
"We are so excited to offer this unique literacy experience to local second graders,” said Shannon Blady, LCM’s Chief Learning Officer. “We love Barnes’ beautiful book for all of its positivity, and we have already thought of so many extensions for teachers to integrate into their instruction and for families to try at home.”
Second grade teachers and school administrators interested in signing up for this initiative should contact Shannon Blady at sblady@lcm.org.
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