Barbara Bush Foundation and Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Unite for 17th Annual Literacy Day Celebration
On December 10, 2024, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy joined forces with the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens to host the 17th Annual Literacy Day in West Palm Beach, Florida. This inspiring event gathered more than 200 students from local Title I schools, immersing them in a day filled with engaging reading activities and interactive programming designed to spark a love for literacy.
Andrew Roberts, the President of the Barbara Bush Foundation, emphasized the importance of reading in children's lives. He conveyed, "Developing a love of reading can open up a world of possibility for children, setting them up to be lifelong learners." The event aimed to foster an environment where young minds can explore the wonders of books and storytelling in a fun and exciting way.
Frances Fisher, Chairwoman of the Board for the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, echoed the sentiment, stating, "The mission of Literacy Day is specifically designed to inspire every student to embrace the impact of becoming a lifelong reader." The collaboration between the two organizations has allowed them to enhance their educational programs, featuring interactions with well-known authors and presenters.
The attendees comprised kindergarten through third-grade students from schools like Glades Academy, Gove Elementary School, and The Foundations School at the Center for Creative Education. The students had the unique opportunity to engage with celebrated children's authors and entertainers, among them Beth Ferry, known for her New York Times bestseller 'Stick and Stone,' and Deepa Iyer, who is not only a strategist and lawyer but also the author of 'We Are the Builders!'.
Beth Ferry described her experience, saying, "Reading 'Prunella,' a book about a girl who loves weird and wonderful plants, at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens was a magical experience. The children were curious and engaged as we related what was in the book to the day they were experiencing at the gardens." Her interactive storytelling culminated in a lively dance session where participants ‘danced like plants,’ illustrating the joy of combining literature with playful movement.
Deepa Iyer also shared her gratitude, stating, "I'm so grateful to be part of Literacy Day this year. I enjoyed connecting with young children about how they can be community helpers and answering their insightful questions about writing and activism." Her involvement emphasized the broader lessons of social change and community engagement that literacy can inspire in young readers.
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program also took part in this year’s festivities, equipping children with educational resources, books, and dental hygiene kits. This initiative has been reaching out to underserved children and their families since its inception, combining oral health education with literacy advancement. Robert Wilson from Colgate expressed, "Teaching children to understand, communicate and make informed decisions about their health from a young age is crucial for future success."
As parting gifts, participating students received copies of 'Prunella' and 'We Are the Builders!' thanks to donations from Simon & Schuster, further enhancing the array of literary resources at their disposal.
For more than three decades, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been at the forefront of promoting family literacy across the nation, established by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1989. The foundation continues to advocate for quality literacy programs and extends its reach significantly through such partnerships.
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, founded by the artist Ann Weaver Norton, provides a unique blend of nature, art, and history in a stunning setting, enriching lives through creativity and education. Shortly after celebrating its own foundation in 1977, it has come to be recognized as an urban sanctuary and educational hub.
As informed citizens and advocates rally around the cause of literacy, initiatives like these highlight the importance of reading in shaping futures. Each Literacy Day event contributes to building a community where every child’s potential is nurtured through the wonderful world of books.
Andrew Roberts, the President of the Barbara Bush Foundation, emphasized the importance of reading in children's lives. He conveyed, "Developing a love of reading can open up a world of possibility for children, setting them up to be lifelong learners." The event aimed to foster an environment where young minds can explore the wonders of books and storytelling in a fun and exciting way.
Frances Fisher, Chairwoman of the Board for the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, echoed the sentiment, stating, "The mission of Literacy Day is specifically designed to inspire every student to embrace the impact of becoming a lifelong reader." The collaboration between the two organizations has allowed them to enhance their educational programs, featuring interactions with well-known authors and presenters.
The attendees comprised kindergarten through third-grade students from schools like Glades Academy, Gove Elementary School, and The Foundations School at the Center for Creative Education. The students had the unique opportunity to engage with celebrated children's authors and entertainers, among them Beth Ferry, known for her New York Times bestseller 'Stick and Stone,' and Deepa Iyer, who is not only a strategist and lawyer but also the author of 'We Are the Builders!'.
Beth Ferry described her experience, saying, "Reading 'Prunella,' a book about a girl who loves weird and wonderful plants, at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens was a magical experience. The children were curious and engaged as we related what was in the book to the day they were experiencing at the gardens." Her interactive storytelling culminated in a lively dance session where participants ‘danced like plants,’ illustrating the joy of combining literature with playful movement.
Deepa Iyer also shared her gratitude, stating, "I'm so grateful to be part of Literacy Day this year. I enjoyed connecting with young children about how they can be community helpers and answering their insightful questions about writing and activism." Her involvement emphasized the broader lessons of social change and community engagement that literacy can inspire in young readers.
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program also took part in this year’s festivities, equipping children with educational resources, books, and dental hygiene kits. This initiative has been reaching out to underserved children and their families since its inception, combining oral health education with literacy advancement. Robert Wilson from Colgate expressed, "Teaching children to understand, communicate and make informed decisions about their health from a young age is crucial for future success."
As parting gifts, participating students received copies of 'Prunella' and 'We Are the Builders!' thanks to donations from Simon & Schuster, further enhancing the array of literary resources at their disposal.
For more than three decades, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been at the forefront of promoting family literacy across the nation, established by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1989. The foundation continues to advocate for quality literacy programs and extends its reach significantly through such partnerships.
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, founded by the artist Ann Weaver Norton, provides a unique blend of nature, art, and history in a stunning setting, enriching lives through creativity and education. Shortly after celebrating its own foundation in 1977, it has come to be recognized as an urban sanctuary and educational hub.
As informed citizens and advocates rally around the cause of literacy, initiatives like these highlight the importance of reading in shaping futures. Each Literacy Day event contributes to building a community where every child’s potential is nurtured through the wonderful world of books.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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