Gainesville City Schools recognized at national conferences

GAINESVILLE - The partnership involving the Gainesville Housing Authority, Boys and Girls Club of Hall County, and Gainesville City Schools in offering the family literacy program, "Read and Rise" earlier this year, was recognized by two national organizations recently and featured in their recent conference programs.

The National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NARSAA) featured the partnership at their conference in New Orleans on September 27, with a presentation on "Strengthening Family and Community Engagement to Ensure Student Success in School."

The Family and Community Engagement Council (FACE) recognized the partnership at the national Family and Community Engagement Symposium in New Orleans on October 2, with a presentation "A Comprehensive System of Learning Supports: Strengthening Family and Community Engagement." School superintendent Dr. Merrianne Dyer also participated in a panel presentation on family and community engagement practices that enhance educational outcomes.

A film produced by ImpactEdu that described Gainesville City's "Read and Rise" implementation was presented at both conferences.

"Read and Rise" is a parent and family engagement program that provides a foundation for early literacy. Gainesville City Schools partnered with the Scholastic Classroom and Community Group to pilot two programs in the spring of 2012 at the Melrose Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Club site at Fair Street IB School. This was in response to the identified need of stronger pre-reading skills for children entering pre-K and kindergarten.

Gainesville City Schools will expand the program in 2013 by offering five "Read and Rise" programs in partnership with a number of youth agencies and the housing authority.