Reading is Leading 2022

at PLN

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By Para Los Niños Team


August 22, 2022

Now in its fifth year, the goal of this annual challenge is for young scholars to develop a love of reading. During Reading is Leading, our young readers track the minutes they spend reading, and at the end, win gift cards to award their dedication. Additional benefits of Reading is Leading include improving literacy skills, increasing student reading confidence, and increasing the confidence of families and caregivers to support students in their reading and education.

This year, the read-a-thon kicked off on February 28th and ended April 1st for PLN’s Charter Middle School and Gratts Primary Center. At CES, the read-a-thon is ongoing until April 29th. To celebrate the challenge, GPC and CES participated in a Dr. Seuss Spirit Week that included ‘Dress as a Cat in the Hat Day’, ‘Twin Day’, ‘Grinch Thursdays’, and ‘Sleepy Friday’.

At GPC, each Reading is Leading participant was gifted a basket of goodies and snacks, while CE hosted a giveaway of free books and backpacks. All participants received a certificate showing their reading accomplishments.

Throughout the reading challenge, businesses and individuals joined in by reading virtually to PLN scholars across our three charter schools. Thank you to our thirteen volunteers who left their legacy and example of discovering awe and joy in reading!

Regarding her volunteering experience, Isabella Rodriquez shared, “Getting to interact with the kids was great. They were very vocal about liking the book I read and getting to hear their favorite parts was nice. It’s rewarding knowing volunteering provides an opportunity to engage directly with the youth. I highly recommend volunteering with PLN as a way to be involved and have an impact.” Another volunteer, Nelyda Gonzalez, shared, “This experience was rewarding because I felt like I was helping the community and youth. The students made me feel appreciated for taking time to read my favorite books to them… I look forward to future opportunities!”

Although the Reading is Leading Challenge will soon come to a close, reading to students is an year-round occasion. If you are interested to volunteer reading to students at any time in the year, please do not hesitate to contact Darlene Hernandez at dhernandez@paralosninos.org.

GPC Logo Eaglet 2022

Gratts Primary Center:

1st place – Brian Oxlaj, 1st grade, Ms.Hernandez’s class, 2,470 minutes

2nd place – Greydis Arreaga-Ajiataz, 2nd grade, Ms. Alvarez’s class, 970 minutes

3rd place – Bayron Puac Oxlaj, 2nd grade, Ms. Alvarez’s class, 947 minutes

Ces Penguin Mascot Logo 2019

Charter Elementary School:

1st place – Allison Argueta, 5th grade

2nd place – Ingrid Mateo, 4th grade

3rd place – William Ramirez, 3rd grade

Mustangs PLN CMS 600

Charter Middle School:

1st place – Xavier Castro, 7th grade, Erika Alvarez’s class, 1,701 pages

2nd place – Andrew Cortez, 6th grade, Erika Alvarez’s class, 1,666 pages

3rd place – Jose Ajpacaja-Ixcaquic, 8th grade, Mr. Dawson’s class, 1,258 pages

A special thanks to our 2022 Reading is Leading Challenge supporting partners:

  • Arch Insurance
  • Rhino Records
  • Los Angeles Dodgers

Congratulations to all our readers and families!

Special thanks also to our librarians, secretaries, teachers, and principals for empowering students to become life-long readers.

We are already looking forward to Reading is Leading next year!

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