Dear Friends and NPC Reading Club Members:

On behalf of the Newark Preschool Council Head Start Program we thank all of our readers and sponsors who supported our 8^th Annual Read Across America event.  The only word to describe the event is WOW!!  It was a HUGE SUCCESS because of your support.

In the standing room only crowd, during the reception, Roger Hinds, Head Trainer for the NY Knicks; Jeremy Hall and Nick Zimmerman of the NY Red Bulls soccer team, joined with Tiki Barber, former NY Giants football player and NBC – “Today Show” host,  in saluting and reading with our children.   All promised to return very soon.

A reader, Ms. Toschi of News 12, found the children quite entertaining at the center where she read.  She shared the following story with me of the little boy at our Sharpe James Head Start Center who couldn’t keep the gift secret.  It goes as follows:

Dear Ms. Crawford and the Newark Preschool Council:

Thanks again for inviting me to participate in Read Across America in Newark. It was such a successful event.  

I was so excited to be participating in Read Across America. As a former teacher, I always enjoy going back into the classroom. When I arrived at Sharpe James Preschool, I was greeted so warmly by the staff and was even given a Dr. Seuss hat.  Off I went to my classroom where I was greeted by fifteen children who all wanted to tell me their age. We began reading a book about a llama when one of the little boys whispered in my ear and said "we got you a present. It's right behind you." The teacher said "don't tell her now" but he was clearly too excited to keep the secret. That's when I was presented with my picture frame of a drawing the children had made. It was precious.

Congratulations again on a wonderful event.

All my best,

Ms. Toschi

Dear Ms. Crawford, Executive Director:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading to the students at the Stuyvesant pre-school, (Mr. Jerry's class). The students were given a choice of what book they wanted to read, and  they chose, Thomas and Friends, it seems that little engine book was definitely a favorite. Afterwards, I asked them questions about the book and they gave me excellent feedback on what was read, in addition they sang a song to me  - You Are My Sunshine, - all the verses.  The students were eager and it's obvious the impact this classroom experience is having on them. 

I loved every moment of it! 

All of you should be commended for the great work you do.  Our children are learning and with all of our support and help they will continue to grow and develop.

Once again it was an honor to participate in the program.

Louise Layton

If you have a story that you would like to share about your reading experience at Newark Preschool Council, please send it to Ms. Gwendolyn Smith at gsmith@newarkpreschool.org.  We would love to hear from you.

In the meantime, we have some exciting future events coming up.  Coming Soon - the Grand Opening of our Newark Preschool Council Academy, 201 First Street, Newark, NJ. 

Also, coming soon to our website will be more details about our Read Across America event.  We will let you know when the information is available.  Feel free to visit our website for other happenings at Newark Preschool Council at www.newarkpreschool.org.

Again, we say thank you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline P. Crawford
Executive Director

Read Across America Photo Album Coming Soon! 

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