Building Better Futures through Reading

We’re a small group of reading enthusiasts who were flabbergasted when we learned about the extremely low reading proficiency scores in the Des Moines Public Schools. Did you know that

• Close to 2/3 of third graders at DMPS elementary schools are not reading at grade level?

• The majority of DMPS students are students of color?

• Over 75% of DMPS elementary students are eligible for Free and/or Reduced Lunch?

• Many students have no books of their own?

• Many students come from homes where English is not the primary language?

• Teachers are challenged with multiple spoken languages in their classrooms and the transient nature of families these days?

We got our start in 2022 by thinking that if we put books into the hands of the most vulnerable, they could find that reading could be for enjoyment—and thus improve overall reading proficiency.

And think how this will help teachers—students will come to enjoy reading, And teachers can teach!

And what could be better than providing a “book-a-month” to elementary students? A book that is personalized with the student’s name. A book that each can call his/her own.

Our purpose is to raise money for the Des Moines Public Schools to enable them to purchase a “book a month” for elementary (K - 5th grade) students.

BUILDING LIVES THROUGH READING
became a reality!

AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP!