African American Read-In

Dear Volunteer Reader,

In the spirit of celebrating Black History Month this February, Brentwood School in Los Angeles, California, will join readers across the country by hosting our 8th Annual African American Read-In on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and endorsed by the International Reading Association.

We would be honored if you would be a guest reader at this cultural event. Your participation will help to make our Read-In a success. As a guest reader, you will spend approximately thirty minutes in a classroom reading and discussing a short story or poem about the African American experience. You will select from a variety of books in our school library that are authored and/or illustrated by African Americans, with a focus on stories of celebration, honor, and triumph. Afterward, we ask that you share information about your profession with our students to give them a greater feel for who you are.

Reading ability is one of the key predictors of school success. How does one motivate young students to become avid readers? Easy. Foster the development of a love of literature by exposing students to literature that captures their interest and is relevant to them. Your participation in this event will give you the opportunity to be a positive role model to our students by sharing with them your love of reading through amazing stories - both written and told.

To confirm your participation in our Read-In, please complete the volunteer form here by Friday, January 18, 2019. If you have a grade level preference, please indicate in the form. Brentwood's Lower School services grades K-6.

A light continental breakfast will be served during the meet-and-greet in the school library at 7:45 a.m., with an official start of the assembly at 8:15 a.m. During the meet-and-greet, you will have the opportunity to select the book that you will share with the class you are placed in. After the short assembly, you will be taken to your assigned class where you will read and discuss the story you chose for 30-45 minutes. Afterward, we will meet back in the library for a quick group picture. The African American Read-In will end at 9:45 a.m. We are asking that you commit to the entire event time of 7:45 - 9:45 a.m.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, in our school library. We very much appreciate your support and interest in our students.

Sincerely,

Brentwood School
Parent Alliance of Students of African Descent
PASA Liaison, Tina Evans