Goodbye to an Old Friend

That's author Beth Finke and her seeing-eye dog, Hanni, during a guest reader visit to Mr. Groves' class at Faraday last year.

It's hard to believe that it's been three years since I met Beth and the fabulous Hanni at a Barnes and Noble book signing. And even harder to believe that Hanni is now retired. We're so grateful to Beth for sharing Hanni with the SitStayRead students and we wish her lots of fun times and good belly rubs during her retirement.

You can read more about Hanni's latest life phase on Beth's blog post. And we'll be sure to keep you posted on the new canine partner in Beth's life. Wishing all the best to Hanni, Beth, and the new addition.

What Are You Thankful For?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Of course food is a big part of the reason--turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie. YUM! But I also like the reminder to be thankful.

Today I am so thankful for the time I get to spend with the wonderful SitStayRead students, volunteers and dogs.

Usually I'm in the office, but last week Bandit and I were last minute subs at Lowell School and got to read with Leonardo (seen here) and his classmates in Ms. Cavallery's room. As you can tell from that big smile, we had a great time.

Then today I helped out at Hendricks Academy--our very first SSR school. I always love going back there and it was a joy to see the excitement of the kids as they read with the dogs and volunteers. There was a substitute teacher today and she went out of her way to tell us how impressed she was with the session saying, "You really keep the kids engaged."

Many thanks to everyone who makes SSR possible. I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Everyday Miracles

It's been an exciting week as the SitStayRead volunteers head back into the classrooms! We're in 7 schools (soon to be 8) and class sizes are as large as 32 students. Despite the close quarters, everyone makes room and has a great time reading and writing.

Allison Jasinski, (shown here with a student from last year's program) had a wonderful surprise today at the dog safety presentation at Near North Elementary. When it was time for the students to practice approaching a dog safely the classroom teacher let Allison know that one of the students is non-verbal in social situations so probably wouldn't be able to ask permission to pet the dog. To everyone's surprise the young girl walked right up to the dog team and with perfect articulation asked, "May I pet your dog?" She then sat down next to Brady and chatted about his soft fur, smiling from ear to ear as she gently pet her new friend.

We can't wait to hear about the progress she makes when reading to the dogs next week. An everyday miracle indeed.

New Logo Debut!

We are so excited to announce the debut of our new logo!

After an intensive review of SitStayRead's communications this year by a team of doctoral candidates from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), it was determined that a new logo was needed to clearly illustrate our commitment to childhood literacy.

We think this simple silhouette of a child reading to a dog evokes our core mission and the clean lines give SitStayRead a refreshed look. What do you think?

Visit our online store to shop for tote bags, tees, and other fun items sporting the new logo!

"Why I Give" by Elana Mendelson

We love hearing stories from volunteers about the programs, the kids, and fun events, but Elana wanted to tell us about why she gives to SitStayRead. Elana is a friend, volunteer, and dedicated board member. You're a rock star Elana, and we're lucky to have your support!

Elana tells us, "Why I Give..."
"I was raised to believe that no matter how much or how little you have, there is always an opportunity to give back. I began giving my time as a Dog Team and fell in love with the SitStayRead program. Seeing firsthand what the children got from reading to my pug Slugger was a powerful experience.

After spending some time in the program, I realized that any financial commitment no matter how big or small could help. This past summer I made a pledge of $1,000 to be taken monthly out of my checking account. Even though I don't make a lot of money, I realized that there are children out there who need help developing the basic skills necessary for success and my support would make a difference.

SitStayRead has developed a successful program with proven results. You only need to step into a classroom once to see the powerful impact. That's why I give."

The Best P.S.

Don't you love it when one little thing turns your head around and suddenly you see everything clearly?

Arrived home from a SitStayRead board meeting at 10 tonight and, though it was a wonderfully productive, engaging meeting with people I adore, I was wiped out. As I dragged myself through the chores of getting ready for some sleep, I checked my email. What a treat awaited me.

An email from one of our teachers about the details of finalizing a school program (and there are a LOT of details in getting the programs started) included a P.S. that put everything in perspective and made my whole week. Here it is:

"P.S. My students were asking about SitStayRead on the first day of school. :-)"

Thank you, Ms. Nolin. Please tell your students we can't wait to see them again!

Bears Care Helps Kids Learn to Read!

What a great weekend! Last Saturday, winning volunteers and teachers watched the Chicago Bears play at Soldier Field. What could be even better than winning tickets to the Bears game? Being ON the field!

SitStayRead co-founders, Sarah Murphy and MaryEllen Schneider, were presented a GIANT CHECK by Caroline Schrenker (left) and Marge Hamm (right) on the field before Saturday's kickoff. Many thanks to Bears Care for awarding SitStayRead this generous grant of $25,000! Just think how many kids will learn to read with the HUGE SUPPORT from Bears Care. That's a touchdown win in our book!