Kelly Davidson, Nancy Nicholson, Simone Thornton, Kristin McClary and Lisa Chapman

Davidson and her four colleagues understand how important exposure to books is to students entering kindergarten. They created "Bringing Reading Home", a reading outreach program for 80 students entering kindergarten at C. Grant Grimshaw Elementary School. Before the start of the school year, rising kindergartners and their parents receive a book bag that contains books, activities and supplies needed to complete the activities. The age-appropriate books are chosen to familiarize students - many of whom did not attend preschool - with the concepts of print, rhyme and rhythm of text, as well as develop their vocabularies. Parents will be encouraged to complete the activities with their children. Once the school year begins, kindergarten teachers will use additional activities based on the books included in the book bags to extend the learning. According to Davidson and her colleagues, the program creates an invaluable partnership between parents and teachers that will serve as a foundation going forward.