Message from Literacy Team
Happy New Year!

What are your goals for this new year?

One of ours is to "be present." Whether with our families, students, friends- at work or at home, we are trying be fully there.

Hope you have joyful, "present-filled" start to your new year!
-Jenessa, Monique, and Erika


"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. "
Matthew 6:34
Upcoming Dates

  • Monday, January 6: Fresno Unified's first day back
  • Tuesday, January 7: Clovis Unified's and Orange Center's first day back
  • Monday, January 20: MLK Jr Day, No School for ALL
  • Saturday, January 25: Read Fresno Workshop


2019-20 School Calendars (click and print for reference throughout the year):
Jan 25th - Read Fresno Workshop
March 20th - Fresno Unified's Battle of the Books

Several Fresno Unified Elementary schools have 4th-6th grade book clubs that will compete in a Battle of the Books at Fresno High on March 20!

If you'd like to volunteer at the book clubs and/or the competition in March please email Sue Navarro at [email protected]

Literacy News & Resources
Encouraging Notes!

Don Pierce, LM at Eaton Elementary... shared a great idea. He writes each child a personalized note with words or letters to review that week. He inspired us to make LM notepads for you all! If you were not at the Christmas party to receive your gift, email us and we'll bring a notepad to you!

Fun Problem Solving Activity
Looking to mix it up?

Here's a free printable activity from the Measured Mom site that incorporates reading and problem solving. Yes, Christmas may be over but it's still winter sweater season!

Literacy Mentoring Tip
Let your students quiz you!

Cassidy Reed, LM at Pyle Elementary, has her kindergarten students "quiz" her on their letters and sounds. Of course, if she "makes a mistake" the student helps teach her.
This is a simple, fun way to practice and empower students to be the expert. ;)
Christmas Party fun!

Thanks to all who celebrated with us! We hope you felt appreciated, connected, and resourced to continue your great work! If you missed it, we hope to see you on January 25 !

Many thanks to Calvary Worship Center for graciously hosting us!!
Great Teamwork! 

We love seeing all of your notes to each other in the kit folders.

If you haven't used it yet, remember the first page in the binder is for you to write notes to the other mentors in the room. Notes about student progress, tips on what is working/not working, etc.

We are better together!
Literacy Mentor Spotlight
Lizeth Arellano
Lincoln Elementary FUSD, Fresno State Read Fresno, Liberal Studies Major
What made you decide to become a literacy mentor?
I decided to become a literacy mentor because learning how to read and comprehend is very important. It opens new doors for opportunities and you expand your knowledge. A child that can understand what they read can get them very far in life. 

What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite book was Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring at Lincoln Elementary?
I enjoyed how humble the children and staff were. They were always so welcoming. 

What is your hope for Lincoln students?
I hope those students grow up to become good citizens of society who can make wise choices and make a difference in their community. To break the stigma.

Who was in an encouraging adult in your life as a child?
  An encouraging adult in my life is my mother. She always reminded me of how far I’ve gone to just give up. She is a prime example of the person I want to become. 

Thank you Lizeth!