The Believe Projects, Believe 13 at Washington Elementary School in NSC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Gathers to Celebrate Opening of The Believe Projects Literacy Lab at Washington Elementary School in Normandy Schools Collaborative

ST. LOUIS, MO -- The Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC) is excited to announce the opening of its third Believe Projects Literacy Lab, an initiative by the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature (STLBACL) aimed at enhancing reading proficiency among elementary students. The new lab, housed at Washington Elementary School, will unveil with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m., 1730 N. Hanley Road, 63133.

ALL guests must register on Eventbrite.

The lab design improves reading proficiency, especially for students in grades K-3. Research shows that students who are not strong readers in third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Ninety percent of the characters or authors featured in the reading space will be people of color.

“Representation in literature matters because children need to see themselves as essential elements of a story. The Believe Projects gives children an opportunity to have access to more than 3,000 books that reflect their everyday life, and they get to meet the people who author books for them. These are the transformational experiences that ignite the much-needed behaviors, interest and excitement that lead children to becoming successful readers.,” said Julius B. Anthony, president, St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and The Believe Projects.

“At Normandy Schools Collaborative, we believe that a strong foundation in reading is essential for our elementary students' academic success and lifelong learning. Our partnership with The Believe Projects underscores our dedication to ensuring every child has access to the resources and support they need to develop strong literacy skills,” said Dr. Michael Triplett, NSC Superintendent. He continued, “our partnership with The Believe Projects underscores our dedication to ensuring every child has access to the resources and support they need to develop strong literacy skills.”

"We are proud to support the Believe Project Literacy Lab at Washington Elementary School. Investing in early literacy initiatives like this is crucial for shaping the future of our children and community. We firmly believe that early investments in culturally inclusive literacy resources create pathways to brighter futures, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact this project will have on the community,” said Neosha Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Impact Network.

The Believe 13 literacy lab is made possible by the generosity of the Community Impact Network. Other community partners include Build-A-Bear Foundation, Metro Theater Company, Ready Readers, Whitaker Foundation, The Rotary Club of Clayton – Ladue, and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority – St. Louis.

ABOUT THE BELIEVE PROJECTS:

We are ensuring all children become confident and competent readers by the end of third grade.

www.thebelieveprojects.com

Host or Publisher St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature