Did you know that March is National Reading Month? Since 1998, the National Education Association has declared March 2nd as Read Across America Day. During the month of March, families and schools across the nation celebrate the magic and adventure that books can hold. Reading can positively impact many areas including academics, social, and emotional health. It can foster children's imagination, improve language skills, increase concentration and discipline, support cognitive development, and so much more.

United Way of East Central Alabama continues to volunteer within our elementary schools for Read Across America. Volunteers will be visiting pre-k and kindergarten classroom all over Calhoun County on Thursday, March 3rd to read a story!

Do you have a child under the age of 5? If so, click below to sign up for the Imagination Library. United Way of East Central Alabama has partnered with the Dollywood Foundation to provide free books each month for children ages birth to 5 years old.

https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/ALANNISTON/?chkAvalAddressData=eyJjYWxsYmFjayI6dHJ1ZSwiYWRkcmVzcyI6eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiVVMiLCJ6aXAiOiIzNjIwNyIsInN0YXRlIjoiQUwiLCJjaXR5IjoiQW5uaXN0b24iLCJjb3VudHkiOiJDYWxob3VuIiwic3RyZWV0IjoiIn19

Calhoun County Schools' Kindergarten Registration day for the 2022-2023 school year is Thursday, March 10th from 8am - 2pm. Please be sure to bring the following items with you when registering your child:

• Complete registration paperwork
• Current power bill
• Child's birth certification

If you have any further questions, please contact the elementary school in which you will be enrolling.

Our Family Engagement Specialist, Mental Health Services Coordinator, and Professional Development Specialist loved getting to partner with Saks Elementary School and Weaver Elementary School's Reading Coach to provide a family fun literacy event! Sessions included learning more about the Literacy Act, Homework without the Hassle, and bringing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into the home.

We look forward to our upcoming Family Engagement Workshops with other elementary schools in the district, and hope to see you there!