TTLM Attends Parent Summit
During the month of June, The Trenton Literacy Movement was well represented at the recent Parent Summit by board members Jean Tunstall and Eris Tunstall as well as Yaz Gonzalez. Information about the TTLM after-school program along with tips for parents of small children and educators, was made available with the generous support of our partners at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to improving reading across the country.
Newsletter: Spring 2022
In this issue, we focus on family engagement including resources to support families in school, home, and in our communities. We also pay tribute to the dedicated first-line workers, our teachers, during the first week of May, which was Teacher Appreciation Week. We know that without them we could not make the progress that our children so richly deserve.
Drums and storytime keep N.J. students captivated during Black History Month lesson, NJ.com, March 3
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t know how the leopard got its spots, a group of first and second graders at Carroll Robbins School in Trenton have something on you. Last week in an assembly, the students were visited by Edward Bullock the president of The Trenton Literacy Movement. Already a tall and imposing figure of a man who towers over the children, this day he came dressed in colorful traditional African clothing, and carrying a leopard stuffed animal and African drum.
Dr. Sandra Holcomb, currently the chairperson of the TTLM Education committee, reads a book.
WHYY News - “Read Aloud” makes books accessible to kids (February 26, 2022)
Our "Read Aloud" series recently appeared on "You Oughta Know," on WHYY New 12. TTLM president Edward Bullock provided insight into how TTLM is improving the lives of children in Trenton through innovative approaches such as the "Read Aloud" initiative.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/LrtTCQKI0g0
You Oughta Know is your guide to people, places and events you might not know about in the Philadelphia region. Each week, co-hosts Shirley Min and Regina Mitchell arm you with news, events, pop culture facts and consumer tips to make life a little better.
Welcome New Board Members
We are pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees. Yazminelly (Yaz) Gonzalez and Eris Tunstall joined the board effective January 12, 2022. “I am so pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Trenton Literacy Movement, board of trustees, said Douglas H. Palmer, TTLM Chairman. I know I speak for the entire board in welcoming both and Yazminelly (Yaz) Gonzalez and Eris Tunstall to our movement, to help our children “learn to read so they can read to learn.”
Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Tunstall join the board members, the Honorable Douglas H. Palmer, Chairman, Edward W. Bullock, M.Ed., President, Gloria J. Tunstall, Vice President, Walter R. Bliss, Jr., Esq., Board Secretary, Sean Jackson, Esq., Corresponding Secretary, Keith V. Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer, Fred Herndon, Finance Chair, Carm Catanese Ph.D., Fundraising Chair, and Barbara Flythe, M.Ed., Member.
Yazminelly (Yaz) Gonzalez is a compassionate and committed community servant. She is currently a Special Needs Life Skills instructor at the Trenton 9th Grade Academy. Ms. Gonzalez attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, an HBCU, and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a focus in Special Education. She returned to her hometown of Trenton to create a safe and impactful learning experience for children with Autism. Her commitment to the City of Trenton and the next generation doesn't stop with education. She currently serves as Assistant Lead for the Outreach Ministry at Change Church, Co-chairs the Social Action Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is the Secretary for the Marco Dillard Scholarship committee. She is also the Treasurer for the Trenton United Family Foundation (TUFF), Treasurer for the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Trenton, and a Member of the Clara's Heart Foundation. In addition, she is cofounder of Social Light Eventz. Having a successful career is one of her biggest accomplishments but her dearest is the impact she has made on our youth and her community.
Eris Tunstall is a Parent Liaison in the Trenton Public Schools where she works with students, families, and the community of Trenton. Ms. Tunstall was raised to always help others, so giving back and serving her community is a part of who she is today. Ms. Tunstall attended Wilmington College in Delaware majoring in Education. While working after college hours as a substitute in a Wilmington school, Eris led an all-girls mentoring group which engaged girls in projects in the community. During her work with the mentoring group her involvement broadened to a summer job at Girls Inc. During her time there she developed her passion for working with children. Ms. Tunstall has worked for the Trenton Public Schools for 20 years. Throughout that time, she has been active with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) sitting on multiple committees and assisted in the inaugural implementation of “Families and Schools Working Together (FAST)” within the district. In addition, Ms. Tunstall has been the VP of the Trenton Paraprofessional Association for 10 years. As a champion for students, Ms. Tunstall has dedicated countless hours to after school and summer programs in Trenton, including Area Boys and Girls Club and YMCA. She is currently the site coordinator for the Children's Home Society of NJ, Positive Impact After School Program. Ms. Tunstall’s pride and joy are her two children Morgan (Age 22) Javin (Age 15). She loves to encourage others to be true to themselves and add value wherever they go.
Yazminelly (Yaz) Gonzalez and Eris Tunstall
Newsletter: Spring 2021
In this issue, we highlight the success of our children in our program. We also pay special tribute to our dedicated first-line workers, our teachers. Without them, we could not make the progress that our children so richly deserve. In addition, we introduce our new Education Committee charged with providing additional resources and incentives to support our mission and achieve the highest level of educational outcomes.
After-School Reading Program Goes Virtual
By Chelsea Johnstone
November 11, 2020
On the first of the month, The Trenton Literacy Movement (TTLM) announced that the 2020/2021 group of elementary school students are set to receive instruction in core reading skills via TTLM’s innovative after-school community sponsored and funded program. Through the generous and multi-year commitment and support for the Trenton Public Schools, TTLM will engage 300 first, second and third grade learners across the city.
After-School Reading Program Goes Virtual in Trenton Public Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2020
After-School Reading Program Goes Virtual in Trenton Public Schools
The Trenton Literacy Movement offers remote elementary reading intervention
with Lexia Core5 Reading in grades 1-3
TRENTON, NJ (October 27, 2020)— The Trenton Literacy Movement announces the launch of the 2020/2021 group of elementary school students to receive instruction in core reading skills via TTLM’s innovative afterschool community sponsored and funded program. Through the generous and multiyear commitment and support for the Trenton Public Schools, TTLM is poised to engage 300 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade learners across the city. Although Trenton Public Schools are working remotely this fall, it is no time to take a step back from learning. The city’s children have no time to waste. Many of our students are not reading on grade level by third grade. To that end, the Trenton Literacy Movement has established this after-school literacy program to improve student reading skills, in partnership with the Trenton public school and with the support of its donors and funders. This program is conducted virtually servicing students in all 14 Trenton elementary schools.
Please sign up your child. Sign-up now!!!
To register or find out if your child is eligible to participate in this free program, respond to the following link:
After School Reading Program Participation - Parent/Guardian Survey Link (English) - https://forms.gle/kNBijRqdmzt4CBTCA
After School Reading Program Participation - Parent/Guardian Survey Link (Spanish) -https://forms.gle/odxxnnFVDivjz3SK9
“In this COVID-19 era, we know we have to do more and do it better according to the Honorable Doug Palmer, Chairman of TTLM board. The Lexia® Core5® Reading is the perfect partner for The Trenton Literacy Movement and our mission of helping children learn to read so they can read to learn,” said Edward Bullock, board president.
About The Trenton Literacy Movement Inc. (TTLM), The mission of TTLM is to enable students in Trenton public elementary schools to read at grade level by 3rd grade. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing funds and support to the Trenton Public Schools’ efforts to combat the reading deficit.
We partner with schools, parents, the community, and funders to support after-school remedial interventions for elementary students in all Trenton public schools. TTLM’s Board of Trustees is made up of members of the Trenton and surrounding community. With the support of Partners representing individuals, foundations and corporations, TTLM is able to provide literacy instruction at no cost to students in grades 1-3.. For more information go to www.thetrentonliteracymovement.org.
About Core 5
Core5 is a research-proven, technology-based literacy program for students of all abilities in grades pre-K-5. It recently received a "Strong" rating from Evidence for ESSA, one of the most visible organizations evaluating the strength of research in the K-12 market. Core5 was designed to help substantially reduce students' risk for reading failure and supports educators in providing differentiated literacy instruction through explicit, systematic, personalized learning in six areas of reading instruction, targeting skill gaps as they emerge, and providing teachers with the data and student-specific resources they need for individual or small-group instruction.
A recent research reportanalyzing the results of students using Core5 during the 2019-20 school year found that of the nearly 921,000 K-5 students using Core5 with fidelity nationwide, less than half (46%) started the school year working on or above grade level in the program. By the end of the school year, that percentage had increased to 87%.
“Core5 was designed with students of all abilities in PreK-5 in mind, using extensive pedagogical research to guide their literacy education,” said Lexia Chief Learning Officer Dr. Liz Brooke. “What the Trenton Literacy Movement is doing is so important in helping their students develop the critical reading skills they need to become proficient and life-long readers.”
Dr. Cassandra Holcomb Joins Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September October 7, 2020
The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. is pleased to announce the selection of
Dr. Cassandra Holcomb to its Board of Trustees
The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. (TTLM), a nonprofit working to improve reading outcomes for children in Trenton, NJ, is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Cassandra Holcomb to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Holcomb has over 20 years in education with a special expertise in literacy and reading outcomes. Dr Holcomb supported the district-wide textbook adoption and has provided professional development in reading for K-8 staff in Trenton. Dr. Holcomb holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Holcomb resides in NJ with her husband Jason Holcomb, daughter Brianna Holcomb and son Jason Holcomb II.
Douglas H. Palmer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Mayor of Trenton said, “Dr. Holcomb has been a champion in educating Trenton students for over two decades. We are so grateful that she has decided to bring her knowledge and compassion as a board member to our literary movement.”
About The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. (TTLM)
The mission of TTLM is to enable students in Trenton public elementary schools to read at grade level by 3rd grade. TTLM partners with schools, parents, the community, and funders to support after-school remedial interventions for elementary students in all Trenton public schools. TTLM’s Board of Trustees is made up of members of the Trenton and surrounding community. With the support of Partners representing individuals, foundations and corporations, TTLM is able to provide literacy instruction at no cost to students in grades 1-3. TTLM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
The Trenton Literacy Movement Inc. presents Read Aloud
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2020
The Trenton Literacy Movement Inc. presents Read Aloud, a Free Resource during COVID 19
Celebrating Black stories and Black voices, men read their favorite picture books to improve reading outcomes for youth in Trenton
A partnership between The Trenton Literacy Movement, Trenton Kappa Foundation and C.I.E.E. Productions and filmed at the historic Trenton Public Library, Children’s Room in Trenton, NJ.
The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. (TTLM), a nonprofit working to improve reading outcomes for children in Trenton, NJ, has launched Read Aloud. This unique online reading initiative seeks to expose early readers to children’s books and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Importance of Reading Aloud to Children
Studies on toddlers’ cognitive development and reading aloud find that when an adult reads to a young child, in a matter of seconds, thousands of cells in these children’s growing brains respond. Some brain cells are ‘turned on,’ triggered by this particular experience. Many existing connections among brain cells are strengthened. At the same time, new brain cells are formed, adding a bit more definition and complexity to the intricate circuitry that will remain largely in place for the rest of these children’s lives. Therefore, the more adults read aloud to their children, the larger their vocabularies will grow and the more they will know and understand about the world and their place in it, assisting their cognitive development and perception. Source.
Read Aloud is available 24 hours a day, 7days a week for children, parents, caregivers and educators to access on the organization’s Website and YouTube Channel. The videos feature colorful and informative children’s books written primarily by black authors and about black lives.
TTLM Launches New Website
PRESS RELEASE
August 10, 2020
The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. Launches New Website
The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. (TTLM), a nonprofit established in 2016 with the mission of improving reading outcomes for children in Trenton, NJ, has launched a new website thetrentonliteracymovement.org
From compelling photos to color scheme to typeface, the new site highlights TTLM’s services and impact. Visitors can enjoy a user-friendly experience while learning more about the organization, up-to-date news, and how to contribute. Read more
TTLM is on a Quest to Reshape Trenton
By Patricia A. Taylor - Princetoninfo.com
August 22, 2018
A dire economic future faces the vast majority of Trenton’s second graders. While the causes are many and complex, there is a life-saving remedy, and that is what The Trenton Literacy Movement (TTLM) is all about. Read more
One year in, Trenton Literacy Movement is Making Major Progress for Kids
By L.A. Parker - The Trentonian
June 27, 2018
Returning to basic tenets in government, community maintenance and education could produce real revitalization in Trenton as the city heads toward new leadership. Classroom objectives continued receiving significant support from the Trenton Literacy Movement and the Trenton Board of Education which recently held a year-end celebration to recognize students’ completion of their year-long after-school reading programs. Read more
Literacy is Critical to the Future of Trenton
By L.A. Parker - The Trentonian
June 27, 2018
An organization formed to address the city’s reading crisis could present students Jayvion Blacksheer and Allison Lopez as advocates. Blacksheer, 6, and Lopez, 9, read 44 and 51 books, respectively, as the two top readers for the Trenton Free Public Library Summer Reading Program. Read more
Magic Tree House Series Author Donates Books to All Trenton 2nd Graders
By David Foster - The Trentonian
October 17, 2016
Mary Pope Osborne recalled a letter she received from a student before writing her widely popular “Magic Tree House” series. A Bronx student had asked the author if she could send her a book that Osborne had written and shown her class. “I probably couldn’t do that because then I’d have to give one to everyone in the classroom,” Osborne responded to the girl, noting it still pains her today to think about it. Read more
Four 'Colored Girls' Visit Area to Support Successful Trenton Literacy Movement
Oct 18, 2018
The event benefits the Trenton Literacy Movement (TLM), an umbrella organization seeking to galvanize the greater Trenton community to partner with Trenton Public Schools in addressing Trenton’s literacy crisis. Read more
