New Initiative Delivers Free Books to Utah K-3 Students

by Alex Gonzalez, Utah News Connection

April 1st, Roberts, Platt, and Willis received a Superior Ranking, and the team earned 65 points.

When the State winner was announced for "Musical Theater," Anne Overson from Mustang Country won the top honors. BVHS intends to enter into other categories in upcoming years.

Kudos to coaches Nathan Platt, Melinda Overson and others.

Overson—who is also the BVHS Librarian—has the lead role in the upcoming production of Mamma Mia . All of the performers—except for Platt—are in this BVHS show. The play opens April 19th and runs through the 22nd. The show will highlight the talents that took the team all the way to the top.

Congratulations to the Mustangs.

—Pete Peterson, Principal, Bryce Valley Elementary School

Dr. Powell comes to SUU from Northern Arizona University (NAU) where she most recently served as associate dean for the College of Education. She holds the rank of associate professor and taught for nearly a decade before moving into an administration role. Outside of the university setting, she served the education community through service on the governor-appointed Early Childhood Health and Development Board and the Early Childhood Research and Evaluation National Advisory Panel. Before entering higher education, Dr. Powell served as an elementary education teacher, earning her twentytwo years of practical experience.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Southern Utah University in the role of the Dean of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development,” said Dr. Powell. “Working

Dr. Powell holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on early childhood education from NAU, a master’s degree in reading education from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and elementary physical education from Texas Tech University.

“We also express gratitude to Dr. Bill Heyborne and the search committee who worked diligently to ensure that the selection process was thorough and that each candidate's credentials were vetted and evaluated,” said Provost Anderson. “The search committee put many hours into this search process and their work is acknowledged and appreciated. We look forward to many wonderful days ahead as we get the chance to work with and support Dean Powell.”

SUU’s Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development encompasses the Teacher Education and Family Life and Human Development Departments, as well as several graduate programs in education. Learn more about the College of Education and Human Development. —Southern Utah University

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Parents will have the opportunity to opt-in for reading reminders via text or push notification.

UTAH - Many kids across the state of Utah will be able to receive free books in the mail this summer to encourage reading and improve literacy outcomes. The Utah State Board of Education has partnered with the nonprofit organization Kids Read Now to provide free books to Utah students from kindergarten to third grade.

Christine Elegante, K-3 specialist with the Utah State Board of Education, said the project was possible due to the support from last year's Legislature, which allows every student attending a Title 1 school, or a school participating in the Partnerships for Student Success Grant Program, to be eligible.

"The key is just mak- ing reading an enjoyable experience for kids and I think they are going to be really motivated to be reading this summer as we are getting these books sent home," Elegante explained.

"Which is just really exciting. I mean, you can imagine that the joy that kids feel, they don't get a lot of mail these days."

Book deliveries will begin this summer, and will also include activities for students to be able to complete with their parents.

Kids Reading Now has also developed an app to help families comprehend the literature and activities in their preferred language.

Elegante noted the five-year project aims to nurture the love of reading among Utah students. She pointed out the students get to keep the books they select. Elegante added the program is part of a larger legislative initiative to provide resources to raise reading outcomes for all children throughout the Beehive State, but especially for those who come from disadvantaged homes.

"We really are working on doing what is very best for kids in helping them learn how to read and one of those things that is tied to that is getting that engagement with them at home and getting engaged with their parents," Elegante outlined.

Elegante emphasized the partnership will help students keep up with their reading during the roughly two months of summer vacation, and return to school more prepared.