The Howard County Public School System and Bright Minds Foundation celebrated Read Across America Day on Friday, March 1, 2019 by announcing the expansion of Read With Me • Howard County which is an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This pilot program will provide a book each month to young children at six schools and their surrounding communities. The pilot schools are Cradlerock, Deep Run, Laurel Woods, Phelps Luck, Swansfield, and Talbott Springs elementary schools.

“As educators, we know the achievement gap begins at birth and speaking with our children from the day they are born sets them on the right path to success,” said Dr. Martirano. “In collaboration with Bright Minds and our county partners, Read With Me • Howard County is another support that we are able to provide to families so children are prepared to thrive upon entering kindergarten.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate Read Across America Day and announce the expansion of Read With Me • Howard County. As the local champion of Read With Me • Howard County we understand it is the responsibility of the entire community to support the academic achievement of our children,” said Bright Minds Foundation Executive Director Liz Crammond. “Read With Me is a wonderful opportunity for our educational foundation to further align with the school system’s efforts in promoting school readiness.”

Read With Me• Howard County is possible in part thanks to a partnership with the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC) and Howard County Government, which provided funding for the initiative. Bright Minds is working with local community partners and donors on the goal of expanding the program to all Howard County communities.

Read with Me is part of Launch Into Learning, an early learning initiative supported by HCECAC. Launch Into Learning also includes the Talk With Me and ReadyRosie initiatives.