Program Summary

Project UpLift started during the 2017-2018 school year at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach in response to a request from Principal Shauntay King. When she was asked what else Roots and Wings could do for her school in addition to honoring the teachers with our Above and Beyond Awards, she immediately said, “Help my kids read.” As many of you know, third graders need to pass a state-mandated reading test to be promoted to fourth grade. We created a program aimed at selected third graders who were identified as reading one or two grades below grade level. These students obviously needed extra help to pass that test at the end of the year. Also participating were repeating third grade students who had not been able to move on to the fourth grade the previous year because of their poor performance on the test. We hired certified teachers from Pine Grove to work with their students after school on campus to help them master the basics of reading. This was something that had never been done before.

Our after-school reading program is unique. Selected students are taught for three hours weekly in groups of ten or fewer based on their reading difficulties. Reading fundamentals starting with phonics are taught by their school’s teachers, and lesson plans are specially created to focus on making reading fun through these fundamentals. The program is divided into two nine-week sessions. The school encourages students to apply based on their needs and are accepted into the program once their parents agree to support their child’s efforts. Project UpLift teachers are familiar with the particular needs of the students and are able to provide individualized support. We quantitatively measure improvement in the reading and comprehension of each participating student through testing. We have a Memorandum of Understanding with the School District of Palm Beach County that allows us to receive data such as iReady scores along with each student’s individual growth and stretch goals. We also are able to compare the progress and results of our Project UpLift students with students who are not in our program based on each school and grade level. These results help us strengthen program components and improve future outcomes.

This program was highly successful in improving the iReady test scores of its first-year participants. Students were enthusiastic about participating, and 94% of the students showed growth at the end of the school year. After consultations with participating teachers and the administration at Pine Grove, we decided to add second grade to the 2018-2019 program to achieve a broader impact on the students who needed it most. Grant funding from Impact 100 PBC, Libra Foundation, and Children’s Services Council allowed us to expand Project UpLift from one school to ten. This growth has been amazing to many. We are now a member charity of Boca West Children’s Foundation as well as Extraordinary Charities. Based on school principals’ requests, we will also help fourth and fifth graders who have been left behind because of the lasting effects of COVID-19.

We have also received generous support from additional organizations including Impact 100 Men, The Jim Moran Foundation, The Lattner Family Foundation, Men Giving Back, and Honda Classic Cares. Our ability to expand our reach has also been helped by the generous support of hundreds of donations, large and small, from individuals, businesses, and foundations who understand the importance of literacy.

As easy as it might be to talk about funding, we love talking about results. We always begin talking about building confidence inside a child and creating that “Yes I can” mindset. To help develop that mindset, we start by talking to children about the importance of “showing up.” It may be a simple thought for some, but it sets the right framework for success. We gift students “perfect” t-shirts for perfect attendance, and gold, silver, and bronze certificates of accomplishment for their reading and literacy gains. And, through a generous donation from Boca West Children’s Foundation, we are able to award bicycles and helmets to those students who achieve their year-end growth goal by the December benchmark test. This year, over 200 participants accomplished this feat accounting for more than 30% of our students.

Our mission is simple: support and encourage children’s reading skills and teachers who inspire learning.

Testimonials

“The Project UpLift program is a great benefit to our school and students. One of the most impactful aspects is that the students are eager to do their best because of Roots and Wings. The kids know the community, as well as their teachers, are rooting for them and helping them to reach their full potential.”

Laura Fuller, Freedom Shores Elementary

“Roots and Wings has been an incredible educational partner to our schools. Project UpLift has provided the opportunity for the schools to offer high-quality, small-group tutoring after school for free! Our increase in student outcomes from this program speaks for itself.”

Jamie Wyatt, Instructional Superintendent, South Elementary 1, School District of Palm Beach County

“Our students come from homes where English is a second (and new) language. Their inclusion in Project UpLift has provided the opportunity for our children to get the extra help necessary to raise their reading levels and their overall performance in school. Project UpLift is an important step in leveling the playing field.”

Kathy Fazio, Executive Director, Paul’s Place After School

“Our community is very fortunate to have Roots and Wings’ Project UpLift providing small intensive reading groups that help struggling readers improve their foundational skills leading to self-confidence and long-term academic success. The principals love this program.”

Janet Meeks, Education Coordinator (Ret.), City of Delray Beach

“I admire how quickly Roots and Wings has grown Project UpLift, its after-school tutoring program for children who are having trouble learning to read. The organization is a great community partner. Together, we are helping area children form a strong foundation for the future.”

Suzanne Broad, Executive Director, Sweet Dream Makers

Brochure

Participating Schools

Boca Elementary Coral Sunset Elementary
Crosspointe Elementary Freedom Shores Elementary
Hammock Pointe Elementary J. C. Mitchell Elementary
Jupiter Elementary Orchard View Elementary
Pine Grove Elementary Plumosa School of the Arts
Rolling Green Elementary S.D. Spady Elementary
Village Academy School on the Art and Sara Jo Kobacker Campus

Change a life today

Children are our future and deserve the best education. We invite you to support our cause and help us build something greater. You can help make a difference.