The October 2026 Roots and Wings newsletter celebrates founder and president Ted Hoskinson, who was named one of Atlantic Ave Magazine’s “Twenty for Twenty” honorees, and reflects on how the organization he founded in memory of his late wife, Anne, has grown from 30 students at one school to approximately 1,700 students at 24 Palm Beach County schools. The issue recaps the Palm Beach Illustrated Education Awards, where Project UpLift was a finalist for Outstanding Academic Program, and thanks event sponsor Amanda Schumacher. It also congratulates the top readers in the Summer BuddyBooks Reading Contest, led by Milagro Martinez Perez of Palm Beach Gardens Elementary, who read 31,735 words correctly and won a new bicycle and helmet. Partner schools share their goals for the new year, from Plumosa’s “Masterpiece in the Making” theme to Boca Raton Elementary’s aim of raising fourth-grade reading proficiency from 50% to 60%. The newsletter concludes with invitations to see Project UpLift in action through fall site visits, a Roots and Wings benefit night at Hawkers Asian Street Food in Delray Beach on October 20, and a DAF Day giving opportunity.
The September 2026 Roots and Wings newsletter shares the exciting news that the organization has been nominated for the Education Impact Award at Nonprofits First’s Hats Off Nonprofit Awards. The issue features a heartfelt letter from the father of Cade, a fourth grader at S.D. Spady Elementary who rose from a Level 2 to a Level 4 on his standardized test with the help of a dedicated teacher and Project UpLift. It also looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, noting that six returning partner schools improved their grades, ten earned an “A,” and Project UpLift will expand to 24 Title I elementary schools serving approximately 1,600 students. In honor of National Literacy Month, readers are invited to sponsor a student for $500, and an early call goes out for the holiday toy drive in partnership with Spirit of Giving, where students choose their own gifts. The newsletter spotlights Hammock Pointe Literacy Coordinator Lisa Kaputa and her decades of dedication to early literacy, and it concludes with a Roots and Wings Benefit Day at the new Nothing Bundt Cakes Boynton Beach West bakery, where 10% of sales support the organization.
The August 2026 Roots and Wings newsletter celebrates the educators and students at the heart of its mission, beginning with the Above and Beyond Awards, which honor school staff members nominated by the colleagues who know them best. Recipients including Ana Toro, Rosirma Hardin, Elizabeth Hornedo, Jaimie Uccellini, and Amanda Pollio reflect on how meaningful it was to be recognized by their peers. The issue also shares a touching moment at Hammock Pointe Elementary, where a student chose a volunteer’s handcrafted purse in her late mother’s favorite color. It highlights remarkable results across Project UpLift partner schools, as Plumosa School of the Arts, S.D. Spady Elementary, Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8, and Jupiter Elementary all earned “A” grades from the Florida Department of Education. Plumosa was named the county’s top-performing Title I school for third-grade reading with 84% proficiency, Eisenhower climbed from a “C” to an “A,” J.C. Mitchell improved by 50 points, and Rolling Green earned its first “B” in 14 years. The newsletter concludes by announcing that Roots and Wings is a finalist for the 2026 Palm Beach Illustrated Education Awards in the Outstanding Academic Program category and invites readers to vote.
The July 2026 Roots and Wings newsletter celebrates the transformative impact of Project UpLift as students conclude the school year with stronger reading skills, greater confidence, and a newfound enthusiasm for learning. Framed as a “love letter to reading,” the issue shares students’ reflections on overcoming fear, learning to read in English, and discovering pride in their abilities. It highlights the presentation of 527 gold and 962 silver medals for meeting or exceeding annual iReady growth goals, with nearly 65% of students surpassing their targets. Student surveys provide further evidence of the program’s impact: more than 81% reported becoming “a lot” better at reading, while second graders showed striking gains in their enthusiasm for reading at school and confidence when reading aloud. The newsletter also spotlights volunteer Evelyne Paul, celebrates Lormier’s advancement from a Level 1 to a Level 3 reader, and notes that third-grade reading proficiency at Crosspointe Elementary increased from 56% to 68%. It concludes with an invitation to the UpLift Olympics fundraiser, which will support Project UpLift and its work helping local children become capable, confident readers.
The June 2026 Roots and Wings newsletter celebrates another successful year of helping elementary students strengthen their literacy skills, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning through Project UpLift, which now serves 20 Title I partner schools. The issue highlights students’ progress in reading comprehension, fluency, accuracy, and overall reading time, including the news that every participating third-grade student at Coral Sunset Elementary will advance to fourth grade. It also explores the impact of BuddyBooks, an AI-powered reading companion that has made reading more accessible, engaging, and rewarding for students. A board spotlight recognizes Sherry Zepatos for her leadership, community service, and role in raising $385,000 through the organization’s annual gala. The newsletter concludes with a family’s moving account of Project UpLift’s academic and social impact and promotes a fundraising raffle offering two premium tickets to the FIFA World Cup Final and $1,500 in cash.
The May 2026 Roots & Wings newsletter highlights the foundation’s continued growth and expanding impact through new partnerships, increased grantmaking, and a strengthened focus on supporting children during the critical prenatal-to-three years. The issue spotlights ZERO TO THREE and its nationally recognized work in early childhood development, including programs that integrate developmental support into pediatric care and child welfare systems. The newsletter also shares updates on new leadership roles within the organization, welcomes 20 new nonprofit partners, and reinforces Roots & Wings’ commitment to trust-based philanthropy, collaboration, and long-term investment in children and families during a time of growing social and economic uncertainty.
The April 2026 Roots & Wings newsletter highlights the foundation’s deepening commitment to supporting children during the critical prenatal-to-three years, emphasizing the long-term impact early childhood investment has on learning, health, and emotional development. The issue spotlights ZERO TO THREE and its national work supporting infants, toddlers, and families through policy, pediatric care, and early intervention programs. It also shares updates on organizational growth, including new leadership roles, expanded partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, and the foundation’s continued focus on trust-based philanthropy and collaborative community impact.
The March 2026 Roots & Wings newsletter focuses on the organization’s expanding commitment to early childhood development and the critical importance of investing in children during the prenatal-to-three years. The issue highlights the work of ZERO TO THREE, a national leader in infant and toddler advocacy, while also sharing updates on new nonprofit partnerships, organizational growth, and expanded leadership within the foundation. Throughout the newsletter, Roots & Wings emphasizes collaboration, trust-based philanthropy, and long-term community impact as it continues supporting programs that help children and families build strong foundations for the future.
The February 2026 Roots & Wings newsletter reflects on the organization’s growing impact and renewed focus on supporting children and families during the most critical early years of development. The issue highlights partnerships with organizations like ZERO TO THREE, expands on new initiatives and community collaborations, welcomes new team members and nonprofit partners, and reinforces the foundation’s commitment to literacy, child well-being, and long-term community support. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of early childhood investment and the collective role philanthropy and community organizations play in helping children thrive.
The January 2026 newsletter from Roots & Wings highlights the organization’s continued commitment to supporting literacy, education, and community engagement through impactful programs and volunteer efforts. The newsletter celebrates recent milestones, recognizes the contributions of donors and volunteers, and shares updates on initiatives designed to empower children and families through reading and learning opportunities. It also looks ahead to upcoming events and ways the community can continue supporting the organization’s mission of helping children build strong foundations for lifelong success.
As the year comes to a close, the December newsletter celebrates the milestones, stories, and partnerships that defined an incredible year for Roots and Wings. From inspiring student achievements to reflections on growth and gratitude, this issue looks back at the impact made—and ahead to what’s possible in the year to come. Join us in celebrating a year of literacy, hope, and community.
In the November newsletter, we reflect on a season of gratitude and impact—highlighting meaningful milestones from Project UpLift, inspiring student progress, and the incredible generosity of supporters who make this work possible. You’ll also find updates on ongoing programs, community partnerships, and ways to get involved as we head into the giving season. Take a moment to see how your support continues to change lives through literacy.
In the October newsletter, Roots and Wings kicks off the new school year with inspiring momentum—Project UpLift has launched at five new Title I schools with 1,500 students diving into free literacy tutoring and innovative tools like BuddyBooks. You’ll also meet new board member Tom Weber, learn how Legacy Giving can shape the future of literacy in our community, and celebrate student success stories that show the real impact of this work. Dive in to see how your support is helping children read, learn, and thrive!
In the September newsletter, discover how Project UpLift is transforming students’ lives through literacy—featuring Alex’s journey from struggling reader to confident college student, impressive year-end results, and the expansion of programs into five new schools. You’ll also get highlights from a community celebration that raised vital funds and news about the new BuddyBooks AI reading tool joining the UpLift toolkit. Dive in to see how support is making a measurable difference for kids and schools across Palm Beach County.
This month’s newsletter celebrates a year of growth and impact—from inspiring student wins in Project UpLift and exciting program expansions like AI-powered BuddyBooks to new team members joining the mission. You’ll also meet uplifting stories of resilience and learn about upcoming events and opportunities to make a difference in children’s literacy. Dive in to see how your support is helping young readers soar!
In this month’s newsletter, we’re celebrating the power of partnership and the incredible impact our community continues to make. From summer learning success stories to exciting new collaborations and recognitions, there’s so much to share—and even more to look forward to as we prepare for the upcoming school year.
Meet Principal of the Year Shauntay King, celebrate our student reading champions, and see how Roots and Wings is expanding its impact thanks to generous support. This month’s newsletter is full of inspiration, progress, and purpose.
Paris-themed smiles linger while Above & Beyond surprises roll on. Students now earn Olympic-style medals, and a $100 k Impact 100 PBC grant scales “Buddy Books,” an AI reading coach that already turns big dreams into bigger reading gains.
La Bibliothèque luncheon turns Neiman Marcus into “springtime in Paris,” raising funds and fashion buzz. Highlights: second-grader Colton’s literacy leap, 272 bike awards, perfect-attendance tees, and a $10k win at the Arthur Adler Memorial Golf Challenge.
Mid-year i-Ready results shine: 83 % of students improve reading, 272 beat annual growth goals, and 11 score 100-point gains. Celebrations include bike giveaways, a first-ever five-time Above & Beyond winner, and a 1,400-person Spirit of Giving race.
Ted Hoskinson’s WPTV interview spotlights the stakes of a federal funding freeze. The month also unveils the 2025 Above & Beyond award tour, a Community Spirit 5K, Boca West’s Golf Challenge, and fresh field-trip partnerships that enrich Project UpLift.
A $40 k commitment from the Mithun Foundation powers Project UpLift’s expansion, while holiday toy drives, teacher “Above & Beyond” awards, and a Super Bowl raffle kick the year off with energy and gratitude.
