Get Informed

In 2011, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund family welcomed two brand new members, born to staff members in August and September.

As a team, we are composed of new parents, seasoned parents, education professionals and book club members. We believe in the importance of reading for kids and adults of all ages! It's never to early to expose children to reading and develop strong literacy skills. [ You can read a JPEF data and policy briefing on the importance of early reading proficiency in Duval County here.]

Through a grant made possible by Chairwoman Cindy Edelman, JPEF is proud to support the Read it Forward Jax! initiative launched by Duval County Public Schools last year.This initiative focuses on improving reading performance for public school students in grades K-12. Business and community sponsors can support the effort by purchasing classroom libraries and new technology to engage students.

JPEF's contribution was directed to purchase non-fiction materials at West Jacksonville Elementary.  We believe that having access to up-to-date reading materials is an important step in keeping students excited about education.

The initiative is about more than just financial donations - we also need everyone in Jacksonville to get involved. As a community, we can come together to ensure that every student has the literacy skills they need to graduate and become successful in college and careers. Take the DCPS challenge to READ IT FORWARD: Ask three people today, 'What are you reading?'  Challenge them to do the same with three more people. Pick up a book and get the conversation started!

-- Amber Jubinsky