United Way Emerging Leaders, a United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) affinity group, helped Bethlehem students celebrate Dr. Seuss Day and National Read Across America Week March 7. Volunteers read stories written by Dr. Seuss to 400 second through fifth grade students at Fountain Hill ES. They also participated in other Dr. Seuss related activities like a game of Dr. Seuss Says, a spin-off of Simon Says. Themed coloring and activity books, generously donated by Working Dog Press, pencils and erasers were also distributed to all students to enjoy.

Each year, thousands of schools and libraries participate in National Read Across America Day to share the importance of reading. With 35 percent of Lehigh Valley third graders not yet reading on grade-level, UWGLV has set a goal to dramatically improve third grade grade-level reading by 2022 and continues to convey the fun and joy of reading to students across the Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Reads, a collective impact initiative powered by UWGLV and PBS39, is a regional literacy campaign that will ensure all students read on grade level at the end of third grade by 2025.

Fountain Hill ES is a United Way Community School and the largest elementary school in the Bethlehem Area School District. The school is home to 580 pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students.

“As a Community School, we are proud to offer many resources and services to our students and families thanks to partnerships with organizations based in our local community.” explained Paige Hoffman, Fountain Hill community school coordinator. “We support our students in the areas of basic needs, in-school and after-school programming, health and mental health services and parent and family engagement and education.”

Emerging Leaders are committed to education and dedicate much of their talent and resources to the summer reading program at Fountain Hill ES. They are a dynamic group of passionate, young professionals from around the Lehigh Valley who work together to build a strong community through networking, professional development and volunteerism