McCurdy Ministries announces new Children’s Literacy Initiative for the Española Valley

LEER (leh-EHR, to read), a Children’s Literacy Program for the Española Valley, aims to improve children’s reading proficiency through access to books and vetted, trained, caring adults (Reading Buddies) who read one on one with elementary students. 

LEER has created The Enchanted Forest of Reading Children’s Library which will host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House May 27th from 4:00 to 6:00.  Literacy focused programming  will begin in the Camp Stars McCurdy summer camp in June and launch into JHR Elementary school in the fall of 2025. LEER is funded through the new McCurdy Family Resource Center which understands children’s literacy affects education and life outcomes. 

The need for a children’s literacy initiative is great as demonstrated from Espanola Public Schools data. “The literacy needs of students within Española Public schools are high as demonstrated by the student performance data. Per our 2023-2024 MSSA Achievement data, 75% of grade 3-6 students are not proficient in Language Arts. Further, per out most recent Beginning of Year (BOY) Istation ISIP Reading achievement data, 80% of students in grades K-6 are below proficiency in reading.”

“McCurdy’s strong and enduring commitment to education positions us to be a leader in Children’s Literacy. We believe the community will rise to the occasion to provide books and helpers for the children in our area.” said Tiffany Hollums, Executive Director.

Hollums has tapped Kercida McClain as the Director for this bold new initiative. McClain has a tenured career in children’s advocacy, most recently as the Founder and CEO of the non-profit Project Transformation Rio Texas which served children in Central and South Texas. “I have witnessed first-hand the opening of the world when a child becomes an independent and proficient reader. If you can’t read, you can’t learn. By improving access to books and giving kids reading buddies, we can change the trajectory of their lives,” said McClain. 

How can you help? 

Volunteer. Be a summer Reading Buddy at Camp Stars. LEER’s goal is for every child to have a Reading Buddy every day this summer. You can register and fine more information at McCurdy.org/LEER

Donate books. LEER has a cultivated book list to establish a leveled library. Donate your beautiful, gently used books to LEER at McCurdy Ministries, 362A S. McCurdy Rd, Española. 

Join us for the Library Open House on May 27th in Kidspace on the McCurdy Campus!

For more information:

Kercida McClain, LEER Director

Kercida@McCurdy.org