Jumpstart

Every year, communities from Brazil to Boston show up for children by opening their doors, rallying their neighbors, and putting books into kids' hands. This year was no different. These four communities went above and beyond, and we are so proud to celebrate them.

🏫 First-Time Participant Award: Wallace A. Smith Elementary School in Ooltewah, TN

🌟 Best Community Celebration Award: The Griffin-Spalding County School System, Griffin GA

🏆 School District of the Year: Portsmouth Public Schools

🎒 Full Backpack Award (brand new this year!): Broward Community Schools

All four winners joined an exclusive virtual read aloud with See Marcus Grow author Marcus Bridgewater himself where kids got to ask him questions live and soaked up his legendary life wisdom. It was one of the most magical moments we've ever hosted. 📖✨

Stay tuned - over the coming weeks, we're spotlighting each winner. Follow along and get to know the communities proving that when everyone shows up for reading, children thrive.

Congratulations to all four winners, and thank you to every person, school, and community who participated this year.

Early childhood educators don't just shape classrooms, they shape futures. 🌟

This , Jumpstart is celebrating every teacher who sparks a love of reading, builds confidence in a young child, and creates a space where every single student in their classroom feels like they truly belong.

Your commitment to these early years doesn't go unnoticed. It echoes for a lifetime, and we are honored to stand alongside you in this work. ❤️