All Ages Read Together (AART) is excited to be bringing its community together in support of their students this holiday season and to be participating in Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024. They will be looking to raise $22,500 through the end of this year to maintain and expand access to their free preschool program located in in-kind donated spaces across Northern Virginia. All donations will be matched by a generous $5,000 matching donation from a long-time supporter of the organization.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving aiming to create a movement of generosity to bring people together in support of the causes they care about. From 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, you can join AART in their efforts to provide quality early childhood education to children who need it the most. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us continue to offer free programs that prepare children for success in school and life.
All Ages Read Together’s mission is to provide school readiness programs to underserved children in their communities with folks in the DC metro area and beyond. They believe that every child deserves access to quality early education, which lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success. With less than one-third of eligible students across Virginia enrolled in preschool and pass rates on state reading assessments stagnating, children in Northern Virginia need expanded access to early literacy and education opportunities.
All Ages Read Together is asking their supporters, friends, and neighbors to join in on December 3rd to help give their students an incredible classroom experience now and for years to come, by donating to help them put books, backpacks, and more in their students’ hands! For more information on how you can get involved and donate, visit AART’s official End of Year Giving website.
All Ages Read Together (AART) recently hosted its 12th Annual Halloween Hoedown, a beloved community event that brought together families, friends, and supporters for a night of fun and fundraising.
Held on October 26th, the event was a great success! 100% of the proceeds from the Halloween Hoedown will be used to provide resources, materials, and support for our teachers and students. This support is crucial in ensuring that our students receive the best possible start in their educational journey.
Folks of all ages enjoyed the live music and festive fall atmosphere, showcasing their creative costumes while dancing the night away. There were also quite a few winners at our annual silent auction!
Hoedown’s success means a lot more to AART than the funds raised. In Northern Virginia, 29% of low-income children are enrolled in preschool, compared to 67% from higher-income households, making this the highest income disparity of preschool enrollment in the United States (Hughes, 2021-2). On average, children from low-income families and those at risk for academic failure start kindergarten at least a year behind their peers in reading and language skills (US Department of Ed).
Each year, AART works with over 200 children and their caregivers, supporting both the students attending class and the caregivers learning how to advocate for their child’s success. The classes build and strengthen necessary skills in early literacy, language, and socialization so our students are ready to succeed on day one of kindergarten – all at no cost to our students’ families.
We are always so moved to see so many people who believe in our mission and the power of education show up for us and for our students. Community is at the core of AART’s mission, and this event highlights the importance of local partnerships and the team effort required to support early childhood education.
AART extends our heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made the event a memorable and successful one!
All Ages Read Together is pleased to announce the once-in-a-lifetime vacations that will be auctioned at the 12th Annual Halloween Hoedown, thanks to our amazing partner AmFund – a nonprofit that curates vacation packages for other nonprofits to use in their fundraising.
Your dreams will come true when you arrive at your luxurious lakefront safari camp nestled on the lush South African savannah beneath majestic mountains. Welcome to your real-life “Eden,” where Mother Nature’s exotic wildlife roam free, and every morning, you’ll awaken to amazing sights and sounds inviting you to get up and explore!
Embark on an unforgettable odyssey to the sun-kissed shores of Santorini and the historical marvels of Athens, where beauty, culture, and timeless allure converge. This journey of a lifetime perfectly blends relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Discover the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Dublin on a five-night escape to one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Explore Ireland’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned hospitality while indulging in this enchanting destination’s finest experiences.
Discover the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Dublin on a five-night escape to one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Explore Ireland’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned hospitality while indulging in this enchanting destination’s finest experiences.
Indulge in the rich tapestry of Portugal’s charm and beauty on this
mesmerizing escapade through the captivating city of Lisbon. This
thoughtfully crafted adventure promises an enchanting blend of history,
culture, and romance.
Escape to the vibrant island of Puerto Rico for an unforgettable three-night getaway, where rich history, stunning beaches, and lively culture blend seamlessly. Your journey begins with a flight for two to San Juan, arranged by your AmFund Travel Specialist. Upon arrival, unwind in your luxurious 4-star accommodation, perfectly situated to enjoy the best of the island. Each morning, wake up to a delightful breakfast before setting off on your daily adventures.
Your adventure starts with a flight for two to Rome, expertly arranged by your AmFund Travel Specialist. Upon arrival, settle into a luxurious 4- star hotel, where each day begins with a delightful breakfast, setting the tone for exploration. During your five-night stay, Rome’s timeless beauty unfolds as you wander its cobblestone streets, uncovering layers of history and culture. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a culinary enthusiast, your Roman holiday will be unforgettable.
Vibrant Spain – Adventure, Splendor, and Flamenco [One-Pager]
During your five-night stay, immerse yourself in the energy and passion of Spain, from its architectural wonders to its world-famous cuisine. Whether strolling through the bustling streets of Barcelona, savoring tapas or marveling at Gaudi’s masterpieces, your time in Spain will be filled with unforgettable moments.
Escape for two to the Scottish Highlands, the Scotland of your imagination. With welcoming people, a unique culture, dramatic landscapes, romantic castles, and a fascinating history, this is the perfect backdrop for your next adventure!
All Ages Read Together is excited to have participated again in The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Faulkier Counties’ annual online fundraising event, Give Choose. This year, AART has noticed a growing demand for our free preschool programs. We have heard from members of our community that underserved children in Loudoun County are not receiving the access to life-changing early childhood education they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.
For this reason, AART has set our fundraising goal to $30,000 to help us expand our programs to meet demand and ensure we have the supplies necessary to ensure every day in an AART classroom is a great day for our students.
AART was elated to host its annual Read Across AART event celebrating the joy of reading with our students and our community. We welcomed so many amazing changemakers in our community to read with our students and inspire them to grow and learn. Our visitors enjoyed reading “Circles” and learning about how to expand our circle of friends within our community.
A huge thank you to all of the folks who took the time to inspire our students:
Krystal and Sanya, Sony
Miriam Timmons Turner, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
Marcia St. John-Cunning, Fairfax County School Board
IIryong Moon, Fairfax County School Board
Ryan McElveen, Fairfax County School Board
Karl Frisch, Fairfax County School Board
Gregory Roberts, AART Board Member
Peter Knapp, AART Board Member
Wallicia Gill, AART Board Member
We are already so excited for next year’s Read Across AART!
Herndon, VA – All Ages Read Together has been selected as a beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag Program for the month of January.
The Giant Food Community Bag Program, which launched in July 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal of making a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.
All Ages Read Together (AART) was selected as the January beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road in Herndon, VA. AART will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during the month of January unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
“We are so delighted to be partnering with Giant Food again for the benefit of our students and their families,” said Michelle Sullivan, Executive Director of AART. “Giant makes giving back easy for our Herndon-based supporters, and every donation we receive goes directly towards building and maintaining our programs.”
All Ages Read Together is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to educating children in need with free preschool programs in their communities.
All Ages Read Together is excited to announce the 2023 once-in-a-lifetime vacations that will be auctioned off at the 11th Annual Halloween Hoedown, thanks to our partner AmFund – a nonprofit that curates vacation packages for other nonprofits to use in their fundraising auctions.
With its 10,000-year-old glaciers, whales, moose, eagles, and grizzly bears, the sights and sounds of Alaska will thrill you! The trip begins in Vancouver, Canada, on a luxury cruise to Anchorage, where the Alaska Explorer train will whisk you through lush green forests and rugged snow-capped mountains into the mighty wilderness of Denali National Park.
Enjoying the world’s grandest views in the heart of Canada’s wilderness. The two of you will see snow-capped mountains, meadows painted with wildflowers, glacial fields sparkling in the sun, and turquoise lakes reflecting the endless blue sky on your trip to Calgary, Banff, and Gorgeous Lake Louise in Canada’s Wild West.
Croatia is home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, a fascinating history, fantastic wine, and delicious sea-totable cuisine. Looking for the ultimate sailing getaway? A food and wine escape? An adventure in the great outdoors? Croatia has it all.
Escape for two to the “C” in the ABC islands; Curaçao features historic settlements, rugged landscapes, and plenty of fun in the sun. Curaçao also boasts a UNESCO-listed historic downtown, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant nightlife.
Escape for two to take in the magnificent beauty of the Galapagos Islands, Equador’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As amazing as you think the Galápagos Islands will be, they routinely exceed expectations. It’s a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don’t take center stage.
Like Bond himself, the two of you can enjoy your Martinis shaken, not stirred, on this romantic adventure in Switzerland, Italy, and France. It’s 009 days in Europe, living the life only Secret Agent James Bond could imagine!
Escape for two to the Scottish Highlands, the Scotland of your imagination. With welcoming people, a unique culture, dramatic landscapes, romantic castles, and a fascinating history, this is the perfect backdrop for your next adventure!
Get away from it all, unwind, and relax during your spa retreat in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Along with your day trip to the Grand Canyon, this oasis of personal pampering will refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
Your dreams will come true when you arrive at your luxurious lakefront safari camp nestled on the lush South African savannah beneath majestic mountains. Welcome to your real-life “Eden,” where Mother Nature’s exotic wildlife roam free, and every morning, you’ll awaken to amazing sights and sounds inviting you to get up and explore!
All Ages Read Together (AART), a nonprofit working to close the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia, is hiring part-time Preschool Teachers and Assistants for our upcoming school year!
Ms. Beth, an AART assistant, working with a student.
AART is a nonprofit working to close the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia by offering free preschool classes directly in communities that need our services the most. We have been operating since 2008 and utilize donated, in-kind spaces like churches, libraries, senior community rooms, and affordable living communities to deliver our quality preschool classes throughout Northern Virginia.
If you are looking for a purpose, believe early access to quality preschool can change a child’s life for the better, and enjoy working with 4-and-5-year-old children, we encourage you to apply!
Type: PRESCHOOL TEACHER Location: WEXFORD MANOR Days: WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Requirements: Education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.
Ms. Jennie, an AART teacher, working with her students at circle time.
Type: PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT Location: LINCOLNIA COMMUNITY CENTER Days: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am Requirements: Bilingual in English and Spanish, education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.
Type: PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT Location: BAILEY’S LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Days: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Requirements: Bilingual in English and Spanish, education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.
Help AART in supporting the leaders of tomorrow with preschool today! You can apply at Indeed or fill out the form below.
Join AART and help celebrate its 12th annual golf tournament this year! Your green fees are all-inclusive and include 18 holes of golf, a cart, a grab-and-go breakfast, a bbq awards luncheon, and an open bar (wine and beer). There are also PRIZES for 1st & 2nd Place NET (Team), 1st & 2nd Place GROSS (Team), Closest to the Pin (Individual), Longest Drive (Men), and Longest Drive (Women).
When: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Gates Open: 8:00 a.m. We encourage you to arrive as early as possible to have enough time to check in, have breakfast, and grab drinks for your golf cart. Opening remarks and putting contest should begin around 8:45 a.m.
Shotgun start: 9:00 a.m.
Where: Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club (41601 Raspberry Dr. Leesburg, VA)
Early giving is ON for GiveChoose, and now you can DOUBLE your impact!
Thanks to our friends at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards and a longtime supporter, any dollar up to $4,000 will be MATCHED!
AART is looking to raise enough money to fund 3 summer classes in Loudoun County. These classes are truly the last opportunity for rising kindergarteners with little to no preschool experience to practice and build the skills they need to enter kindergarten.
No donation is too small, thanks to our match. Give now at:
We are excited to share information about our involvement in the upcoming family-friendly Run The Greenway race. We hope you will join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023, for the third annual race with the Dulles Greenway to help raise awareness and funds for All Ages Read Together.
Runners and walkers can choose from various distances on the scenic roadway, with a 5K, 10K, and 800-meter Kids Fun Run. There’s also a virtual race for runners who can’t be there in person.
After a two-year hiatus, All Ages Read Together (AART) hosted their 10th annual ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown. Thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, in-kind donations, and guests, they raised over $35k – the most in the event’s history!
“We are incredibly thankful for our generous AART community of donors!” said Michelle Sullivan, AART’s Executive Director. “Given we are still emerging from the pandemic, we were not sure what to expect. However, I was reminded of one thing – never underestimate the desire from our community to support AART’s mission of providing free preschool in under-resourced communities in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties!”
SketchFacesDC made caricatures for our guests.
Ms. Patty, an AART teacher, provided her face-painting skills.
Kiddie Korrall volunteers.
Family at the event.
Group costume winners with Michelle Sullivan, AART Executive Director (left)
Child dressed as a dinosaur riding the mechanical bull.
A volunteer at the Kiddie Korral.
Last year, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia published a report that showed only 29 percent of children at that income level are in school, compared to 41 percent nationally. However, children in Northern Virginia who come from higher-income households are enrolled at a 67 percent rate, making this the largest preschool income disparity in the entire country.
“Simply put, Northern Virginia has one of the lowest preschool enrollments for children living at or near poverty,” shared Lara Major, Chair of AART’s Board of Directors. “Programs like AART are working hard to close the gap so more children in our region can enter kindergarten ready to learn on day one.”
100% of the proceeds raised will go to AART’s portable early education school-year programming in Alexandria, Centreville, Falls Church, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Leesburg, and Sterling!
Check out the 10th Annual Halloween Hoedown Event! Click the image below or visit https://vimeo.com/773496704
All Ages Read Together is excited to announce a new partnership with AmFund – a nonprofit that curates vacation packages for other nonprofits to use in their fundraising auctions.
At the 10th Annual ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown, we will feature the following vacation packages in our silent auction. Note: you must attend to bid and win, so buy your tickets or sponsorship today!
Africa Photo Safari From sipping fine wines to capturing photos of the heart-stopping “Big Five,” this 10-day trip to Cape Town and the wild animal preserves of South Africa will be one you’ll never forget! [Video]
Alaskan Cruise
As America’s last frontier, exploring Alaska is an adventure you’ll treasure forever. 10,000-year-old glaciers, whales, and polar bears, the sights and sounds of Alaska will thrill you! Your adventure begins in Seattle where you’ll begin your cruise with an outside cabin, creating memories of an adventure as big as Alaska itself!
[Video] [One-Pager]
Castles of Ireland
Fields of clover, legends of leprechauns, quaint pubs where playing darts is “serious” business, and living like Kings and Queens… all this will be yours while you stay in grand Castles and elegant Manor Homes during your magical escape to emerald-green Ireland.
[Video] [One-Pager]
Fire and Ice – Iceland
Discover Wild Wonders in the Land of the Vikings! Glistening glaciers, therapeutic hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and amazing wildlife make Iceland “The Land of Fire and Ice.”
[Video] [One-Pager]
Greece and Greek Islands
Get off the beaten path and escape to the magical islands of Greece! The soft sands & crystal blue oceans await you!
[Video] [One-Pager]
Italy’s Romantic Amalfi Coast
The tiny coastal towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello will entrance you with their spectacular views! On the breathtaking Isle of Capri, you will spend a glorious time drinking in the beauty and glamour of the island surrounded by the sparkling crystal clear blue Mediterranean!
[Video] [One-Pager]
Royal Chateau & Champagne Adventure in France
The two of you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale on your trip of a lifetime to historic Alsace-Lorraine, the unique Champagne region, and Paris, the city of lights!
[Video] [One-pager]
Sedona Spa Getaway
Get away from it all, unwind and relax during your spa retreat in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Along with your day trip to the Grand Canyon, this oasis of personal pampering will refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
[One-Pager]
Spain – Barcelona & Mallorca
The best of Spain – Barcelona is a cultural hub – rich in history, fashion, architecture, food, music, and dance. Then you are off to the island of Mallorca – known for its breathtaking landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and exciting cultural experiences.
[One-Pager]
The Ultimate Indulgence
This magical escape takes you to three of Europe’s most exciting destinations for glamour, romance, and gourmet treats. Revel in the beauty of France, savor cozy delights in Belgium, and thrill with the chic and historical sights of England… No wonder we call it “The Ultimate Indulgence!”
[One-Pager]
Tropical Costa Rica
Imagine taking a deep breath and savoring the sweet aroma of tropical flowers as balmy breezes soothe your soul. From the moment you arrive, Costa Rica will enchant you with its pristine beaches, exquisite vistas, lush rainforests, and amazing wonders of nature found nowhere else in the world!
[Video] [One-Pager]
These vacations will ONLY be available at the Halloween Hoedown silent auction – you must be present to bid and win! You can purchase your tickets at https://bit.ly/aarthoedown2022
All Ages Read Together is so excited to welcome back the Halloween Hoedown – our annual, family-friendly fundraiser – after a 2-year hiatus!
We are planning a good ol’ Halloween Hoedown complete with a live band, bbq buffet (vegetarian options available), a costume contest, and a silent auction! Kids of all ages can enjoy our Kiddie Korral, which includes arts & crafts, an inflatable, and games!
Not only are you supporting AART’s mission to provide free preschool classes to children in under-resourced communities, but you will also have a guaranteed night of fun!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, our valued AART family. We are so thankful for each of you who put the heart in AART!
The last few months have been a time for reflection as we look towards the next chapter of AART. We have been looking at ways we grow our program, continue reaching more families, and explore how to add more diversity and inclusion to our programming.
We are so grateful to you – our AART family of supports – as our program would not exist without the support of donors like you!
There are so many of you to thank and we did our best to capture everyone. You are truly changing the lives of under-resourced families in our community!
100WomenStrong
Alice Cosner Ashburn Youth Men’s Service League Athleta store Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events
Bags 4 My Cause – Giant Food Stores Birch Tree Books (Leah Fallon)
Bobbi Schaufeld
Cascades Library Casey Waesche Chantel’s Cake’s and Pastries Cheer Sports Chris Forward Chris Stulga Christine Okpych
Class showing off their art projects to one another. Everything was made with donated supplies.
Starting the new year off with a new donated backpack and supplies.
Cliff and Deborah White Family Foundation Coates Elementary School Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties – Cabinet Fund
Cornerstones
Deb Hill Dinah DeAtley Dranesville United Methodist Church Dulles Golf & Sports
Exzel Janitorial
Fairfax County Government – Consolidated Community Funding Pool
Fairfax County Public Schools Fireworks American Pizza Floris United Methodist Church
Volunteer Jane showing off the special masks she and others made for our students and teachers.
Picking up specially mades masks from volunteer.
Foley Mechanical, Inc. Four Seasons Fred and Karen Schaufeld
Girl Scout Council of Nations Capital Girl Scout Troop 1538 Girl Scout Troop 3866 Girl Scout Troop 51016 Global Gift Fund Graphic Support Services
Haley Nguyen Healthworks for Northern Virginia Hearts of Empowerment Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center
Herndon Senior Center Herndon Women’s Club Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Haley dropping off the sensory boxes she made for our classes.
Young Mens Service League member dropping off resource bags they made from their donation drive.
Jacqueline Simpson Jane Brady Jane Taylor Jodi Michele
Josie Hertz-Ackerman
Kaia Rodeheaver Karen Schaufeld Kathy Herbert Konica Minolta Kinworthy Family Foundation KPMG Foundation – Impact Grant
Laura Major Lauren Miles Laurel Learning Center Leesburg Apartments Leesburg Elementary School Lewis Parker
Donation delivery from Hearts of Empowerment.
Author Casey Waesche posing with students after reading her book I Am The Boss of Me! Books were donated by Wise Families Therapy Group.
Loudoun County Library System
Loudoun County Public Schools
Linda Sallee Loudoun County – Cares Act Loudoun County -American Rescue Plan Act Loudoun County-FY 2022 Nonprofit Human Services Grant Lowers Risk Group
Matrix Group
Major Family Foundation Marquez Foundation Marguerite Brunn
Michael Capretti Michelle Sullivan Million Masks Makers Minute Man Press MLB Communications Strategies Mom’s Apple Pie Co
Summer students lining up to attend class.
Nader Family Foundation National Charity League – Port City National Home Library Association The Nelson J. and Katherine Friant Post Foundation
Odin, Feldman & Pittleman PC
HerndON Opportunity Neighborhood
Pactolus, LLC Peter Knapp Realty Group, LLC PGA Tour Superstore Philip L. Graham Fund
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club REI Systems
Rotary Club of Leesburg
Safeway St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Shelley Gordon SoloNY pizza Sprouts
Donations from generous donors to help us transition to a hybrid learning at the beginning of the pandemic.
The Rolling Rhombus from St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. They visit our classes to teach our students beginning math.
St. James Ice Hockey St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Sterling Elementary School Sterling Library Sterling Park Baptist Church Stroke Comeback Center Sugarland Elementary School
Golf sponsors from our 10th Annual Tee Off for Children’s Literacy.
Literacy Night at Sterling Baptist Church.
Tamar Datan and Sandy Shihadeh The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, Inc. The GoodCoin Foundation – Target
The Kim Schupack Farrow Family Charitable Fund The Major Family Foundation The Schaufeld Family Foundation
Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun United Bank United Christian Parish United Community -Sacramento Center and Creekside Village Community Center
Wesley Housing Development Wise Families Therapy Group Women Giving Back World Bank Community Connections Fund
YMSL – Young Men’s Service League
Summer students receiving a copy of the book to take home for their collection.
Julie (left – Program Director) and Carine (right – Assistant Teacher) celebrating the AART class of 2021.
All Ages Read Together (AART)has been selected as a beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag Program for the month of November 2021.
The Giant Food Community Bag Program, which launched in May 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.
AART was selected as the November beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road, Herndon VA. AART will receive a $1 donation every time the
$2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during November 2021, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
“We are beyond thrilled to be selected for this amazing program!” said Michelle Sullivan, Executive Director of AART. “100% of the money raised will go to our free preschool program for under-resourced families right here in Herndon. We cannot thank the community enough for their generosity.”
You can support AART by purchasing a reusable Community Bag at Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA.
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All Ages Read Together (AART) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 2009, AART is dedicated to educating children in need with free preschool programs in their communities. We envision a future where all children, especially our most vulnerable, enter school prepared to learn and succeed. We strive for a future in which public education includes universal access to preschool, making the need for AART obsolete. Learn more by visiting https://allagesreadtogether.org
Since 1983, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia has presented its Community Leadership Award annually for outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians.
This year’s recipient is none other than Karen Schaufeld, co-founder of All Ages Read Together.
Karen has worked her entire life creating innovative solutions to address the inequality that exists for many in our community. She is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lawyer.
We are so excited that she will be recognized at the 2021 Raise the Region Event on Friday, October 8th.
The event is virtual and free to attend! There will be a silent auction to support CFNOVA if you are interested in supporting the community work they do in our region.
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside an AART classroom? I had the pleasure of following along with an AART summer class in Leesburg, where I joined students during a fun-filled day of learning and play. I talked with our dedicated teachers and volunteers about what they do during a typical day of teaching, how their lessons and activities benefit students, and why they teach with AART. It’s in the middle of a busy classroom where the magic of learning creates lasting bonds between teachers and students, and it was amazing to see those relationships being made through fun and easy classroom activities.
The day began with students lining up outside upon arriving at our Leesburg classroom location. They waved goodbye to mom and dad, ready for another day of learning with their friends. Our students then put away their backpacks once they entered the classroom and joined each other on the carpet for Circle time to go over the classroom rules and welcome a couple of new friends to their class.
They sang a song together to introduce each other and the teachers to the rest of the class and reviewed what they were going to do during class today. Circle time continued with a story- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Our teachers gave each student their own copy of the book, and the class settled in to read the story together, following along with the teacher as they turned the page. The book was read in both English and Spanish so that all of our students could enjoy the story in the language they were most familiar with. Color recognition skills were practiced while reading, as well, since the book focuses heavily on identifying different brightly-colored animals as the story progresses.
Summer students receiving a copy of the book to take home for their collection.
To close “Circle” time, each student placed their new books in their backpacks, to take home and read on their own.
Next on the agenda were Centers, where students were divided up between multiple different activities and rotated through each one in turn. Today’s centers helped build shape recognition skills, encouraged creative play, and had students practice writing their names.
The first Centers activity involved drawing a self-portrait and signing your name on it upon completion. Students were given drawing tools and were encouraged to let their artistic skills and imagination shine.
The second Centers activity instructed students to mold Play-Doh into different shapes. Students were encouraged to use tools to help them craft their shapes and to identify their shapes upon completion of the activity.
In the final Centers activity, students were provided worksheets that prompted them to practice drawing certain shapes. Given markers, crayons, and other drawing tools, the students diligently worked at perfecting their triangles, squares, semi-circles, and stars!
After the students finished their Centers activities, the class took a break to have a quick snack. Students lined up to wash their hands and grab their water bottles, then went to find a seat beside their friends. Our students sipped their water, munched on their pretzels, and chatted about the day’s activities during a much-needed moment of rest.
With the end of class insight, our students and teachers regrouped for Closing Circle. The teachers shared our students’ self-portraits that they had drawn earlier, stopping to discuss what each student included in their drawing. We were so impressed with their creativity, and everyone enjoyed getting to share their work with the class!
Lastly, it was time to wrap up another great day of preschool with stickers for a hard day’s work. After receiving their sticker, each student retrieved their backpacks and lined up to leave the classroom. With tired eyes and smiling faces, each student left the classroom to meet an eagerly waiting parent outside.
Why AART
Our teachers for our AART summer class in Leesburg, Ms. Shelley and Ms. Giselle, are long-time teachers in the Northern Virginia area. Ms. Shelley has been a preschool teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools for many years, and Ms. Giselle has been a substitute teacher for both primary and secondary level classrooms in Loudoun County Public Schools for around 20 years. They love to teach and are dedicated to the well-being of their students. Teaching at AART has been a great experience for both Ms. Shelley and Ms. Giselle, who are teaching for the first time in our program this summer. They love seeing their students succeed in the classroom and enjoy the fulfillment that comes with a career in education!
Learning with the students in an AART summer class reaffirms the importance of easily accessible preschool programs. Experiencing the joy of learning in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate environment- with dedicated teachers and diligent volunteers- is a great reminder of the lasting impact of quality early childhood education. AART students will take the lessons, relationships, and memories earned in their preschool class with them throughout their careers as students and into life beyond the classroom. AART thanks its teachers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors for making our summer programs possible!
Interested in learning about our program? Read more here.
Thank you so much for voting for us in the Target Circle Program. We received $5,965.29 to help us further our mission of providing free preschool education to at-risk children in our community, with the help of your generous votes. This donation came from a larger pool of funds donated from Target to nonprofits tied to the local community. View all the results at target.com/circle.
Continue checking our website and social media to learn more about our work.
Again, to everyone who participated, spread the word, and shared the love, thank you!
