Guest reader Chris Morgan from the Key Largo Library joined the students on “Dress as Your Favorite Book Character Day”.

St. James Children’s Center Students Achieve Success in Read-A-Thon

Islamorada, FL – St. James Children’s Center students excelled in the school’s recent Read-A-Thon fundraiser.  During the month of March, the school’s 44 preschoolers read a total of 2,461 books!  Ms. Ana’s class finished the month as the top class, with individual top reader honors going to Chase Venezia in Ms. Melissa’s class, William Walker in Ms. Ana’s class, Collins Kalus in Ms. Karen’s class and Violet Muir in Ms. Rachel’s class.

“There are no words to describe how proud I am of our students,” said Children’s Center Director SueEllen Bennett.  “To see them brimming with excitement and developing life-long reading skills is so rewarding.  I can’t say thank you enough to our parents and the community for supporting this event.”

Local independent bookstore Sandbar Books sponsored the Read-A-Thon and provided additional support by donating 10% of a purchase for any patron who mentioned St. James Children’s Center when shopping during the month of March.

Throughout the month students were treated to special guest readers, including renowned children’s book author Jim Arnosky and local community members including Susan Ashmore, Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel and Chris Morgan from the Key Largo Library.  The students celebrated their success on March 31 with a party and awards ceremony and for the special day they dressed as a character from their favorite book.

The Read-A-Thon was launched to offset revenue lost from the annual Fish Fest fundraiser which was cancelled for the second year in a row due to COVID.  The event raised more than $17,000 which will help the school provide the instructional materials, books, arts and crafts supplies, playground toys and equipment, nutritious snacks and health and safety items utilized by students on a daily basis.

About St. James Children’s Center

St. James Children’s Center was founded in 1984 and is a non-profit preschool, offered as a ministry of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church to the Upper Keys community.  The objective of St. James Children’s Center is to provide each child with a healthy environment in which to grow.  In an atmosphere of love, each child can develop physically, mentally, socially and intellectually to his or her highest potential.

In 2005, St. James Children’s Center received the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Accreditation.  By earning and maintaining accreditation, St. James Children’s Center has become a leader in a national effort to raise the quality of early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start.  St. James Children’s Center has received the Gold Seal of quality care through the Florida Department of Children and Families as well as the Provider of the Year Award from the Early Learning Coalition.  St. James Children’s Center is also a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

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