news releases

The Community that Reads Together Stays Together: Local Community Promotes Literacy with One Million Book Challenge

Teen Pop-star Jasmine Villegas and Racine Reads: Dream Big! Celebrate Program Culmination and Announce Winners of School Library Makeovers

RACINE, Wis., (May 10, 2012) – A recent study reported that the average elementary school student read 40 books¹ each school year, yet only 34 percent of students are deemed “proficient” in their reading level². Local communities across the country are coming together to improve these statistics, and the city of Racine, Wis. led the charge by challenging its 10,000 local elementary school students to read one million books during the school year – an average of 100 books per child. Students rose to the challenge, by more than quadrupling the national average, by reading 180 books per student and 1.8 million books in total.

“At the beginning of the school year, we came together with educators and community partners and challenged the students of Racine to read one million books over the course of the academic year in a program called Racine Reads: Dream Big!,” said John Dickert, Mayor of Racine. “Community, parents and teachers rallied around this program, and students hit that goal in just 18 weeks. The momentum and enthusiasm has continued all year – the kids nearly doubled the program goal; I’m amazed and inspired by each of them.”

Today prize-winning classrooms and schools got the thrill of a lifetime. At a special community event, Racine Mayor John Dickert, Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, who sponsored the program, and teen pop-star Jasmine Villegas, who most recently opened for Justin Bieber, celebrated the students’ accomplishments. They, along with Racine County Executive Jim Ladwig and the Racine Reads partners, were on hand to award the $100,000 grand prize library makeover to Wadewitz Elementary School and also officially declare it “Racine Reads: Dream Big! Day.”

“Today’s event was about celebrating accomplishments, and the children radiated excitement and pride,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “As a family company and long-standing Racine community member, we are vested in our children’s future and reading is a fundamental part of that. Creative programs like Racine Reads: Dream Big!, targeted at building literacy skills, are a positive example of how students can rise above and exceed expectations.”

To further reward students for their participation and engagement, Racine Reads: Dream Big! announced two additional prizes to the runners-up. Trinity Lutheran and Mount Pleasant Renaissance were surprised when they each received $25,000, sponsored by SC Johnson, to update their school libraries. Individual classroom prizes were also given to Roosevelt, John Paul II Academy, and Jerstad-Agerholm Elementary, who received iPads, Kindles and gift cards, respectively.

The Numbers Tell the Tale

Response to Racine Reads: Dream Big! has been overwhelming; highlights include:

Number of classrooms that participated: 461
Number of students that participated: 10,008
More than 85% of classrooms in Racine participated in the program
All 36 Racine private, parochial and public schools participated in the program
Average books read per student: 180
More than 8,900 books read per day during the program
Racine Reads: Dream Big! donated more than 10,000 books to elementary students and school libraries throughout the program
More than 125 million pages read³
More than 10,000 books collected and donated to Racine Cops ‘N Kids Reading Center
Circulation numbers for children’s material at the Racine Public Library went up by nearly 25 percent in the first quarter of 2012
2,000 pizzas given out at pizza parties to celebrate milestones (that’s 16,000 slices!)
More than 650 stops by the city’s bookmobile that was wrapped with a special Racine Reads message including the official “book-o-meter” that tracked the community’s overall progress

About Racine Reads: Dream Big!

Racine Reads: Dream Big! was developed as a holistic approach to literacy advancement. Children in the community were surrounded by reading in all aspects of their lives, from the classroom where teachers and principals were given program tool kits, to the community as a whole through author visits, live performances and readings and volunteer opportunities. To motivate and celebrate milestones, students were given rewards, like pizza parties, throughout the program.

The program reached more than 10,000 elementary school students in nearly 500 public, private and parochial classrooms across Racine. The Racine Reads: Dream Big! program is sponsored by SC Johnson and is a partnership with the Racine Public Library along with the City of Racine, Racine Elementary Schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids, and Girls Inc.

For more information on Racine Reads: Dream Big! visit www.racinereads.org or the program’s Facebook page.

ABOUT RACINE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The mission of the Racine Public Library Foundation is to support the future well-being of the Racine Public Library. The Foundation has a long-term vision of creating an endowment that will generate sufficient income to support library projects and services. The purpose of the Racine Public Library Foundation is to make citizens aware of how to donate funds and make bequests. The Foundation also may apply for grants.

ABOUT SC JOHNSON

SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR. MUSCLE®, and RIDSECT®. The 126-year-old company, that generates $9 billion in sales, employs nearly 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

ABOUT THE CITY OF RACINE
Located in Southeastern Wisconsin on Lake Michigan and along the Root River, Racine lies right in the heart of the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor. Founded in 1834 and incorporated 14 years later, Racine acted as an important hub for industrial growth for decades. The City is home to approximately 80,000 residents, making it the 5th largest city in Wisconsin. Our community is as diverse as our story, with companies like SC Johnson, Twin Disc and Modine, Racine has a deep history in the business and manufacturing community. Racine is also the home of many buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptures by Carl Milles and the Racine Art Museum (RAM), which has one of the most significant collections of contemporary craft in North America. Our beach is one of the best in the world and is continuously recognized for the work done and the quality of our water. Most recently the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized Racine as having the best drinking water in the country.

ABOUT COPS ‘N KIDS
The primary objective of Cops ‘N Kids is to improve the reading skills of at-risk children by introducing them to the adventure and creativity that is received from reading. The center is intended to assist children in their exploration while guiding them toward reading skills development and subsequently how to apply the acquired skills to other academic and personal pursuits.

ABOUT FAMILY LITERACY OF RACINE
Family Literacy of Racine is a social service/education non-profit providing multiple programs/services for City of Racine families. Its mission is: “Investing in Family and Community: Read, Lead, Learn, Succeed!” Its family literacy program provides English as a 2nd Language classes, Pre-GED, and GED classes for adults; afterschool programming for children 6-14, and a preschool for children 0-6. Through the Family Smart/Kid Friendly Collaboration, home visitation/parenting education are available to at-risk families, as well as parent education classes to high risk families. A third program, Girls Inc., provides empowerment classes to girls 6-18 years old, through afterschool programming at five RUSD grade schools and two middle schools. Family Literacy’s goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, integrated family education services.

ABOUT GIRLS INC.
Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent and fulfilling lives.

ABOUT RACINE LITERACY COUNCIL
The Racine Literacy Council is a volunteer-based organization that provides adult literacy programs in Racine County and works to bring awareness to the community about the importance and impact of literacy. Their primary focus is working with adults who want to learn English as a second language and/or to improve literacy skills.

ABOUT RACINE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
With approximately 21,000 students, Racine Unified School District (RUSD) is the fourth largest school district in the state of Wisconsin. RUSD has 21 elementary schools including three magnet elementary schools, seven middle schools including two magnet and one charter middle school, and six high schools including one magnet and one charter high school. RUSD provides students rigorous academics and strong programming in the fine arts, foreign language, school-to-career, physical education, technology and other electives. The District also offers virtual learning opportunities for middle and high school students. The District is proud of the success that it creates for all of the students they serve, and proud of its mission to educate every student to succeed.

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¹Kinney, J., Coleman, D., Gilmore, B., Gutman, D., Hopkins, E., Kirk, T., Pilkey, D., Stotsky, S. (2012) What Kids Are Reading: The Book-Reading Habits of Students in American Schools. Accelerated Reader company Renaissance Learning (2010-2011 school year).

²U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), various years, 1992–2011 Reading Assessments.
³Estimated based off of the average pages in books for elementary age students: http://www.write4kids.com/colum44.html

Racine, Wis. Elementary School Students Reach the Final Chapter: One Million Books Read

Racine Reads: Dream Big! Program Goal Achieved in Just 18 Weeks

Racine, Wis., (February 1, 2012) — Just 18 weeks after Racine Reads: Dream Big! launched, Racine elementary school students have one million reasons to celebrate after reaching the program’s ambitious goal to read one million books during the 2011-2012 school year. More than 10,000 students in nearly 500 classrooms participated in the community-based initiative which aimed to get the community fired up and focused on one issue — literacy.

“I’m so inspired by the passion for reading that our community has shown in support of Racine Reads: Dream Big!,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, “What is so powerful and moving about this program is the personal investment and passion of the students and teachers. Congratulations to everyone who has helped make this a reality.”

Racine Reads: Dream Big! is sponsored by SC Johnson and is a partnership with the Racine Public Library, the City of Racine, Racine Elementary Schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids, and Girls Inc.

Reading Matters

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), fourth graders who reported having 25 books or more at home had higher scores on reading tests than children who said they didn’t have many books. The NCES state reading assessment shows that 68 percent of fourth graders in Wisconsin read at an average level and only 34 percent at a proficient level. The Center also reports that one child in four grows up not knowing how to read.

“The stats speak for themselves. This program supports building strong reading skills and inspires our teachers to engage their students in creative ways to develop reading habits that will positively impact their lives forever,” said Racine Mayor John Dickert. “Our accomplishments as a community around this program make it possible to set Racine apart and serve as a model for literacy programs in other communities.”

The holistic program was developed to surround students with reading everywhere they go and to engage them in different mediums. At school teachers, students and principals are engaged through program tool kits which track reading totals and milestones. At home and in the community, the program has brought literacy to life through author visits, live performances and readings, and volunteer opportunities.

“This program is so much fun and it’s making a big impact,” said Ann Laing, Interim Superintendent, Racine Unified School District. “We’ve heard so many great stories about the creative ways teachers are motivating their students and the celebrations taking place at self-imposed milestones. Rewards have ranged from reading with flashlights on pajama day to wearing their best clothes to school for a Fancy Nancy tea party.”

Racine Reads: What’s Next

Even though the students have hit the program goal, Racine Reads: Dream Big! activities will continue throughout the school year.

Upcoming events include:

February 16, 2012 – Author Visit: Dr. Richard Allington
The community will have an opportunity to hear Dr. Richard Allington, an expert in educating teachers on the best methods to teach reading. Dr. Allington has written more than 100 research articles and a number of books on this topic including Classrooms that Work: They Can All Read and Write. During his visit, Dr. Allington will speak to both educators and parents.

March 2, 2012 – Read Across America Day
The National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day, now in its 13th year, is a program focused on motivating children and teens to read. To support Read Across America Day, which coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Racine Reads: Dream Big! will implement a volunteer program placing community and business leaders in every classroom throughout Racine.

March – Battle of the Books
Each year, the Racine Public Library coordinates a Battle of the Books literature contest for Racine’s fourth- and fifth-grade students. Teams are composed of up to four students representing area public and private schools. In preparing for the tournament, participants read and become knowledgeable about the content of approximately 40 books selected for the Battle by youth services librarians. Meets are held over a four-week period at the Library and highest scoring teams are declared the champions. To date, the Library has seen a 40 percent increase in the number of teams registered, which is a direct result of Racine Reads: Dream Big! participation.

April 26, 2012 – Author Visit: Rosemary Wells
The author of the popular Max and Ruby children’s book series, Ms. Wells will be in Racine to meet with families during a free community presentation the evening of Thursday, April 26.

Racine Reads: Dream Big! Celebration
The program will officially culminate with a community-wide celebration at the end of the school year.

For more information on events related to Racine Reads: Dream Big! visit www.racinereads.org or the program’s Facebook page.

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Author and Educator Dr. Richard Allington Visits Racine to Help Students Get Reading Ready

Author Shares Expertise as Part of Racine Reads: Dream Big! Initiative

Racine, Wis., (January 31, 2012) – Renowned author and educator, Dr. Richard Allington will visit Racine on Thursday, February 16 as part of the Racine Reads: Dream Big! author series. The second in the series, Dr. Allington will share best practices, tips and methods to teach reading with educators and parents.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Allington visit us as part of our program,” said Ann Laing, Interim Superintendent Racine Unified School District. “Bringing someone of Dr. Allington’s caliber to Racine truly enhances our Racine Reads: Dream Big! program. This is truly a community-based program and his presentations will be targeted to the people who help our children read. Parents, teachers, teachers-to-be, all will be able to learn some tips and tricks to help children improve their reading skills.”

Racine Reads: Dream Big! is a community-based initiative that challenged the city’s elementary school children to read one million books this school year. The program reaches more than 10,000 elementary school students in nearly 500 public, private and parochial classrooms across Racine. The Racine Reads: Dream Big! program is sponsored by SC Johnson and is a partnership with the Racine Public Library along with the City of Racine, Racine Elementary Schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids, and Girls Inc.

Dreaming Big with Better Reading Skills

Dr. Allington has written more than 100 research articles and multiple books on teaching reading including Classrooms that Work: They Can All Read and Write. Dr. Allington is the second author to visit Racine as part of the Racine Reads: Dream Big! author series. He will be followed by Rosemary Wells, author of the popular Max and Ruby books who will visit Racine in April.

While in Racine on February 16, Dr. Allington will speak at two events.

Educator Event: What Every Reader Needs Every Day
4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Golden Rondelle Theater (located at the SC Johnson corporate campus). The event is free and open to educators and education students throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Golden Rondelle at (262) 260-2154 or Rondelle@scj.com

Parent Event: Reading at Home Every Day of the Year

7:00 p.m. at the Golden Rondelle Theater (located at the SC Johnson corporate campus). The event is free, but reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Golden Rondelle at (262) 260-2154 or Rondelle@scj.com

Author and Educator Background

Dr. Richard L. Allington, Professor of Education at the University of Tennessee, was an elementary school classroom teacher and a director in poor rural schools prior to beginning his career as a teacher educator and instructional researcher. His research interests include reading/learning disabilities and effective instruction especially in classroom settings.

Dr. Allington has served as president of the National Reading Conference and the International Reading Association (IRA). He received the William S. Gray Citation of Merit from IRA for his contributions to the organization and the profession. He also was co-recipient (with Dr. Anne McGill-Franzen) of the Albert J. Harris Award for contributions to improving professional understanding of reading/learning disabilities and was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame.

Upcoming Events:

March – Battle of the Books

Each year, the Racine Public Library coordinates a Battle of the Books literature contest for Racine’s fourth- and fifth-grade students. Teams are composed of up to four students representing area public and private schools. In preparing for the tournament, participants read and become knowledgeable about the content of approximately 40 books selected for the Battle by youth services librarians. Meets are held over a four-week period at the Library and highest scoring teams are declared the champions. To date, the Library has seen a 40 percent increase in the number of teams registered, which is a direct result of Racine Reads: Dream Big! because the teams are sponsored by teachers who haven’t participated before but are active in the Racine Reads program.

April 26-27, 2012 – Author Visit: Rosemary Wells
The author of the popular Max and Ruby children’s book series, Ms. Wells will be in Racine to meet with families during a free community presentation the evening of Thursday, April 26.

Racine Reads: Dream Big! Celebration
The program will officially culminate with a community-wide celebration at the end of the school year.

For more information on events related to Racine Reads: Dream Big! visit www.racinereads.org or the program’s Facebook page.

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Racine Reads: Dream Big! Launches

One Book, One Grade, One Community

Program Brings Students Together to Read the Same Book across the Community during the Same Week

On January 23, Racine Reads: Dream Big! will launch One Book, One Grade, One Community. This new week-long program is a community-wide initiative in which third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students throughout the community receive a copy of the book designated for their grade and simultaneously read it during the week.

This event was developed as part of the Racine Reads: Dream Big! program not only as an effort to keep the students energized about reading and the one million book goal, but also to bring the community together around literacy.

“This program is unique because it touches an entire community of children vs. focusing on a specific school,” said Jessica MacPhail, Director Racine Public Library. “This is really in the spirit of what Racine Reads: Dream Big! is all about.”

Racine Reads: Dream Big! challenged the more than 10,000 elementary school students in nearly 500 public, private and parochial classrooms across Racine to read one million books. The students are racking up the numbers quickly and have already surpassed 800,000 books.

The program is sponsored by SC Johnson and is a partnership with the Racine Public Library, the City of Racine, Racine Elementary Schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids, and Girls Inc.

The Reading List

Nearly 6,000 books are being donated to the students and schools in conjunction with this program. The books include:
Third-grade – The End of the Beginning, by Avi
Fourth-grade – Cat Diaries: Secret Writings of the MEOW Society, by Betsy Byars
Fifth-grade – Dear Mr. Henshaw, by Beverly Cleary

Racine Reads: Dream Big! program students in third-, fourth- and fifth-grade will receive their own copy of their respective grade-appropriate book. All school libraries will also receive Max and Ruby books by award-winning author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, who will visit Racine in April as part of the Racine Reads: Dream Big! author series.

Upcoming Events:

Racine Reads: Dream Big! Celebration
The program will officially culminate with a community-wide celebration at the end of the school year.

For more information on events related to Racine Reads: Dream Big! visit www.racinereads.org or the program’s Facebook page.

Racine, Wis. Children Dreaming about Books this Holiday Season

Elementary School Students Hit 500,000 Milestone on their way to Reading One Million Books as part of Community-Wide Initiative

Racine, Wis., (December 8, 2011) – While children across the country are writing holiday wish lists and anticipating the upcoming winter break, Racine’s children are focused on reading, in a big way. Just 10 weeks into the Racine Reads: Dream Big! program, Racine elementary school children have already hit the halfway point toward their goal to read one million books in the 2011-2012 school year.

“I am absolutely thrilled to see Racine’s students, teachers and community members embrace this challenge so enthusiastically,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “I applaud them all for their dedication to Racine Reads: Dream Big! and can’t wait to help celebrate when we reach one million books.”

Racine Reads: Dream Big! is a community-led initiative that is challenging the city’s elementary school children to read one million books this school year. The program reaches more than 10,000 elementary school students in nearly 500 public, private and parochial classrooms across Racine. The program is sponsored by SC Johnson and is a partnership with the Racine Public Library along with City of Racine, Racine Elementary Schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids and Girls Inc.

Why Dream Big? Because Reading Matters
Reading is a fundamental skill that impacts children throughout their lives. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), fourth graders who reported having 25 books or more at home had higher scores on reading tests than children who said they didn’t have that many books*. NCES also reports that one child in four grows up not knowing how to read. Communities across the nation are challenged to keep children interested in learning and Racine is no different.

Racine Reads – By the Numbers
Response to Racine Reads: Dream Big! has been overwhelming; highlights include:

More than 500,000 books read by students in grades K-5 in Racine’s public, private and parochial schools
More than 400 teachers registered in the program
Nearly 80 percent of all eligible classrooms participating in the program
All 36 eligible schools in the Racine area are registered

“This level of participation from all the Racine schools is absolutely unprecedented,” said Jessica MacPhail, Director of the Racine Public Library. “We are very excited about the positive impact this program is having on young readers. Teachers have shared with us that their students are already showing an increase in their comprehension levels based on their participation and enthusiasm in the program.”

Teachers input their classroom totals via www.racinereads.org, and community members can check in for updates daily. In addition, community members can become a fan of Racine Reads: Dream Big! on Facebook.

What’s Next: Upcoming Events
Part of the program is to bring reading to life across different mediums. A number of events are planned through the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Upcoming events include:

January 23-27, 2012 – One Book, One Grade, One Community
“One Book, One Grade, One Community” is a new community-wide event where students in grade levels 3, 4 and 5 read and receive the same age-appropriate book. Program books include:

Grade 3 – The End of the Beginning, by Avi
Grade 4 – Cat Diaries: Secret Writings of the MEOW Society, by Betsy Byers
Grade 5 – Dear Mr. Henshaw, by Beverly Cleary

February 16, 2012 – Author Visit: Richard Allington
The community will have an opportunity to hear Dr. Richard Allington, an expert in educating teachers on the best methods to teach reading. Allington has written more than 100 research articles and a number of books on this topic including Classrooms that Work: They Can All Read and Write. During his visit, Dr. Allington will speak to both educators and parents.

March 2, 2012 – Read Across America Day
The National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day, now in its 13^th year, is a program focused on motivating children and teens to read. To support Read Across America Day, which coincides with Dr. Suess’ birthday, Racine Reads: Dream Big! will implement a volunteer program placing community and business leaders in every classroom throughout Racine.

Other 2012 events include Battle of the Books (March and April), a visit from Rosemary Wells, author of the popular Max and Ruby children’s book series, (April 27) and a community-wide victory celebration when the students reach the one million book goal. Visit www.racinereads.org for more information.

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New Program, Racine Reads: Dream Big!, Challenges Local Elementary School Children to Read One Million Books

Racine, Wis., (October 1, 2011) – The Racine Public Library, SC Johnson and other community partners today announced a comprehensive program to inspire the community to read more. Racine Reads: Dream Big! will challenge more than 10,000 elementary school students in nearly 500 public, private and parochial classrooms across Racine to read one million books during the 2011-2012 school year. The program will include a number of incentives to keep students reading ranging from pizza parties to iPads and a library makeover valued at $100,000 for the school that reads the most books per child.

“We’re thrilled to support this program as reading is a critical and basic skill that must be a part of every child’s elementary education,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “Reading opens the world to children and lays the foundation for future educational success and we want to ignite the community to rally around our children to help them reach this monumental goal.”

Reading is a fundamental skill that impacts children throughout their lives. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), fourth graders who reported having 25 books or more at home had higher scores on reading tests than children who said they didn’t have that many books*. NCES also reports that one child in four grows up not knowing how to read. Communities across the nation are challenged to keep kids interested in learning and Racine is no different.

“We are encouraging every Racine child to read more, and improving literacy during the elementary school years will help them achieve greater accomplishments in the future,” said Racine Mayor John Dickert. “We are leading our children down a positive path to success. This program stands out not only because the goal is lofty, but also because we are expecting strong support and participation from families and the community as well. This program has the potential to set Racine apart and serve as a model for literacy programs in other communities.”

Other partners include: City of Racine, Racine elementary schools, the Racine Civic Centre, Racine Literacy Council, Family Literacy of Racine, Cops ‘N Kids and Girls Inc.

Chapter One: The Program
Racine Reads: Dream Big! is challenging Racine’s kindergarten through 5th grade students to keep reading throughout the school year with lots of exciting incentives along the way. Rewards ranging from pizza parties to iPads will be given to classes based on the number of books read per student. Ultimately, the school that reads the most books will win a library makeover valued at $100,000.

Teachers will track totals via the web site www.racinereads.org, and community members will be able to check in for updates there as well. In addition, community members can become a fan of Racine Reads: Dream Big! on Facebook. The Library’s bookmobile will be wrapped with a special Racine Reads message including the official “book-o-meter” that will track the community’s overall progress. SC Johnson is underwriting the program.

Chapter Two: October’s Events
Part of the program is to bring reading to life across different mediums. To do this, two events are planned for October.

The Max and Ruby Show, October 4 and 5:
Max and Ruby are beloved sibling bunnies that share adventures in each book. All Racine children in kindergarten through 2nd grade will have the opportunity to see this exciting live show on stage at Racine’s Downtown Memorial Hall.

Charlotte’s Web, October 3, 6, 7 and 10:
Charlotte’s Web is an award-winning children’s novel about a pig named Wilbur who is spared from slaughter by an intelligent spider named Charlotte. This family favorite will be performed for all students in grades three to five at the Golden Rondelle Theatre located on the SC Johnson campus.

“We believe that exposing children to theatrical productions of their favorite books helps foster a love of reading and gives them the motivation and the impetus to keep reading,” said Sandy Riekoff, President of the Racine Public Library Foundation. “Programs like this help bring books to life for the children. Giving them access to other interpretations and renditions of their favorite books challenges kids to think about books and stories from different perspectives.”

Chapter Three: Coming Soon
The program has been developed to provide excitement and activity each month during the school year. Beginning in November, students, teachers, parents and the Racine community can look forward to a variety of fun and engaging events around reading. More details will be forthcoming as the events approach, but highlights include:

School assemblies to inspire kids and keep the momentum going as they move toward the one million book goal
Book readings by visiting authors in Racine schools
Parent book clubs with authors hosted at the Golden Rondelle on SC Johnson’s campus
The annual Cops ‘N Kids book giveaway
One Book/One School program
Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Day
Battle of the Books
Victory celebration

Check for progress updates and more details on the program and incentives on the Racine Reads: Dream Big! website at www.racinereads.org

ABOUT SC JOHNSON
SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care and pest control. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR. MUSCLE®, and RIDSECT®. The 125-year-old company, that generates $9 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

ABOUT THE CITY OF RACINE
Located in Southeastern Wisconsin on Lake Michigan and along the Root River, Racine lies right in the heart of the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor. Founded in 1834 and incorporated fourteen years later, Racine acted as an important hub for industrial growth for decades. The City is home to approximately 80,000 residents, making it the 5th largest city in Wisconsin. Our community is as diverse as our story, with companies like SC Johnson, Twin Disc and Modine, Racine has a deep history in the business and manufacturing community. Racine is also the home of many buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptures by Carl Milles and the Racine Art Museum (RAM), which has one of the most significant collections of contemporary craft in North America. Our beach is one of the best in the world and is continuously recognized for the work done and the quality of our water. Most recently the US Conference of Mayors recognized Racine as having the best drinking water in the country.

ABOUT FAMILY LITERACY OF RACINE
Family Literacy of Racine is a social service/education non-profit providing multiple programs/services for City of Racine families. Its mission is: “Investing in Family and Community: Read, Lead, Learn, Succeed!” Its family literacy program provides English as a 2nd Language classes, Pre-GED, and GED classes for adults; afterschool programming for children 6-14, and a preschool for children 0-6. Through the Family Smart/Kid Friendly Collaboration, home visitation/parenting education are available to at-risk families, as well as parent education classes to high risk families. A third program, Girls Inc., provides empowerment classes to girls 6-18 years old, through afterschool programming at 5 RUSD grade schools and 2 middle schools. Family Literacy’s goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, integrated family education services.

ABOUT GIRLS INC.
Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Kids in 5K-5th Grade to Have Fines Removed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT PERSON: Jessica MacPhail, Director, Racine Public Library; 262.636.9252

Effective October 1, 2011, as part of the Racine Reads: Dream Big! Project, the Racine Public Library will eliminate existing overdue fines for students in grades K-5. Library Board President Douglas Miller stated, “We want to wipe the slate clean and remove this barrier in order to help students read a million books.”

If a student already has overdue fines on his or her record, they will be removed on October 1, 2011. From October 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012, we will periodically remove any further fines for students in grades K-5 for children’s materials they have returned late.

We encourage you to return any library books that you currently have overdue.

For more about Racine Reads: Dream Big!, please visit www.racinereads.org or contact Jessica MacPhail, Library Director, at Jessica.macphail@racinelibrary.info or call 262.636.9252.

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Kids in 5K-5th Grade to Have Fines Removed

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