Back to School…Well, Kind of.

Ohhhhh…
Back To School
Back To School
To Prove To Dad That I’m Not A Fool
I’ve Got My Lunch Packed Up,
My Boots Tied Tight,
I Hope I Don’t Get In A Fight
Ohhhh…
Back To School
Back To School
Back To School…

Name that film. Ok, times up. Billy Madison. I would be lying if I said that wasn’t one of my favorite movies. Now I should probably clarify why I am kind of going back to school…Technically I am not going back to school at all. I know, now you are confused. But to clarify, I am actually participating in a charity spelling bee that benefits the Reading Partners of Dallas.

Reading Partners is a national non-profit organization that I have recently become involved with and one that I am very passionate about. As we all know reading is fundamental to a child’s academic success. In the fourth grade, students are expected to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. From this point on, they’ll use these foundational reading skills to explore and master new subjects. Unfortunately some children fall behind when it comes to their reading level so that is where Reading Partner’s helps. Reading Partners pairs students with volunteer led tutors to receive one-on-one tutoring to elementary school students in low-income communities.

As a result of the volunteers dedicated time to help, students who were once struggling in many subjects become proud, confident readers, excited about learning and ready for success.

Now here is where you can come in! Next Wednesday night (March 4th), I am participating in a spelling bee that will raise awareness and benefit the Reading Partners of Dallas. This is one of the Reading Partners of Dallas biggest fundraising events of the year and you are invited! See below for how you can attend this great event, get involved or even donate!

.Place: Dallas City Performance Hall (2520 Flora Street, Dallas, 75201)

.Date & Time: Wednesday, March 4th from 6-9 PM

.Participants: Kristin Nelson (NBC 5 Anchor) // David Chard (Dean of Education, Southern Methodist University) // Serita Jakes (First Lady of The Potter’s House) // Daryl Johnston (Three-time Super Bowl Champion & Fox Sports Analyst) // Adam Kraus (Founder of Dallas Autumn Ball) // Mike Morath (DISD Trustee // Stephen Pyles (Chef and recipient of the James Beard Award for Top Chef: Southwest) // Jim Schutze (The Dallas Observer) // Wade Smith (NFL Veteran) // Dr. Seema Yasmin (Staff Writer for the Dallas Morning News & Medical Contributor for CNN & NBC 5) // and Me!

.Enjoy: cocktails, a spelling bee (yes, I am participating) and an afterparty at Jorge’s

.RSVP/Tickets: Get your tickets here!

.Donate: Not in Dallas but want to give in even a tiny way to the Reading Partners organization? Click here to give the amount of your choice (even as little as $5 can help this amazing cause!)

.Questions: Want to get involved or learn more about the Reading Partners? Contact Kelly Bush // kelly.bush@readingpartners.org

I hope to see you all March 4th at the Reading Partners Spelling Bee! If you can’t make it, please send good vibes as I am not the best speller! xx

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