Schools across Norfolk and Virginia Beach are roaring to life as the Be A Reader Literacy Project kicks off another year with mentors meeting their new second-grade students – young readers who can use an extra boost of confidence and encouragement to help them discover that reading can be fun and rewarding.
BeAR’s newest school-partner, Norfolk’s Suburban Park Elementary, celebrated its first day with a special welcome breakfast for its BeAR mentors. Mai Ellen Hecht, BeAR captain, says “Suburban Park’s first day went great! The kids and staff were so excited to welcome us in!”
That enthusiasm is being echoed throughout BeAR schools, where volunteers are diving into weekly reading sessions and building meaningful connections with students. Each week, BeAR mentors spend 45 minutes to one hour helping a child strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of learning in a one-on-one setting.
As BeAR steps into its 26th year of inspiring children to become confident, capable readers, the excitement for the year ahead is contagious and filled with smiles, stories, and plenty of BeAR pride.
A need for more BeAR mentors in both Norfolk and Virginia Beach schools still exists. It’s never too late to make a difference in a child’s life. Contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org to learn more.
BeAR mentor Amy Johnson shares the joy of reading with her BeAR student as they dive into the very first BeAR book of the 2025/26 school year.