Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 9-9-22

After-School Literacy Initiative Makes A Difference In Reading Achievement
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
These days our children are fighting for their aca- demic lives as the education gap between Black children and white children remains the same or has widen.
According to the Na- tional Center for Education Statistics, Black students also scored lower on read- ing tests at every grade level studied between grades 1 and 12.
The Parents & Children Advance Together Literacy Ministries (PCAT) is work- ing hard to bridge the gap by offering an after-school reading program. PCAT was founded in 2003 by Chris- tene Worley. The pro- gram has been provided services in Ruskin and is back at Sulphur Springs K- 8 this school year.
The current Executive Director, Weclaige "GiGi" Moise, emphasizes that the PCAT mission is a literacy initiative which serves students who are reading below grade level and are at risk of school fail- ure.
“Reading is fundamental to all schoolwork and suc-
WECLAIGE "GIGI" MOISE ....Executive Director, PCAT Family Literacy
cess in school. It affects math, history, and social studies. Everything is based on reading and reading comprehension. For chil- dren to be successful, they must be able to read and understand what they are reading.”
Moise was born and raised in Miami and gradu- ated from Florida Atlantic University. She has been on staff with PCAT since 2017, but initially worked with PCAT as a volunteer, read- ing to kindergarten stu- dents at Sulphur Springs.
Her deep love of reading serves as the background
for her devotion to ensure children in the community have the same opportunity to achieve their dreams through reading and com- prehension skills.
“The success of our pro- gram stems from our ability to provide individualized reading plans for our stu- dents along with one-on- one instruction,” states Moise.
Moise gives much credit to Marc Gaillard, principal at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School, and Emerson Morris an educator and founder of Fa- ther's University. Father’s University has provided services and resources for fathers of children in the program.
PCAT is provided at no cost to students.
The Sulphur Springs ini- tiative is funded by The Children's Board of Hills- borough County and a gen- erous gift from the Kay Andrews Education Foun- dation, while the Ruskin initiative is funded by The Children's Board of Hills- borough County, Commu- nity Foundation of Tampa Bay and Suncoast Credit Union as well as private do- nations received from the supporters of PCAT.
Students are tutored by certified teachers, staff and volunteers who receive comprehensive training from our Education Direc-
tor.PCAT is currently re- cruiting Certified Teachers and Program Assistants. Visit their website at: https://pcatliteracymin- istries.org for more infor- mation.
“We would not be able to serve without the support of our Board of Directors, fun- ders, volunteers, staff, and district staff at the schools where we provide program- ming. We are looking for- ward to serving students and parents in the Sulphur Springs community again,” Moise says.
Fundraiser Set For Children Of Gun Violence
Jayla died and JJ was injured by gunfire. A gofundme page has been established to help with funeral expenses and medical bills.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Monday, a Tampa mother was subjected to something no mother should ever have to endure. Her only children, 8-year-old JJ and 5-year-old Jayla, were both shot several times by their fa- ther. Jayla did not survive. JJ is struggling to recover from his injuries.
Ms. Princess Bass said when contacted by the Sen- tinel, that she is asking for privacy as the struggles to deal with what she refers to as an “unexpected tragedy.”
She said nothing triggered the unforeseen incident. Now, she is asking for prayers for her family.
Without going into de- tails, she said her son is get- ting better day-by-day.
Both children were en- rolled in the Hillsborough County School District.
Jayla was in kinder- garten. She was an active youngster who loved serving as a cheerleader for her brother’s football team.
JJ loved playing football and both youngsters were much loved by their families.
Ms. Bass has established a gofundme page to help with the funeral of Jayla and the mounting medical bills cre- ated by JJ’s hospital stay.
Anyone wishing to con- tribute can visit the go- fundme page at: https://www.gofundme.com /f/rn469-jj-road-to-recov- ery-sending-our-angel-to- heaven.
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PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2022