Lead to Read KC organizes author visits to partner schools

by | Feb 7, 2019

Lead to Read KC is pleased to be partnering with local children’s therapist and author Vladimir Sainte to share his new book Just Like a Hero with our partner schools. This initiative is made possible with support from Reading Mentor Jacob Schwartz and a generous donation from emfluence Digital Marketing and its employees.

And, thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor, each of the 1,100 students Lead to Read KC serves received a copy of Just Like a Hero. Also, each of the teachers in the 52 classrooms we serve received a copy of Just Like a Hero, along with tips from the author on sharing it with students.

“I am honored to be part of Lead to Read KC’s initiative and hope to be a reminder to kids to see themselves as heroes. Reading feeds imagination, creating a voyage of discovery on every page,” said Vladimir Sainte, L.C.S.W.

As you’ll see from these photos from author visits to two of Lead to Read KC’s partner schools — Crossroads Academy Central Street and M.L. King Elementary — the initiative is a big hit with students and Reading Mentors alike!

Vladimir Sainte and Lead to Read KC Site Coordinator Becky Conaghan take a look at the superhero writing projects created by students at M.L. King Elementary.

Author Vladimir Sainte shares Just Like a Hero with students and Lead to Read KC Reading Mentors at M.L. King Elementary. The book teaches personal values, challenges negative thoughts, and provides activities to promote self-esteem and coping skills.

Author Vladimir Sainte shares Just Like a Hero with students, teachers and Reading Mentors at Crossroads Academy Central Street.

Author Vladimir Sainte demonstrates a stress management technique to students, teachers and Reading Mentors at Crossroads Academy Central Street.

Partnering to help students manage their emotional health: Karis Parker, Assistant Principal – Crossroads Academy Central Street; Laura LaCroix, Principal – Crossroads Academy Central Street; Jacob Schwartz, Lead to Read KC Reading Mentor; Vladimir Sainte, Author; Clara Sainte, Lead to Read KC Reading Mentor; and Pauly Hart, Lead to Read KC Executive Director.