In this episode of Inspiring Viking Values, we highlight one of the Grand Island Central School District’s and Tonawanda City School District's most meaningful early literacy initiatives: Growing Readers. Launched in 2018, this community-based effort helps place free books into the hands of families during well-baby visits, encouraging parents and caregivers to begin reading aloud to their children from the very start.

This conversation explores how early literacy, strong family connections, and community collaboration can work together to build a lasting love of reading in young children. Our guests discuss the origins of the initiative, the importance of reaching families before children enter school, and the powerful role that schools, pediatricians, libraries, Rotary, and community partners play in supporting language development and literacy.

Featured guests include Cheryl Cardone, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services for the Grand Island Central School District; Stephanie Anderson, principal; Maureen Roussi, early childhood educator; Faye Teluk, President of the Grand Island Rotary Club; Sarah Infante, Assistant Superintendent for the Tonawanda City School District; and Bridgette Heintz, Librarian Director II at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library branch on Grand Island.

Together, they reflect on why investing in babies, toddlers, and families is one of the smartest and most hopeful things a community can do.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

We are launching a brand-new series on the Inspiring Viking Values podcast—Book Talks! Each installment centers on student voice, authentic literature-circle discussion, and the joy of reading for understanding.

Special Guests:

• Mrs. Stephanie Anderson (Principal)
• Mrs. Janet Balk (Librarian)

We are so excited to have 8 students joining us today.

Kindergarten

• Gabby
• George
• Malakai
• Cillian

1st Grade

• Melanie
• Athena
• Ella
• Easton

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT

We are launching a brand-new series on the Inspiring Viking Values podcast—Book Talks! Each installment centers on student voice, authentic literature-circle discussion, and the joy of reading for understanding.

Special Guests:

• Mr. David Howe (Principal)
• Mrs. Stephanie Pritchard (Librarian)
• Dylan Nowak, grade 2. She is currently reading Wings of Fire.
• Emilia Hassler, grade 3. She is currently reading The Twits by Roald Dahl.
• Bobby Donnelly, grade 4. He is re-reading Sign of the Beaver.
• Benny Carpenter, grade 5. He is reading Pride and Prejudice.

https://www.grandislandschools.org/
Twitter - @GrandIsland CSD
Instagram - @GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT
Facebook - GRANDISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICT