Prepared for school, prepared for life

Why it matters

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key predictor of high school graduation.

However, less than 48% of children in kindergarten through third grade at Dyersville Elementary School meet this benchmark, and children from low-income families are even further behind. (Nearly 45% of Dyersville Elementary students are considered low-income, as they qualify for free and reduced price lunch).

In our rural community, many children lack access to supports that would enable them to increase their academic success, preparing them for college, careers and active citizenship.

Our unique role

Hosted by the Dyersville Area Community Foundation, the Campaign builds on the organization’s strengths: Forging relationships and convening community partners to transform the systems that serve people.

We facilitate a multi-sector network to share resources and chart a course to help children succeed. Together, we:

1. Build community awareness of children’s academic and social-emotional needs.

2. Provide a unified vision and strategy to improve academic success and child well-being inside and outside the classroom.

3. Fund child- and family-focused initiatives by utilizing existing financial resources and offering a way for generous community members to give in support of children’s well-being.

4. Collect local data to inform our work.

How it works

Our work is informed by the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and focuses on four areas that serve as the foundation of academic achievement:

• School attendance

• School readiness, summer learning

• Access to books

By analyzing local data, our network of partners can identify the needs of children and families and develop a plan and goals to address them.