At WITS, we believe it is important that books celebrate the histories, experiences, and everyday life of the students we serve, the city we live in, and the world we … Read More
The Virtual Program Year
The 2020-2021 WITS Virtual Program year brought together students and volunteers for shared reading, mentorship, and community building. These are the staples of a traditional WITS program! Each week, students … Read More
2020 Annual Report
2020. Where to begin? Where I always do, with our values: Community. Consistency. Empowerment. These are more than words to us at WITS. They are the cornerstones upon which we build all … Read More
WITS Kindergarten: We Did It!
WITS is proud to celebrate the culmination of WITS Kindergarten Online for the 2020-2021 school year. Kindergarten is a great time to introduce students to the benefits of online learning. … Read More
How WITS Programs Align with the New CPS Reading Plan
Over the last two years Jane Fleming, Chicago Public Schools Director of Literacy, has led the creation of a robust vision for literacy in CPS. WITS was excited to have … Read More
Our Core Values
At the center of everything WITS does are our three core values: community, empowerment, and consistency. As I reflect on 2019, the meaning behind these words in the context of our … Read More
Message From Lauren Rocklin, WITS Board President
To me, the WITS mission is about elevating literacy and self-confidence in students around Chicago. As a volunteer, board member, and supporter of WITS for fifteen years, I’ve been fortunate … Read More
Breaking Barriers To Access: WITS Partners With Chicago Public Library To Empower Early Readers At Home
Why Summer Learning Matters Summer learning is a critical tool in helping students prepare for a new school year. According to the National Summer Learning Association, students can lose up … Read More
Why WITS Is Providing Spanish Literacy Resources Online
WITS has always adapted programming to meet the needs of students and schools: transitioning to online programming has been no different. Back in April, WITS launched the Empowering Readers at … Read More
WITSummer Books School Deliveries
The WITSummer Books Campaign has historically been one of the most exciting initiatives for the WITS community, as participation helps put books into the hands of WITS students as they … Read More
