The Believe Projects unveils literacy lab at Washington Elementary School

In an emotional and inspiring ceremony on Dec. 10, 2024, The Believe Projects opened up a new literacy lab at Washington Elementary School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

The lab design improves reading proficiency, especially for students in grades K-3. Research shows that students who are not strong readers in third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school.

The Believe 13 literacy lab is made possible by the generosity of the Community Impact Network. Other community partners include Build-A-Bear Foundation, Metro Theater Company, Ready Readers, Whitaker Foundation, The Rotary Club of Clayton – Ladue, and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority – St. Louis.

“We are proud to support the Believe Project Literacy Lab at Washington Elementary School,” Neosha Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Impact Network, said. “Investing in early literacy initiatives like this is crucial for shaping the future of our children and community. We firmly believe that early investments in culturally inclusive literacy resources create pathways to brighter futures, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact this project will have on the community.”

Network staff pose with Believe Projects President Julius B Anthony at center and Normandy Schools Collaborative Superintendent Dr Michael Triplett at left Photo by Lance Omar Thurman

This is the 13th literacy lab, and the third in the Normandy Schools Collaborative. The first was at Barack Obama Elementary School in 2022. The second was at Bel-Nor Elementary School, which was unveiled in September 2024.

The room includes dozens of children’s books and a mural on the wall features multiple children reading. Ninety percent of the characters or authors featured in the reading space are people of color.

“Representation in literature matters because children need to see themselves as essential elements of a story,” said Julius B. Anthony, president, St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and The Believe Projects. “The Believe Projects gives children an opportunity to have access to more than 3,000 books that reflect their everyday life, and they get to meet the people who author books for them. These are the transformational experiences that ignite the much-needed behaviors, interest and excitement that lead children to becoming successful readers.”

The most impactful aspect of the Washington Elementary School ceremony was the story of retired educator Janis Smith.

Retired educator Janis Smith takes in the Believe Literacy Lab at Washington Elementary School Photo by Lance Omar Thurman

Smith was one of the first Black teachers hired in Normandy School District in the early 1960’s, hired in response to increased Black student enrollment. As she taught the Black students, she tried to include exposure to Black authors, artists and leaders, and the school district reprimanded her and labeled her a “communist.”

Smith told her story at the unveiling, and held back tears as she saw the Believe Literacy Lab. She called it one of the best days of her life, and her story was moving and inspirational to everyone in attendance, including dozens of young students.

All photos by Lance Omar Thurman.
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Alex McCarthy
Alex McCarthy is the Communications Coordinator at the Network. He has worked for the organization since 2022.