Project UpLift in Action: A Special Visit to Plumosa School of the Arts
Where Dedicated Teachers, Innovative Technology, and Young Readers Come Together. There is nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up when they discover they can read a word, understand a sentence, or accomplish something they once found difficult. Today, Roots and Wings had the wonderful opportunity to visit Plumosa School of the Arts as…
Where Dedicated Teachers, Innovative Technology, and Young Readers Come Together.
There is nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up when they discover they can read a word, understand a sentence, or accomplish something they once found difficult.
Today, Roots and Wings had the wonderful opportunity to visit Plumosa School of the Arts as part of our Ambassador Program, which invites supporters to experience the impact of our programs firsthand.
And what an inspiring visit it was!
Small Classes. Personal Attention. Big Possibilities.
Our signature literacy initiative, Project UpLift, provides free, small-group, after-school reading instruction to elementary school children who need additional academic support.
What makes Project UpLift special is its commitment to individualized instruction. Each classroom serves 10 students or fewer, ensuring that children receive the focused attention they need to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
Even better, the instructors are certified teachers from the children’s own schools. These educators already understand their students, their learning environments, and the challenges they face.
A New Chapter: Bringing AI Into the Classroom
One of the most exciting parts of today’s visit was seeing how Roots and Wings has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) called Buddy Books into Project UpLift’s reading instruction.
Teachers typically divide students into small groups of two to five, creating two complementary learning experiences.
In one group, students work directly with their certified teacher, practicing reading skills, developing comprehension, and receiving personalized guidance.
In the other group, students work independently with an innovative AI-powered reading program.
Each child has an individual computer equipped with headphones and a microphone. The AI program asks students to read aloud, listens to their responses, and provides immediate feedback on reading accuracy and skipped words.
Students are then encouraged to read the passage again, using that feedback to improve their performance.
The beauty of this approach is that children don’t have to wait to find out how they did. They receive immediate encouragement and an opportunity to try again.
It’s the best of both worlds: the care and expertise of a dedicated teacher combined with technology that gives every child additional opportunities to practice.
Seeing the Magic Happen
During our visit, we had the opportunity to observe both traditional teacher-led instruction and the new AI-assisted learning experience.
With 10 Project UpLift classes at Plumosa School of the Arts, we were able to see how these two approaches work together to create a supportive, engaging learning environment.
The children were actively involved, practicing their reading, interacting with their teachers, and working with the technology.
Seeing their enthusiasm reminded us why Roots and Wings exists.
Every child deserves the opportunity to develop the reading skills and confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Making a Difference Across South Palm Beach County
Project UpLift is part of Roots and Wings’ commitment to strengthening early literacy and helping children build brighter futures.
Today, Roots and Wings serves 24 Title I elementary schools throughout South Palm Beach County, bringing additional reading support to children who need it most.
By investing in small-group instruction, certified teachers, and innovative educational tools, we are helping provide a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.
Come See Project UpLift in Action!
Creating Awareness, One School Visit at a Time
One of the most meaningful ways to understand the impact of Roots and Wings is to see our programs in action.
Through the Roots and Wings Ambassador Program, our Ambassadors invite interested friends and community members to visit participating schools, observe Project UpLift, and experience firsthand the enthusiasm, determination, and progress of the children we serve.
Our goal is simple: to create greater awareness of Roots and Wings, our mission, and the difference our FREE after-school literacy program is making in the lives of elementary school children throughout South Palm Beach County.
These visits give guests an opportunity to see how certified teachers, small-group instruction, and innovative AI technology work together to help children strengthen their reading skills and build confidence.
We believe that when people see Project UpLift in action, they gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of early literacy and the work Roots and Wings is doing in our community.
Interested in joining an upcoming school visit?
Contact Sherry Zepatos at (954) 822-4816 and/or email her at sherry@rootsandwingsinc.org to learn more about our next Ambassador Program visit.
Through the Roots and Wings Ambassador Program, community members are invited to visit participating schools, experience Project UpLift firsthand, and help spread awareness of our FREE after-school literacy program.
