The Read Ready Network has named educator and family engagement leader Marshelle Watkins-Blackwell as its new director, bringing an experienced advocate for children and families to lead the region’s collaborative effort to improve early literacy and strengthen support systems for young learners across Northern Kentucky.

In her new role, Watkins-Blackwell will lead Read Ready’s work across NKY’s River Cities, coordinating partnerships among families, schools, healthcare providers, libraries, childcare centers, businesses, nonprofits and governments to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.

Read more in the NKY Tribune.

EducateNKY’s Start of School Assistance (SOSA) initiative is returning this year to help students in Covington and Newport begin the school year feeling welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.

The first few days of school matter. For students, families, teachers, and school staff, the start of the year sets the tone for everything that follows. A smooth arrival, a friendly face, help finding the right classroom, or extra support during lunch and recess can make a meaningful difference for students as they settle into a new school year.

Through SOSA,  EducateNKY works with participating schools to place community volunteers where they can be most helpful during the first three days of school. Volunteer shifts are designed to be simple, structured, and meaningful, typically lasting about 90 minutes. Volunteers may help with arrival or departure, support classrooms, or assist during lunch and recess, depending on each school’s needs.

This year’s participating schools include John G. Carlisle Elementary and Ninth District Elementary in Covington, as well as Newport Primary and Newport Intermediate in Newport.

SOSA is also an important entry point for community members who want to support local schools but may not know where to begin. By giving just one morning of their time, volunteers can help students feel seen and supported while also building a deeper connection to the schools and communities EducateNKY serves.

“We know that strong schools are built through strong community partnerships,” said Tom Haggard, Vice President of Community Engagement and Advocacy at EducateNKY. “SOSA gives people a simple, hands-on way to show up for students, support educators, and be part of a positive start to the school year.”

EducateNKY is currently recruiting volunteers to fill shifts at participating schools. Businesses, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, faith communities, and individual community members are all encouraged to sign up and share the opportunity with their networks.

Volunteers must complete any required background check process before participating. School contacts will provide approved volunteers with specific details about where to park, where to check in, and what to expect during their shift.

By showing up during the first few days of school, volunteers help send a powerful message to students and families: this community believes in you, and we are here to support your success.

To volunteer for Start of School Assistance, sign up here.

More than 100 students across four Northern Kentucky River City school districts are building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills through Girls on the Run, a program that continues to grow in impact across the region.

Participating districts include Covington Independent Public Schools, Ludlow Independent Schools, Dayton Independent Schools and Bellevue Independent Schools. Together, the districts are engaging students in a curriculum that blends physical activity with social and emotional learning.

The program culminates in the Greater Cincinnati Girls on the Run 5K on May 9 at Smale Park, where participants will celebrate their progress with others from across the region.

In Covington Independent Public Schools, participation has expanded significantly in just four years. What began as a single-site program serving eight students has grown to more than 90 participants across all elementary schools and the district’s middle school.

“Our coaches consistently see girls grow in confidence and determination as they take on new challenges,” said Ashley McClure, Director of Community & Family Engagement at Covington Independent School District. “What makes Girls on the Run special is not just the curriculum, but the way it helps girls believe in themselves. In Covington, we see students step outside their comfort zones, support one another and grow into more confident individuals.”

Coaches say the impact extends far beyond running. Students develop skills in empathy, conflict resolution and goal setting, while also forming meaningful friendships and increasing engagement in school.

At Ludlow Independent Schools, where the program has been in place for 14 years, coaches have seen lasting results.

“Over the course of the program, I have seen girls create connections with others they may not have otherwise,” said coach Taylor Baioni. “Many of our participants don’t start as runners, but by the end, they discover a love for running and confidence in their ability to do hard things.”

Teams typically meet twice per week over an eight- to 10-week season, combining interactive lessons with physical activity. Sessions focus on building self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging.

At Dayton Independent Schools, the program has been a consistent presence for more than a decade. According to coach Amanda Minser, the district is in its approximately 14th season of participation. “We’ve had so many different girls and staff involved over the years, and it is just amazing to watch the growth,” Minser said.

At Bellevue Independent Schools, the program was reintroduced in fall 2025 after a brief hiatus and is already making an impact. Coaches report strong participation across two seasons, with students building confidence and taking on new leadership roles.

“We had one student who started the season very shy and reluctant to share,” Tiffany Hicks, Bellevue’s GOTR coach said. “By the end of the program, she was leading our community service project.”

Teams typically meet twice per week over an eight- to 10-week season, combining interactive lessons with physical activity. Sessions focus on building self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging.

Nationally, Girls on the Run reports that more than 90% of participants experience increased confidence and improved peer relationships, outcomes local educators say they see reflected in their own students.

The initiative has also drawn strong community support, with volunteers, families and school staff participating in practices and events. Many join students for practice runs and the culminating 5K.

Across the River City districts, leaders say programs like Girls on the Run reflect a broader commitment to supporting the whole child through strong community schools, connecting students not only to academics, but also to opportunities that build confidence and lifelong skills.

When asked how the community could help, Hicks added, “Please consider supporting GOTR through a donation or running in the 5K race. Even the smallest amount goes a long way for our girls.”

COVINGTON, Ky. — Fourth-grade students from Lincoln Elementary School took on the role of philanthropists this week, awarding a $1,000 donation to a local nonprofit as part of an innovative Adopt A Class program.

The event, held at the OneNKY Center, marked the culmination of a months-long mentorship experience led by community partners including EducateNKY, the Catalytic Fund and Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky.

Through the program, students explored what it means to build strong communities, researched local nonprofits and evaluated real-world issues before hearing final presentations from organizations including Learning Grove, Go Pantry and Emergency Shelter. After the presentations, students voted Go Pantry. would receive the $1,000 donation. “Partnering with Adopt a Class has brought opportunities and experiences to our students that they otherwise would not have had,” said Dayton Independent School District Superintendent, Rick Wolf. “Opportunities such as a visit to the OneNKY Center or listening to a local entrepreneur speak could introduce a child to something they’ve never seen or heard before. I am beyond excited that we are partnering with Adopt a Class.”

The Adopt A Class program connects teams of local professionals with students through monthly classroom visits focused on career exploration, skill building and hands-on learning. A key component of the program includes exposing students to real workplaces and career pathways.

“This experience gives students a powerful opportunity to see how they can make a real impact in their community,” said Sonya Fultz, CEO, Adopt A Class. “They’re not just learning about philanthropy, they’re practicing it.”
At Lincoln Elementary, the program was implemented across all fourth-grade classrooms, with the “philanthropy project” curriculum developed specifically for their school.

“This program helps students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities and careers,” said Fultz. “It’s an investment not only in their education, but in their future.” With support from EducateNKY, Adopt A Class has seen significant growth across the region, adding 45 new mentor teams this year, primarily in Northern Kentucky’s River Cities. The program is now active in nearly every River City district, expanding access to career-connected learning experiences for students.

Beyond student impact, the program also delivers measurable benefits for participating businesses. A recent University of Cincinnati study found that employees involved in Adopt A Class report increased job satisfaction, stronger workplace pride and improved retention, highlighting the value of community engagement for both students and employers.

“Teaching students about collective impact aligns with our vision to ignite every eager, vibrant mind and helps them see what’s possible when we all work together,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY.