The Million Word Challenge is a county-wide literacy campaign that challenges students to read millions of words outside of school time. Due to popular demand, a Mini Million Word Challenge will take place from April 22 – May 22, 2009.  To participate in the Mini Million Word Challenge, schools must register by May 1, 2009 at www.millionwordchallenge.org. Each participating school will have the opportunity to select one student per track to receive $50 in books. Although the Feria del Libro: A Family Book Fair will not take place this year, student winners will still be awarded $50 worth of books through the generous support of the Pearson Foundation. The next Feria del Libro: A Family Book Fair will take place in June 2010.  This mini initiative will lead up to the new and improved Million Word Challenge that will launch in Fall 2009.  

The 2009 Million Word Challenge is presented by Families In Schools, La Opinion, and the Los Angles County Office of Education, with supporting sponsorship from the Pearson Foundation. 

Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors(AP) has joined Families In Schools as an exciting new parent engagement initiative.   Previously a project of the Los Angeles County Children’s Planning Council, Abriendo Puertas is the nation’s first evidence -based parent leadership program for Latino parents with children 0-5 years of age.  This curriculum, delivered in ten interactive sessions, is based on popular education and draws on the real life experiences and cultural strengths of its participants. AP uses “dichos” (culturally-based sayings) to frame the conversation for each session. Every week, Latino parents of 0 -5 year olds meet in a support group setting to develop their ability to be their child’s first teacher.  During each session, parents are engaged in different topics including how to be your child’s first teacher, goal setting, communication, ages and stages of development, promoting literacy, choosing preschool and child care services, health and nutrition, socio-emotional wellness, Earned Income Tax Credit, and advocating for children, families and communities.  Beginning in summer 2009, training will be available for organizations who would like to use this dynamic new curriculum with parents.  For more information about Abriendo Puertas, please contact, Sandra Gutierrez at (213) 484-2870 Ext 261 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please click here for the Evaluation of Abriendo Puertas (the Executive Summary).