The Heartbeat of the Academic Recovery for Kids Program

Pictured Above: Mrs. Celekah Mills in front of a class. 

Each morning, I step into the classroom filled with renewed inspiration. Watching our students learn and grow reminds me that this mission thrives because an organization and an institution chose to walk hand in hand, united in shaping the future of our nation.

Since starting, the ARK (Academic Recovery for Kids) program has empowered and encouraged students. We’ve seen great progress in our students through the implementation of the Wilson Reading Program for reading intervention and the use of diverse math manipulatives and IXL. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of the journey, guiding students as they overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and develop a passion for learning. Each lesson is a reminder that progress doesn’t always come in leaps, it comes in small steps as well. Consistency, partnership, and small victories are the heartbeat of ARK.

This new school year, we’re excited to take things even further with the introduction of the UFLI phonics curriculum. This curriculum extends across lower primary (Grades 1-3). Thanks to the generous support of Many Hands and its dedicated partners, every classroom has been fully equipped with state-of-the-art projectors and document cameras. This vital technology upgrade is key to making the program a success, providing educators with the tools necessary to deliver engaging, meaningful, and interactive learning experiences.

This strategy provides targeted literacy support, enhancing students’ foundational reading skills in ARK and in the classroom.

Pictured Above: Students engage in phonics practice within the ARK program. 

A highlight for me both in the past and looking ahead has been the arrival of Many Hands Impact Teams. Their genuine enthusiasm and “ready-to-serve” spirit are truly inspiring, and I always appreciate their cheerful offer: “How can we help?”. They assist with special projects and actively engage with students during ARK reading and math sessions. Their presence is met with open arms by the school, and the children’s faces light up at the opportunity to learn and play alongside new friends. The support they provide is an invaluable boost and a true blessing, the kind of encouragement every teacher deeply values.

Pictured Above (slide right): Many Hands IMPACT teams working alongside students. 

Finally, there’s the library. More than shelves and books, our library was renovated in the summer of 2025 by one of the Impact Teams, and it has become a cozy corner of curiosity and creativity. I get to witness something special daily; whether it’s students checking out a book beneath the lights of our Library Café, students that pop in to read a book away from the noise during breaks, or seeing students participating in library lessons filled with character education and read-alouds. The spark in their eyes is a gentle reminder of how stories can inspire confidence, connection, and a lifelong love for learning

Pictured Above: A snapshot of the library’s checkout counter, also known as the Library Cafe!

In my role as Librarian, I desire for each child to see books not as assignments, but as adventures– as treats for the mind and heart, and doorways to inspire positive growth which spills over into their school work, their home and their entire world. I look forward to welcoming every student into the library this year, ready to explore, imagine, and grow together.

As we go through this school year, my mission remains simple but powerful: to continue closing learning gaps, inspiring confidence, and creating a safe, joyful space where every child can reach their fullest potential. When we show up everyday for these students, and each of us play our role, then they experience victory in the classroom and beyond. This is the heartbeat of ARK.

— Mrs. Celekah Mills