On Wednesday morning at Grant Elementary (KCKPS), the aroma of chocolate milk and the whoosh of turning pages filled the air as Jermaine Howard—candidate for Wyandotte County’s District 1 Commissioner—stepped into Ms. McCommon’s kindergarten classroom as our Breakfast 7 Books Featured Reader. Howard read, I Hate Recess: Pranksters At Work by local Author Dr Sondra B. Samuels who is also a counselor at Carl B. Bruce Middle School. In collaboration with The Jegna Klub’s Breakfast & Books program, Howard joins community partners, educators, and students to make reading come alive.

Breakfast & Books is more than a morning reading session — it’s a proactive initiative that brings positive adult role models from diverse industries into elementary classrooms. As children enjoy breakfast, the visiting adults read aloud, model strong reading habits, and open windows into future careers. The goal: shift young students’ attitudes toward reading and build early networks of support.

A Morning of Engagement & Connection

When asked how many students were present, Howard estimated 21–25 students. “They were really engaged,” he said. “The engagement, the students, the organization — it all went really well.” He even pointed out a moment when a conflict between two students was resolved gently, illustrating how reading time can also teach empathy and problem-solving.

Keyron Kimbrough, Breakfast & Books Coordinator, said the reader-student engagement stood out. “When the reader helps coordinate the picture process,” he said, that moment becomes memorable.

Tamara Barnes, campaign manager and community supporter, added warmth to the reflections: “There were at least 8–10 children that engaged verbally with answering & asking questions. The whole class was truly very engaged.” She described one special scene: “Seeing how the children listen & relate to Mr Howard in all of their own special way—was very heartwarming.”

Howard’s own presence resonated with the students. Barnes observed, “The way Mr. Howard met the kindergartners where they are” was powerful in itself.

Why Breakfast & Books Matters

Kindergarten through 5th grade students who participate are exposed to reading as a shared experience with adults they respect. Over breakfast, readers model dynamic reading styles, share their career journeys, and plant seeds of possibility. The goal is to shift mindsets about reading, demonstrating that it’s a gateway — not just to academic success, but to broader possibilities in life.

For children who may not yet see themselves as “readers,” having a local leader like Howard walk in and read sends a strong message: “You belong here. Your voice matters.” Conflict resolution moments, children’s questions, and engaged faces all underscore that reading and character-building go hand in hand.

How Adults Can Support

Would you like to be a Volunteer Featured Reader? Breakfast & Books sessions are held on Wednesdays from 8:00 – 9:00 am at Grant Elementary (1510 N 4th Street, KCKS 66101).

Here’s how to get involved:

Email Moses Wyatt at Moses.wyatt@thejegnaklub.org or Keyron Kimbrough at keyron.kimbrough@thejegnaklub.org

• Complete a KCKPS volunteer application (required for all guests)

• Commit to one session or multiple — whatever fits your schedule

• Bring enthusiasm, a love of reading, and a willingness to engage with young minds

Your presence matters. Whether you come in as a teacher, entrepreneur, civic leader, or community member, your role is to show up, read aloud, and affirm the child sitting before you.

Looking Ahead

This week’s session added another brilliant chapter in Breakfast & Books’ journey—connecting children to caring adults and introducing new pathways for literacy and identity. Jermaine Howard’s presence not only uplifted the students, but reinforced the power of community-led support in early education.

As more professionals volunteer, more children will hear fresh stories, ask bold questions, and feel seen in their potential. If you’ve ever thought about stepping into a classroom and reading aloud, this is your invitation. Join us — let’s build a stronger reading culture, one word, one page and one book at a time.