Miss Soto's Literacy Legacy
Miss Soto’s Literacy Legacy was founded to honor Vicki Soto’s deep passion for education and her firm belief in the transformative power of early childhood literacy. Vicki understood that books were more than just pages filled with words—they were tools that unlocked imagination, fostered understanding, and opened doors to new opportunities. Her own classroom library was vast, rivaling even the largest school libraries, ensuring that every child had access to stories that would inspire them to read, learn, and dream.
Through this program, we have continued Vicki’s mission by equipping over 250 classrooms with comprehensive, high-quality libraries, allowing countless students to discover the joy of reading. In partnership with The Stratford Board of Education, participating teachers receive carefully curated mentor texts bi-monthly, each one reinforcing essential values such as love, kindness, inclusion, and perseverance. These books not only support literacy development but also cultivate social-emotional learning, helping children build empathy and confidence.
Since its inception, Miss Soto’s Literacy Legacy has distributed over 30,000 books to students and teachers, ensuring that classrooms remain stocked with engaging and diverse reading materials. But our mission extends beyond simply providing books—it’s about fostering a culture of literacy that empowers both educators and students.
For the past four years, we have worked closely with the Stratford Board of Education to bridge the gaps in early literacy through grants for literacy-based initiatives, directly supporting teachers in their efforts to instill a love of reading in their students. These grants have funded essential classroom resources, literacy workshops, and interactive reading programs, all designed to create enriching learning environments where children can thrive.
With the unwavering support of our community and national donors, we have successfully collected thousands of new and gently used books for students from kindergarten through high school. Through organized book drives, we provide teachers across the state with the opportunity to select as many books as they need—at no cost. These book drives have been instrumental in ensuring that educators, particularly those in underserved communities, have the resources necessary to build and maintain vibrant, engaging classroom libraries.
The impact of these efforts is immeasurable. When children have access to books, their literacy skills improve, their curiosity expands, and their confidence as readers grows. Studies show that early exposure to books significantly enhances cognitive development, language skills, and academic performance. More importantly, books foster a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom, shaping lifelong readers who will carry the power of literacy into their futures.
The success of Miss Soto’s Literacy Legacy is a testament to the incredible generosity of those who continue to support this cause. Whether through donations, book drives, or volunteer efforts, every contribution plays a vital role in ensuring that Vicki’s legacy as an educator lives on. We remain deeply committed to this mission, and with your support, we will continue to provide students and teachers with the books, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through Miss Soto’s Literacy Legacy, Vicki’s passion for education continues to inspire and uplift future generations, proving that the power of a book—and a dedicated teacher—can truly change lives.
