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July 2025
469.817.9809 ReadingRanch.com
Pre-k - 6th Grade
Literacy & Tutorial Centers
Music Is the Universal Language Spotlight on Dr. Kim’s Son-in-Law, Jake Worthington
At Reading Ranch, we believe literacy goes beyond books. It’s about connecting, expressing, and celebrating all forms of language. That’s why we’re thrilled to shine a special spotlight on someone very close to our hearts: Dr. Kim’s son-in-law, Jake Worthington — a true country soul who married our middle daughter, Sophie, and is now part of our Reading Ranch family!
Their love story? A chance introduction through their neighbor, Roger Springer, a well- known Nashville songwriter. Their first date? Deer hunting — as country as it gets! The rest, as they say, is history … and music.
Jake is a rising star in the world of country music, blending classic Texas charm with heartfelt storytelling. A proud Texan through and through, Jake has made waves all the way to Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry, where he’s graced the stage with his traditional roots and unmistakable voice. His music reminds us that words matter, whether sung, spoken, or read.
Jake’s journey reminds us that music is a universal language that speaks to the soul just as a great story speaks to the mind. Whether your child is reading a book or tapping their foot to a melody, the power of language surrounds us and brings us together. Dr. Kim is especially proud of Jake, not just for his undeniable talent but for his relentless work ethic and determination. As someone who’s lived the grit it takes to build and sustain a thriving business through long hours, perseverance, and unshakable faith, she sees that same drive in Jake. Talent may open the door, but it’s hard work, heart, and a “thank God and keep going” mentality that truly lead to lasting success. Jake doesn’t quit, and that’s a powerful example for all young people: You build success on grit, passion, and perseverance. His songwriting reflects that mindset, rooted in faith, family, and a rhythm that resonates deeply. And yes, all great readers know rhyming matters. It’s the foundation of early literacy and the heartbeat of great music. Let’s cheer on Jake Worthington as he continues to make Texas and our Reading Ranch family proud! He’s currently touring with rising country star Zach Top, and man, what a duo! Their shows are packed with heart, harmony, and real country grit. Don’t miss them if they come to a town near you!
Jake signed with Big Loud Records, and you can find his music on Spotify and at JakeWorthingtonMusic.com . From honky- tonk hits to soulful ballads, Jake brings the heart of Texas to a national stage. Even more exciting is that Jake and Sophie (a genetic scientist in the pharmaceutical field, competitive barrel racer, and dedicated horse rescuer) welcomed their first baby in October!
Listen Now: JakeWorthingtonMusic.com or on Spotify Read More: Jake & Sophie’s Big News
—Dr. Kim Southwell
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📚 Reading Ranch Summer Enrichment Program: A Head Start for a Stronger School Year
By mid-August, our students don’t just walk into class — they stride in prepared, excited, and ahead of the game. There’s no guesswork, no last-minute catch-up — just real learning, real growth, and real results. While sunshine and popsicles are summer staples, it’s also the perfect season to spark a lifelong love of reading. At Reading Ranch, your child will enjoy a joyful, focused learning experience where every session is a step forward in their literacy journey.
As students in PreK–6th grade celebrate the sunny days off from school, their reading and writing progress doesn’t have to take a break! Summer is sweeter when little learners can swap screens for stories, build confidence with every chapter, and get a head start on their upcoming grade-level skills. Our Summer Enrichment Program is intentionally designed to “squish” key content from the next school year into fun, engaging summer sessions, giving students a powerful academic boost before school starts in late August. At Reading Ranch, we believe that summer is the perfect time to build momentum. Each session prepares students for the exact reading, writing, grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary concepts they’ll be learning in the fall. This helps students enter their new grade levels not only confident — but already familia r with the material they’re about to master. Instead of starting from scratch, they begin with a strong foundation that sets them apart from day one. Our interactive, screen-free program blends hands-on learning, guided reading, and face-to-face teaching, all in a supportive environment free from digital distractions. Here, children can focus, flourish, and even build lasting friendships. With our award-winning literacy program, your child won’t just keep up — they’ll leap ahead, avoiding the dreaded “summer slide” that can lead to a loss of up to three years of reading progress by the end of fifth grade.
📖 Learn more and register at ReadingRanch.com
B is for Breakthrough Spelling Tips That Stick
Is your child struggling with spelling, mixing up letters, or dreading weekly word tests? Spelling is one of the building blocks for reading and writing, and many little learners have difficulty properly putting letters together. The good news is that with the right support and a lot of practice, your child can master this skill and deepen their love of words! We’re sharing some tips to help you and your child get spelling down this summer! PLAYING WITH WORDS Practice is essential to help your child improve their spelling skills and gain more confidence in their abilities. You can use practice quizzes online or from your school to test what they know, focusing on reviewing the proper spelling of any words they get wrong. Visual aids like whiteboards or flashcards can keep spelling fun and engaging, and draw their attention to the correct placement of letters. Break words down into syllables to help them figure out how to sound them out and pick out specific letters. TALES THAT TEACH You can’t have a good book without spelling, and reading together is an excellent way to reinforce phonics patterns. Set aside time each week to
read together, whether that’s sitting side by side and pointing out each word as you speak it or having them read an age-appropriate book aloud to you. Encourage them to sound out words they might not know or spend extra time spelling out tricky words from the story. The more your child sees words, the better they will be at spelling, and the stronger their vocabulary will be! MORE THAN JUST TYPOS? Though many children struggle with spelling, your child may be showing signs of dyslexia, a disorder that affects reading and writing and makes spelling extra challenging. You can contact your school to see if your child is eligible for a dyslexia screening, an assessment that gets to the root cause of their spelling struggles. If your school does not offer the test or you face a long wait, the Reading Ranch offers diagnostic and assessment services. We can help turn word woes into spelling successes at the Reading Ranch! Contact us today to learn more about our programs and assessment services!
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Most people know Monopoly as the game that ruins friendships over Park Place. But during World War II, it played a far nobler role: helping Allied soldiers escape from German POW camps. The British Secret Service turned Monopoly into a top-secret escape kit. Smuggling noisy paper maps without tipping off the guards was too risky, so they used strong and silent silk. The British turned to John Waddington Ltd., the licensed Monopoly manufacturer in the UK, who also happened to be an expert in silk printing. When Monopoly Helped Win a War Allied Powers Outwitted the Enemy, One Game at a Time
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Inspired by CooktopCove.com
This recipe is quick, easy, and promises a restaurant- quality meal from your own kitchen. It’s perfect over pasta or a green salad. Impress guests or indulge yourself on a weeknight!
INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • Juice of 1 lemon
Along with silk maps, rigged Monopoly sets also held metal files, compasses, and real currency hidden beneath the play money. Thanks to the Red Cross, these “games” were slipped into POW camps as humanitarian aid packages. Over 35,000 POWs escaped German camps — many with the help of these Monopoly sets. So, next time you pass “Go,” just remember Monopoly once helped people pass barbed wire.
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
Are you ready to help your little learner grow a love of reading and writing? Visit ReadingRanch.com to learn more about how we make reading fun!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
6991 Pecan St, Suite 200, Frisco, TX 75034
469.817.9809
Pre-k - 6th Grade
Literacy & Tutorial Centers
ReadingRanch.com
Inside 1
A Country Music Heart in Our Reading Ranch Family
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Keep Your Child’s Skills Soaring Helping Little Learners Love Letters
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The Most Dangerous Game of Monopoly Ever Played Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
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Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
Trail-Ready
Savoring Nature Safely on a Biking Adventure
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest- growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. BE WEATHER-WARY Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion,
and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down.
is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet.
KNOW YOUR LEVEL Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and
DON’T GO ALONE Let someone know your
planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully
networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. GEAR UP Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration
charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks. By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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