Tis’ the Season! Giving Back to Our Community | Slant System
News & Updates

Tis’ the Season! Giving Back to Our Community

At Slant System™, our mission extends beyond empowering educators and students with the tools for effective literacy instruction. We believe in fostering a spirit of service and generosity that resonates throughout our community. Recently, our team came together with our families to embody this mission in a meaningful way—through supporting Blessings in a Backpack.

Packing Hope and Nourishment

On a crisp weekend morning in December, the Slant System™ team gathered to pack bags for Blessings in a Backpack, an organization dedicated to providing food for children who might otherwise go hungry over the weekends and over the long holiday breaks. With an assembly line of energy, care, and compassion, we packed bags filled with nutritious food to ensure that kids in need could start their week with full stomachs and hopeful hearts. This wasn’t just a company initiative—it was a family affair. Children, spouses, and even a few pets joined in, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.

Why Giving Back Matters

Serving the less fortunate is a cornerstone of who we are at Slant System™. Literacy opens doors to opportunity, but a child who is hungry cannot focus on learning. Our mission to improve education must also address the fundamental needs of the communities we serve. By taking these steps to give back, we are not only helping children but also reinforcing the values we strive to teach every day: compassion, collaboration, and commitment.

Our Executive Directors, Karla and Beth, having worked for 20+ years in neighborhood schools, saw firsthand how critical food resources are to families in need. Their experiences shaped their understanding of the challenges many children face and reinforced their dedication to initiatives like Blessings in a Backpack. Their leadership continues to inspire our efforts to serve and uplift our community.

The Impact of Service

This experience was deeply rewarding for everyone involved. Our staff members felt a renewed connection to the community, our families enjoyed the chance to serve together, and most importantly, children in need received the nourishment they deserve. It was a reminder that our mission isn’t just about words on a page but about tangible action that makes a difference.

As we move forward, we are committed to continuing this tradition of giving back. Together, we can ensure that our mission touches lives both inside and outside the classroom. We’re proud to serve not only through literacy instruction but also through initiatives that bring hope and help to those who need it most.

To learn more about Blessings in a Backpack or how you can join us in supporting our community, visit the website here: https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

May 18, 2026 in News & Updates, Science of Reading, Success Stories

While Reading Scores Fall, Slant System™ Students Are Making Gains

While Reading Scores Fall, Slant System™ Students Are Making Gains You’ve probably heard the news by now: reading scores are down across the country. A new national report from researchers…
Read More
May 7, 2026 in Success Stories

How One Teacher Helps Students With Dyslexia Find Their Voice

How One Teacher Helps Students With Dyslexia Find Their Voice By Beth Hatlen, in collaboration with Kandace Garrigus As educators, we live for the "lightbulb moments." But the reality is…
Read More
April 14, 2026 in Success Stories

The Breakthrough: How Structured Literacy Transformed Student Outcomes in Belvidere, IL

The Breakthrough: How Structured Literacy Transformed Student Outcomes in Belvidere, IL By Beth Hatlen, in collaboration with Michele Jacobs Over the past three years, Slant System™ has partnered with Belvidere…
Read More