For the fourth year in a row, Kendall Cares was honored to return to Crooked River Elementary in Prineville for the 2026 Kendall Reading Program with Mrs. Robirts’ 1st grade class. Over the course of eight weeks, students participated in a special reading and writing journey centered around creativity, confidence, and a very special classroom visitor—Kendall the Golden Retriever.

Each Friday, Kendall visited the classroom to listen as students read the stories they had written throughout the week. From imaginative adventures, including what could go wrong if you wish upon a star or what you could do with superpowers, the class shared their work aloud with Kendall by their side, building both literacy skills and confidence with every page.

On the first day of the program, each student received their own Kendall Reading Buddy: a plush Golden Retriever to keep them company while Kendall wasn’t in the classroom. Throughout the program, students earned special accessories for their reading buddies by completing their weekly reading and writing goals. Their puppies were outfitted over time with collars, bowls, t-shirts, superhero capes (because they are Super Readers!), and more. Watching each Kendall Reading Buddy grow alongside the students’ progress became one of the most fun and meaningful parts of the program.

One especially memorable week included the book Poof Find Floof by Slumberkins, which students read with Kendall in class before bringing home to share with their families and siblings.

By the end of the eight weeks, the growth in Mrs. Robirts’ class was incredible. We saw tremendous improvement in reading fluency, writing, handwriting, and storytelling detail. Most of all, we watched students become more confident in expressing themselves and excited to share their ideas.

To celebrate the final day, the class gathered for an ice cream party and one last visit with Kendall. She also brought each student a special goodbye gift: two plush hearts. Each child received one heart, while Kendall “kept” the other, a reminder that even though her classroom visits have ended, they’ll always be connected heart to heart.

This year’s 1st grade class was exceptionally creative, thoughtful, and bright, and it was a joy for the Kendall Cares team to be a part of their progress over the eight weeks. Kendall Auto Group is grateful to Mrs. Robirts and Crooked River Elementary for welcoming this program into their classroom for the fourth year, and we look forward to continuing this special tradition for years to come!