Colt Elementary volunteers share love of reading
Volunteer Donna Heffington reads to a second-grader at Colt Elementary, which she says is a 'bright spot in her day.'
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
When it comes to making a difference in children’s lives, it's often the little things that can help the most.
Colt Elementary administrators are seeking volunteers to read with students as part of the REACH (Reading Excellence and Community Help) program.
“We’re always looking for ways to involve our community, and we want folks to be part of our literacy push, which this year is kindergarten, first and second grades,” said Phyllis Campbell, Colt Elementary assistant principal.
The district is immersed in a 3-year literacy program, divided into grade levels.
“We know reading is the key to education in all other areas,” Campbell said.
The REACH program is “another way to give students needing a little extra support more practice,” she explained. “Just like in sports, it takes practice to become better. We want to provide as many chances as we can for children to read and discuss their thinking; it affects their success and growth.”
During each visit to the school, most volunteers read with 3 or 4 children in 15-minute sessions.
For the full story, see The Highlander, Friday, Jan. 22.
