By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A program that works to bolster second grade students’ literacy and foster a love of reading kicked off its 21st year on Tuesday at Gregory Elementary School.
Rockford Rotary President Kathy Kwiat-Hess read “We Are In a Book” by Mo Willems to students in the school library and then asked them about other books they’ve read and enjoyed. Hands shot up from the students, many who told Kwiat-Hess about other books they’ve read from the same author.
Rockford Reads was initiated by the Rockford Rotary in 2001 in partnership with the Rockford Public Library and Rockford Public Schools. The program brings community volunteers and students together for one-on-one reading aloud and listening to each other.
“It’s a way to both help a little bit with the academic side of things, as well as potentially build some real relationships with students,” Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Ehren Jarrett said. “It’s powerful in that sense.”
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Jarrett said he hopes Rotary’s efforts encourage other organizations to help, too. He said extending education opportunities outside the school day will pay dividends for young learners.
“I also hope it leads to an emphasis on extending the day with children, finding community organizations that are outside of the school day to find ways to connect with students,” he said. “There’s only so much we’re going to collectively do as a community during 174 days, 7 hours.”
More than 3,000 students have benefited from the program since its inception, according to Rockford Reads.
Community volunteers read with students through the end of May. You can volunteer to start anytime.
Volunteer | Rockford Reads
For more on Rockford Reads or how to volunteer, visit the Rockford Rotary website here.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.