State Superintendent launches Give 5 Read 5 Campaign for 2014
A word from June Atkinson: “There is no question that literacy skills serve as the foundation for student learning at every grade level and every course. Students with strong reading skills are more likely to remain in school and graduate prepared for higher education and the workplace. We also know that children who do not read over the summer fall 2 ½ to 3 months behind their peers in literacy skills. Children who do not have access to books or adults who can read to them are especially susceptible to summer loss. As a result, by the end of fifth grade, many of these students are approximately 2 ½ years behind their more affluent peers in terms of reading ability.”
This is a fabulous opportunity for our congregations to connect with your local school and is an activity of love and concern where all members of your congregation can be involved.
So, please begin a book drive for new and gently used books that are appropriate for elementary school children. Connect with your local school and let them know you wish to support them in this way. And then, give 5 books for a child who otherwise will have no books through the summer. This is an act of love that strongly proclaims, WE CARE!
As Dr. Atkinson reminds us, “Literacy skills serve as the foundation for student learning at every grade level and every course. Students with strong reading skills are more likely to remain in school and graduate prepared for higher education and the workplace. It is hard to believe, but a simple donation of books to your local elementary school could go a long way in helping students to be better prepared for the future. I encourage you to contact your local school district’s public information officer or your local elementary school principal to find out how to make your book donation today.”
There are a number of resources available online at Public Schools Give 5 Read 5 to encourage others to GIVE FIVE books today to help students READ FIVE this summer so they can be more successful in the new school year.
Please also see: Congregations for Children Stories