Dear Sarah,
The phenomenal success of the Lead to Read KC program at Garfield is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers on a continual basis. Each week students and volunteers read to each other, but more importantly they developed a relationship centered around reading. The relationships had many effects on students and in the classroom.
Students were extremely excited to begin the reading program and selected their own books to read. As you know, I was extremely nervous on the first reading day about having so many people in one room. As I look back, that was silly. There is plenty of room! And now one of my favorite times of the week is when I can just stand back and look around at EVERY student actively engaged with a community volunteer in reading or conversing about reading!
It’s during those times that I just walk around and listen. Each time I am amazed. Just last week I listened to a young man who started the school year at a first grade level, yet he fluently read a third grade book and enjoyed it! As his reader was leaving, they set a goal for him. Our school is big on goal setting, we set goals daily. So the kids just assumed that they should set goals for their time with the readers and the volunteers just went with it, as I sit back and snicker just a little.
My students and I are extremely thankful for the gift of time, energy and enthusiastic support that our readers provide. It was a resounding successful year, but we couldn’t have done it without you! I would like to express my appreciation for all that you have done on the behalf of our students at Garfield.
Thank you,
Annette Rhinehart
Teacher, Garfield Elementary