As a child in the former Yugoslavia, Violeta Magee admits that she was not much of a reader but when she moved to the United States reading became a way to improve her communications. “This is when I started reading A LOT, once I began to learn the English language. Reading and being read to is what helped me speak, write, and spell in English,” explains Magee.
Magee can relate to her Spanish speaking student at Benjamin Banneker Elementary in KCK, because she was placed in an ELL (English Language Learner) class when she was 11 years old. “I remember sounding out the words and my brain would memorize how they were spelled but I had no idea what I was reading and what it meant – until it all just clicked in one day!”
Her childhood experience has made her a very empathetic and patient Reading Mentor. “I sound the word out at the same time I point to the word so my student can hear it and see how it is spelled like, and then I have him repeat it. I understand that he does not know what the meaning is yet but he will eventually.”
Beyond her role as a Major in the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, Magee has a passion for education and community engagement. “I’ve always had an interest in empowering and helping children learn. Lead to Read KC has such a positive impact on the students lives where it changes their trajectory, not only educationally but also in terms of self-esteem and productivity.”
“Violeta is a shining star at the KCK police department who always goes above and beyond!” says Radell Oakman, Site Coordinator at Banneker Elementary. “When I talked to her about becoming a mentor for Lead to Read and told her that we needed more mentors at Banneker she jumped right in to recruit her officers. Her background and experience makes her a valuable asset to the program.”
Magee tells her coworkers and friends they should volunteer too. “It is very rewarding because children’s minds are so powerful and it is a joy to be around them. Come out and try it just once and you’ll see why!! Lead to Read is the future for the next generation.”
Inspired by Violeta’s dedication? Be a donor, volunteer at one of the new schools where we need mentors, or help advocate for literacy. Go to leadtoreadkc.org/ to get started.