Literacy efforts continue to grow through collaborative support with community members. In classrooms throughout SLPS, business and civic leaders read to students and participated in literacy events as part of the Celebrate Literacy Week.
“Parents, business leaders, neighbors, and mentors play a crucial role in helping children learn to read and foster the lifelong love of reading,” said Mandy Rowland, literacy curriculum specialist for the District. “Schools welcomed volunteers to support as participants in literacy night events, read-a-thons, vocabulary parades, and guest readers. Beyond Celebrate Literacy Week, we invite our volunteers to stay connected throughout the entire year. Working together as a community, we can have a greater impact on helping every student read at or above grade level.”
As an example of Literacy Week activities, students at White City Elementary (WCE) participated in a “Read-a-Thon,” and community members poured into classrooms for “Guest Reader Day.” Special guests included: Mayor Linda Hudson, Sheriff Ken Mascara, Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, Port St. Lucie Police officers, and Fire Department officials. Each read a heartwarming book about showing kindness entitled, Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? To foster the love of reading, staff members distributed “I Was Caught Reading” coupons along with special books and prizes. Throughout the week, staff and students alike always had a book close at hand awaiting the surprise announcement for — DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), and the culminating event occurred for all of WCE families with Literacy Night. Attendees enjoyed an evening that included two Readers Theater plays: The Three Little Pigs and 12 Angry Pigs.
To find out how you can volunteer or mentor in SLPS, visit www.stlucieschools.org and click on the Volunteer link.
