Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Jan/Feb 2019 | Page 7

Read with U instills lifelong love of reading in students If you walked past Marshville Elementary on Sept. 28, chances are you probably heard the cheers and laughter of first graders. The students, along with dozens of volunteers, were kicking off the school’s Read with U program in what one first grader described as “the best way ever” – a Super Reader Hero celebration. “I am a super reader at Marshville Elementary,” the students cheered in unison, moments after being draped in superhero capes and matching masks by their reading buddies. With new books tucked under the arms, the first graders were whisked away by their volunteers to begin reading their books together. “Read with U is more than just about reading – it’s about the relationship and the reading. Having the desire to pick up a book and having a companion to read that book with ultimately expands our students’ options and makes them want to broaden their experiences,” said Marshville Elementary Principal Janna Licata. Launched in 2017, Read with U is a community-based initiative aimed at helping students develop a lifelong love of reading. The premise of the program is simple: community members are asked to spend 30 minutes each week reading with a first grade student at any school in the district. Only one year after its launch, more than 1,500 people have volunteered to serve as reading buddies, cumulatively logging countless hours to help students grow their literacy skills. It’s a small commitment that Licata said can yield sizeable and long-lasting gains in the young students. And, she added, could also be as rewarding for reading buddies as the students. Sitting at a table with her reading buddies Caleb Baucom and Dax Edwards, community volunteer Phyllis Baucom said she initially signed up to volunteer for the Read with U program at the urging of her grandson, Caleb. “I told him that I wanted to work with another student as well, so Dax joined us. We have such a good time and I just enjoy this so much,” she said, taking a break from reading a Pete the Cat book with Dax and Caleb. “I love to read – I go to the library every week – so that just makes it so fun to read with them. Just seeing them grow in their reading, and to see how excited they get to read to and with me, makes it all worthwhile.” The bond that she has already developed them are evident as she’s able to rattle off the boys’ favorite kinds of books as well as the reading strategies that she uses for each of them. Donning her own superhero cape as she walked through the cafeteria, Licata said a 30-minute-a-week commitment is a great opportunity for people to make a big impact and give back to their community. “This program – Read with U -- makes a child shine. They beam and light up because they know that someone is coming to read with them each week,” she said. “To be able to give a child a book, and sit and read that book with them, that’s what is instilling that lifelong desire to read.” Want to join the 1,500+ reading buddies across the district? It’s never too late to join #TeamUCPS as a Read with U volunteer this school year. THE SHOPPING EVENT OF THE SEASON NOV. 8–18 PREVIEW NIGHT NOV. 7 THE PARK EXPO & CONFERENCE CENTER SHOP WITH OVER 450 EXHIBITORS FOR UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST, ALL WHILE ENJOYING YULETIDE FOOD, MAGICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE! Here’s how to get started: • Visit the UCPS Volunteer Services webpage to complete a volunteer application. • Once your application is approved, contact the volunteer coordinator at your local elementary school to get started. • Read with your student for at least 30 minutes once per week during the school year. • While all schools need volunteers, please consider becoming a reading buddy at East, Benton Heights, Walter Bickett, Sardis, Marshville, Wingate, Rocky River or Rock Rest elementary schools. For more information, contact your school’s volunteer coordinator. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED — OR THE PRICE OF ADMISSION IS ON US. A FASHIONABLE CHRISTMAS: STROLL PAST WHIMSICAL CHRISTMAS WINDOWS FILLED WITH HOLIDAY TRIMMINGS TURNED INTO STYLISH DÉCOR PLUS A SOUTHERN CHIC ROCKEFELLER-INSPIRED TREE! BUY ONLINE & SAVE SouthernChristmasShow.com 7683 Charlotte Southern Christmas Show_4.95x5.08_HOLIDAY-PRINT-AD.indd 1 10/12/18 9:53 AM Parent Teacher Magazine • Nov/Dec 2018 • 5