Letter: Thanking Volunteers Who Are Reading Champions

Volunteerism is alive and well in the Town of Greenwich! As the school year ends, it is time to thank those who dedicate their expertise to helping elementary students improve their reading skills and fluency. These are the school principals, reading specialists, site directors at BANC and the Boys and Girls Club, and all the tutors who participate in the town-wide program known as Reading Champions.

The Reading Champions program began as a pilot in 2008. Because of the positive response by teachers, reading specialists, students and volunteer tutors, and because of the reading improvements demonstrated by the participants, the program has grown by leaps and bounds.

Today Reading Champions is at eleven sites, has over 100 volunteer reading tutors and serves over 400 children. Each week tutors visit selected students and they read together, addressing fluency, word identification and reading comprehension. The volunteer also works to help the child gain an enjoyment and love of reading. The improvements made by the children from October to June are quite rewarding. The students really enjoy the program, as evidenced by their smiling faces at graduation!  

Reading Champions is always happy to welcome more volunteers into our program. If you have one hour a week to dedicate, and if you love helping children, please join us! Applications can be obtained via the United Way website:  www.Unitedway-greenwich.org

Theresa Stanton

Reading Champions Steering Committee