Our schools have faced system-wide budget cuts, increased class sizes and reductions in staff, challenging teachers. Nationally, in response, United Way launched a 3-year initiative to recruit 1million volunteers to provide academic support to school kids in need. Locally, United Way’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is now recruiting citizens age 55 plus to be Reading Buddies. Both Centralia and Chehalis elementary schools need Reading Buddies to help struggling readers that need extra practice outside of regular reading times during school.
Studies show that if a child is not reading at grade level by 3rd grade when they reach the stage where they need to “read to learn”, it greatly impacts their ability to graduate on time. For one hour/week, YOU can help! United Way’s goal is to help schools instill the value of reading in the earliest grades, which will carry students through high school and beyond. Making a difference in the lives of our youth benefits the whole community.
Sign up today for the next Reading Buddy orientation on March 18, 10am at the United Way office to learn more about the program. For more information contact Jennifer Thompson at 360-943-2773 x 21 or jthompson@unitedway-thurston.org.