The Norman Sooner Rotary club worked with two Norman Public Schools this year to boost reading interest and proficiency for local 3rd graders. Thirty students at Adams Elementary and another thirty students at Reagan Elementary participated.


Volunteers from Sooner Rotary provided their time and reading materials, while the Reading Specialists at each school identified students that could benefit from the program. The books were purchased using a generous grant from Rotary District #5770.  The grant provided each student participant with seven “forever” books. These books were read at school with the volunteers, and then given to the students for them to take home and share with family and friends.

 

Sooner Rotary purchased reading materials through Scholastic Corporation.  Scholastic has a literary initiative designed for young readers. The third grade program is a mentoring partnership to urge young students to Read, Excel, Achieve, Lead (REAL). Volunteers from the Sooner Rotary conducted the program twice per month from October 2015 - March 2016.

 

Gretchen Slate the Reading Specialist at Adams spoke of the project’s impact. “The third graders have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Rotary Book Club.  The enthusiasm that the students gained and showed for reading was amazing.  The students couldn't wait until our next book club meeting to see what new book they were going to receive.  So many students don't have a home library to enjoy so this was a wonderful experience for students to be able to start that essential tool.  Students loved having Mr. O'Hare and the other Rotary volunteers visit and discuss literature with them.  It is always nice to see community members in our school.  It reminds not only the teachers, but the students as well, that people care about them and want to see them achieve.  I can only hope that this is a new tradition for Adams All-Stars!”

 

The Sooner Rotary volunteers for this program were: Polly Christian, Denise Kueny, Fred Benenati, Dave Mason, Ryan Veirs, Lucinda Francis, Jeanine Baker, Glenda Thomas, Harry Smith, Marles Bradley,  Mary Sallee, Michelle Hohlier, Sandra Longcrier, and Jack & Sue O’Hare.