The Guilford County Council of PTAs has partnered with Guilford Education Alliance and Guilford County Schools to create district-wide Community Reader Days.
The council hopes to build on the success of efforts at schools such as Lindley and Jesse Wharton elementaries.
“It’s been a really effective way to bring volunteers into our school, and the reaction from volunteer readers is always so positive,” said Mary Herbenick, the advocacy chairperson for the Guilford County Council of PTAs. Herbenick’s daughters attend Lindley.
“Many readers say it’s the best thing they’ve done all day, all week or even all month,” Herbenick said.
At least 13 elementary schools will participate in April and May.
“Students love when adults visit the classroom and read to them,” Herbenick said. “It’s one more way to emphasize how important reading is and encourages students to read more.”
Irving Park principal Cynthia McKee said Community Reader Day was a tremendous success. She hopes that her school will hold such days at least twice a year and that it encourages more volunteers to help.
“This program has brought us a few permanent readers wanting to come by monthly and read to classes,” she said. “It has brought community relationships to our building and awareness that children need to hear books being read to them no matter how old they are.”
“Our goal is to connect people with the good things that are happening within Guilford County Schools and to build a small army of advocates for the students and families our school system serves,” Herbenick said. “If our community truly believes that educating students and building a strong local economy are priorities, we need to get serious and fund public education properly.”
