Reading Volunteers Needed
A new reading program supporting early literacy is coming to Van Horn Elementary School thanks to a Read Big Bend grant from the Permian Basin Area Foundation. The grant will go toward new books, materials, and program support for “Read Van Horn, Eagle Style,” and volunteers are needed to read aloud to small groups of students each week.
Read Van Horn begins February 19. Volunteers will spend thirty minutes reading aloud to students in PreKindergarten through second grade, on a day and time that fits their schedule. Read Van Horn hopes to inspire a love of books, share reading as a fun activity, and motivate young students to want to learn to read themselves.
Elementary Principal Charles Gonzalez is working with his elementary teachers, library staff, and Read Big Bend to bring the program to Van Horn. “Reading is a key factor to any successful education venture or professional career,” said Gonzalez. While the pilot program will begin by focusing on the youngest students, the school will consider adding more grades in the future.
A volunteer meeting will be held on Thursday, February 7 at 5:30 pm at the Van Horn Public Library meeting room. To become a volunteer, or for more information, email [email protected].
Read Big Bend is a growing network of reading programs in far West Texas, supported by the Permian Basin Area Foundation. Read Big Bend programs invite adults to share their love of books by reading aloud to a small group of students at their local school each week. Participating area districts currently include Fort Davis, Marathon, Marfa, and Van Horn Schools. For more information about Read Big Bend, contact Ann Marie Nafziger, Program Director, [email protected].
