Will You Help the Rockford Reads Project?

If you're like me, and of course, I am, then you loved the times you spent reading to your kids. My kids are now 21 and 17 years old, and I really have to strong-arm them into sitting through my readings of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," or "The Berenstain Bears Go To The Moon."

Well, there's good news for people like me, and anyone else who loves to share the joy of reading with a child. It's called Rockford Reads, and they're looking for someone exactly like you.

We talked with our old friend Bob Presman this morning, and he filled us in on the details of Rockford Reads. Rather than giving you a full transcript of the interview, here are the pertinent details:

Rockford Reads

Rockford Reads is a literacy project co-sponsored by Rockford Rotary, Rockford Public Schools and Rockford Public Library.

The Rockford Reads project will enhance the literacy development of second grade students in more than 30 elementary schools.

The direct benefit to the children will be increased exposure to print and book language through adults reading aloud and listening to the children read a book.

Community volunteers give as little as one hour per week to read one-on-one with students at an elementary school of their choice. Since inception, over 2,000 young people have benefited from the program.
The Volunteer process for Rockford Reads is:
1. Contact Marsha Sisney, Parent & Community Empowerment Supervisor, Rockford Public School District 205, (815) 966-3271 or send an email to: sisneym@rps205.com.

2. The required volunteer information and background check forms will be mailed to you. Simply fill out and return them to the Parent and Community Empowerment Department 501 7th Street Rockford, IL. 61104.

3. You will be contacted with an assignment and a starting date.