Wednesday, August 29, 2001
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Wednesday, August 29, 2001 |
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Students get help with reading Eighteen new reading mentors will join Peachtree City Elementary School's volunteer program this fall. The new recruits recently completed a half day training session at the school, learning about techniques to help teach and get students enthusiastic about reading. The volunteers, from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, are part of a joint program between the school and the church to provide mentors to students who need extra help. "This is a dream, a vision that we are in the process of making," Principal Lynda Lambeth told the volunteers recently. "We started talking earlier in the year about getting the community involved in the school and we think this partnership is a great start," she said. Lambeth and assistant Principal Bonnie Hancock met with Tom Hamall of Holy Trinity last year to get the program started. She said the school's goal for next year is to have one volunteer assigned to every classroom. The reading mentor program is funded through a grant, and the volunteers' training program is conducted by Donna Worcester, coordinator of the Mentor and Literacy Program. Worcester was once a reading mentor herself. "Students love special attention," said Worcester. "They feel that someone really cares about them and that really helps our youngsters," she added. "It is a joy to come here every week and spend time with the children," said Hamall, who received a certificate of appreciation for helping start the program. Jean Hess, a new recruit and grandmother of triplets, said she is eager to get started. "I find it interesting to work with children. I guess it is just the grandmother in me," she said. For information on the program or on literacy programs at other schools, phone Worcester at 770-460-3990, extension 137.
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