EAST PALESTINE ELEMENTARY Wanted: volunteers to teach reading

Volunteers should have a willingness to help others and believe children learn in different ways.
EAST PALESTINE -- Some of East Palestine's youngest Bulldogs are finding reading to be a bit rough.
East Palestine Elementary will begin its OhioReads tutoring program in about two weeks, and volunteers are needed, said Principal Kathy Mamonis.
The district received a $2,000 stipend from Gov. Bob Taft's OhioReads initiative.
Mamonis said the program needs volunteers who are willing to spend one-hour sessions with pupils identified as at-risk for reading difficulties. The pupils need extra reading practice and one-on-one attention, she said.
Goals in mind: Schools Superintendent Jeff Richardson said East Palestine Reads is a partnership of the elementary school, community organizations, businesses and parents that tries to ensure that the district's elementary pupils are reading at their grade level.
"Today, more than ever, education is the key that opens the door to a lifetime of opportunity, but there is no single education challenge of greater urgency than the need to make sure every student knows how to read," Richardson said.
Volunteers should be willing to invest time and energy to help others, and believe that every child can learn, though each may learn at a different pace and in different ways, he said.
What's required: Volunteers will spend one hour per week during the school year, helping children with reading and encouraging them with positive feedback, Richardson said.
For more information or to volunteer, call Mamonis at the elementary school, (330) 426-3638.