Picture Book Read Aloud Project

By LeAnn Askins

Local business and professional leaders are teaching students at the Raider Open Door Academy the importance of literacy as part of a Picture Book Read Aloud project in which local Rotary Club members are mentoring to students at the charter school in the Nettleton district.

Eugene Wing, president of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro, said literacy is important and is one of Rotary Club International's major service programs.

Wing said club members liked the idea of being able to visit with the students and expose them to literacy.

"This is just an opportunity for our Rotarians to go out and share with these students," he explained.

Wing said the students get to visit with local residents who have varying professions and differing backgrounds.

Rotarian John Sawyer, who served as superintendent of the Nettleton district from 1990 to 2000, said he was happy to participate in the program after serving as a guest reader Wednesday morning at the charter school.

"I'm very pleased that this program has reached the success that it has," he said of RODA.

The charter school is designed for students in grades 5-8 who have fallen behind in school, in particular reading and math, for a variety of reasons.

Students return to regular classes in the 9th grade.

Sawyer said the Rotary program provides students with extra opportunities to learn from area residents, which can make a difference in the lives of the students attending the school.

Part of the program includes the donation of the book in which each Rotarian reads.

Sawyer read "My Teacher Likes to Say," a book full of common expressions and sayings.

The Rotarian asked students what each phrase meant and to explain and give examples of the sayings.

"An apple doesn't fall too far from the tree," "ants in your pants" and "two heads are better than one" were among the popular expressions explored.

Melinda Smith, teacher at RODA, organized the reading program as well as the Lunch Buddy Program, in which Rotarians have lunch with the students.

She said both projects have been under way for about a month and she has received positive feedback from both students and Rotarians.

The teacher remarked that it is important for the students to be exposed to individuals who value reading.

"The other need that seemed important was to expose the students to diverse community leaders that will dedicate time out of their day to show the importance of these young lives," she noted.

"It's just so nice for them to have a fresh voice and a fresh face," said Nicole Covey, master teacher.

She explained that the projects have opened up a lot more opportunities for the students, including invitations to other events.