A program aimed at ensuring at-risk Clinton youth have the opportunity to read over the summer continues to be more successful than organizers ever imagined.
"Read Across Clinton" is entering its third year of existence. Mary Diener, Principal of Clinton Elementary School, explains the program was the idea of Reading Specialists at CES. She says the initial goal was to provide a few books each summer to Clinton students that were identified as "at-risk."
According to Diener, "Read Across Clinton" has been so well-received that students enrolled in the program will now get to choose numerous books to take home for the summer. Several grants, as well as funding from the Clinton Community Education Foundation, has allowed the program to grow exponentially. Diener says giving these students a chance to read material they're interested in over the summer months has a major impact in their education.
Barbara Gullone, President of CCEF, says their group immediately saw the benefits of "Read Across Clinton." She notes they initially supported it via their teacher grants, however this year the Foundation has taken it on as a special project to increase community support.
Organizers of "Read Across Clinton" are always looking for new or gently used elementary level books to be distributed in the program. To make a donation, or learn more, contact Clinton Elementary School.
