SBCSS News and Press Releases

Grant Elementary In Colton Kicks Off Its Reading Buddies Program

2009-08-26

COLTON - The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the Colton Joint Unified School District and the Colton Chamber of Commerce, will kick off Reading Buddies at Grant Elementary on Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m. The volunteer reading program calls on business, civic, community and education leaders to commit to reading to students once a month in a classroom environment.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Gary Thomas and Grant Principal Kathy Jackson will lead the kickoff event. "The foundation of a good education is the ability to read. It is vital we develop good reading skills in all our students so that they are able to achieve academically and become life-long learners," Thomas said.

The public-private partnership, supported by local chambers, service organizations and other businesses, has been created and expanded countywide to include East Valley, West End and High Desert school districts, including Central, Colton, Chino Valley, Etiwanda, Ontario-Montclair, Rialto, San Bernardino City and Victor Elementary.

"The Reading Buddies volunteer program is valuable in that it brings volunteers together to promote literacy and emphasize the importance of reading," Principal Jackson said. "At Grant Elementary, reading is a high priority and this volunteer effort will provide a great opportunity for our kids."

The Grant Elementary program will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with a reception and classroom reading. Future Reading Buddies dates for the school are: Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3 and April 7, which culminates with a finale celebration. All reading events begin at 8:30 a.m.

The school is located at 550 W. Olive St. in Colton. Business or community members who would like to join the voluntary reading program should contact Sandra Soares at Grant Elementary at (909) 876-4126 or Linda Miranda with the County Schools' office at (909) 476-2214.