Operation School Bell committee members are each asked to become a School Coordinator with one of the campuses that we serve with our clothing assistance. Once a relationship is built between the school counselor and the AL School Coordinator., we are sometimes asked to assist with other needs that the school may identify. Our Reading Buddies Program was developed from that identified need. Members of our chapter were asked if they would like to assist with reading development skills at Houston Elementary in Conroe ISD and a short training was provided for our volunteers. We have been working with the students for two years, reading with them and improving skills throughout the school year.
A summer program was developed for Houston Elementary and we were again asked if we could help. Ten members have shared their afternoons with students for the Summer Library Program. We have read to the students, they have read to us, we have all practiced our Spanish, and have even done some arts and crafts projects.
As Pat Ledden, a chapter member volunteer stated, “I do not know who enjoyed this more, the students or me.”
At the end of Summer School, books will be donated from Assistance League for the children to each take a book home for their personal libraries.
The Reading Buddies have been a wonderful way to expand our literacy work within our Operation School Bell Program.
