69 students immerse themselves in literacy this July with Reading College program

Jul 4, 2023 | 2:03 PM

Reading College is back this year to help 69 Grade 2 students from across the Red Deer Public Schools District (RDPSD) improve their reading and writing skills, while having summer fun along the way.

The program takes place during the month of July at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre (120 College Cir.) at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).

RDPSD says Reading College students will be immersed in a literacy rich environment, while being supported by mentor teachers as well as recent graduate teachers of RDP. Students will also get to enjoy fun activities each day throughout the post secondary institution to further enhance their excitement about reading and writing and introduce them to possibilities for their future.

“Third grade reading levels are one of the best predictors of high school graduation. Reading College helps struggling readers become readers of potential,” said Sue Carmichael, Program Coordinator of Reading College. “Reading College is a fantastic program that inspires kids to read and write to ensure they are ready and excited to enter Grade 3.”

The students gathered for their first day on Monday, July 3, also known as “Green Shirt Day”, for a group photo in their new Reading College t-shirts.

Cleaning roadways

City of Red Deer to begin street sweeping on Sunday

Apr 10, 2026

mixed bag

Unemployment rate both up and down for Red Deer in March 2026

Apr 10, 2026

March 2026 Incident

Trial date set for Red Deer man charged in downtown assaults

Apr 10, 2026

“Even with summer holidays just starting, kids and parents were excited when they got on the bus yesterday morning to start Reading College. In 20 days, we will see significant improvement using approaches that have demonstrated real success. Students will be working hard at reading and writing, but also playing hard with lots of great literacy-based activities around RDP,” said Kristine Plastow, Chair of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “All the programs the Foundation supports creates life chances for students. Reading College gives these students foundational skills that will help them be more successful in school.”

In its 12th year, Reading College is a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. RDPSD says the program would not be possible without financial support from many community partners, including from the Central Alberta Optimist Clubs and Tim Hortons through their Smile Cookie Campaign.

READ: Reading College attracts 66 Grade 2s for 11th year

Graduation ceremonies for Reading College students will take place on July 28 at 11 a.m. in the RDP main gymnasium.

For more information regarding Reading College, click here.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

69 students immerse themselves in literacy this July with Reading College program

What's Trending