By rdnewsNOW staff

Moving Online

Reading College goes virtual next month

Jun 23, 2020 | 2:48 PM

A global pandemic won’t stop 50 students from having the best summer ever and improving their reading and writing skills along the way.

Officials with Red Deer Public Schools say Reading College is back for its ninth year in 2020, starting on July 6 in a virtual format.

The program of course is adapting its usual programming to fit the guidelines for teaching and learning, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the entire month, 50 Grade 2 students are anticipated to have the ‘best summer ever’ immersed in what is described as a literacy rich, virtual environment. They will attend Reading College virtually from their homes and will be supported by mentor teachers and Red Deer College education graduates to develop their literacy skills.

Students will work in groups of four which will include learning and engaging group activities daily, including work one on one between teachers and students, all in a virtual setting. There will also be group story time and fun activities each day allowing students to feel connected and further their excitement for learning.

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The ‘best summer ever’ will be capped off with a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate all of the students’ achievements on July 31.

“Third grade reading levels are one of the best predictors of high school graduation. Reading College helps struggling readers become readers of potential,” says Elvy Goring, Program Coordinator of Reading College, in a press release.

“Reading College is a fantastic program that inspires kids to read and write to ensure they are ready and excited to enter Grade 3,” adds Sue Carmichael, Coordinator of Reading College. “Even though we cannot hold Reading College in its normal format at Red Deer College, we are still working closely with them and we know our students this year will still reap the benefits of this fantastic program.”

Reading College is a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools and would not be possible without community support, including from the Central Alberta Optimist Clubs and Tim Hortons through its Smile Cookie Campaign.

“We believe Reading College is one of the best projects our club has undertaken in the City of Red Deer,” says Tom Chapman, charter member of the Central Alberta Optimist Clubs. “It really does a lot of great things for kids who really need the help.”

“The Foundation is doing such important work in our community that’s benefitting so many children,” exclaims Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer. “Reading College is an amazing opportunity for children at a pivotal moment in their educational careers where they are transitioning from learning to read as a skill to using that skill to enhance all of their future learning.”

(With file from Red Deer Public Schools)