Reading College helping struggling readers turn the page on their literacy skills
An annual program aimed at improving the literacy skills of local Grade 2 students struggling to read is off to a strong start this month.
Red Deer Public School’s Reading College is held each July and this year is supporting 63 Grade 2 students in a literacy-rich environment where students can get excited about reading and writing outside their normal school setting.
Bruce Buruma, Executive Director, Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools says it’s a 20-day program held at Red Deer College at no cost to the district, with transportation and food for the students provided through the funding support of numerous community partners.
“The Optimist Clubs of Red Deer have been huge supporters of the program from the beginning,” states Buruma. “Tim Hortons with the Smile Cookie campaign, that’s where the proceeds are going. We have individuals who have established endowment funds because of this, Prairie Bus Lines, Chartwell Food, they’re providing the food and the transportation for this program, so it is truly a community effort.”