Rotary Club of Andover enters third year of reading at local elementary schools
Some of the Rotary Readers at West Elementary School from left to right- Paul Salafia, Don Gottfried, Howard Perkins, Marie Stultz, Craig Saline, Joan Johnson, Ken Feyl and Pete Johnston
Once a month for thirty minutes West Elementary teachers in about 15 classes enjoy watching Rotarians use their creative reading skills. “ The Readers are terrific community role models to help us teach each class about respect, friendship, tolerance, inclusion, cooperation, empathy, courage and problem solving”, commented Liz Roos, West Principal.
The Rotary Club of Andover Readers started a program called Stop Teasing other People (STOP) in 2005 at Bancroft, then at Shawsheen Elementary School. The Andover Club purchased books as a part of a statewide effort to stop bullying by helping young people understand how best to cope with unfairness and to gain a better appreciation of their role in their community. That program has now been blended with a more comprehensive Andover Schools program called Open Circle, now at West Elementary School.
“ Let there be no doubt, these kids are curious, enthusiastic and quick learners when it comes to the lessons we try to convey in the group reading sessions. Rotarians need to constantly keep up with the energy and insights the students have when their hands go up to make a point or ask a question. It is fun and one of the best ways I know to go back to school!” comments Alan Michel, Rotary Club Readers Program leader.
People interested in the program can contact Liz Roos, West Elementary Principal, LRoos@aps1.net or Alan Michel, alanmichel@homeinc.org .