Rotary Recognizes Readers

 
by Lorine Parks
 
The more you READ
The more things you will KNOW
The more you LEARN
The more places you will GO
GOOD JOB, READERS!
Downey Rotary is Proud of You!
 
Today at one of our favorite programs, Rotary Rewards Readers took center stage.   Not only the very most improved readers from each K-5 School came as our guests, but the Downey Unified School System thinks so much of these readers, that they sent their principals too, to read their special citations.
 
Our own Dr. John Garcia, Superintendant of Education, was on hand to introduce each school’s most improved reader, and pose with each reader and principal for a special picture beside the above sign, which was made for the occasion by Patricia Megallon and stood on a large easel up front.
 
Each child was given a bright Dr. Seuss goodie bag, which held a ruler, a notebook, some gummy candies, and was still big enough for their personal certificate too.  Plus, a gift card at Target.
 
 
The children were so pleased to be with us, and their principals so proud, that the excitement carried over into the audience.   The first recognition went to   Cynthia Rayo from Alameda School, the tiniest of the best, a first grader in tee shirt, boots and bright turquoise jeans.  Cynthia had brought up her reading by one and one half grades, so far this year.  She consistently attends after-school tutoring, and is able to formulate responses during discussion that prove her depth of understanding.  She comes to school early with a smile on her face.  Small though she is, her principal Charlene Shimada said, “She speaks with a soft voice, but reads in a loud confident ROAR!”
 
Lialexie Kartchner from Carpenter reads “with quality in mind.” She uses reading strategies such as making connections and asking questions about the text, and works well with her classmates, says Mercedes Gomez, her principal. Jake Garcia from Gallatin has moved up 7 levels this year, and always smiles when he reads.  Because of his improvement in reading, he is also improving in other subjects and has become more confident. “Jake has developed into a leader,” says principal Stephanie Blanco.
 
Edgar Esponoza came to the United States three years ago and had to learn English as well as how to read.  He now looks for adventure books and science fiction.  Enthusiastic to read and share what he has learned with others, “Edgar demonstrates Gauldin’s motto beautifully: Fearless Learning, Every Day, Every Way,” says principle Dolores Goble.
 
Kayleen Gomez is a third grader who has moved up 5 levels in one year, and is now reading at grade level.  She too, fits the profile of the happy achiever: she arrives each day with a smile.   Kayleen has been a role model for her entire third grade class.  When struggling students see her enjoying a book, they are inspired to keep on reading, says Imperial principal Karen Trejo.
 
Erika Artega, with thick braids and pretty blue glasses, came to the United States from El Salvador in the middle of the year, not knowing any English.  She has improved 14 reading levels in a little over a year!  She is an active participant in class, says her Lewis principal Robin Martin.
 
Javier Gracida from Old River School is dedicated to self-set goals of improvement. He understands the importance of being career and college ready, and is an active participant in weekly book talks.   Due to his determination and hard work, Javier has moved up 3 reading levels so far this year, said his principal Jennifer Robbins.  And Derek Castillo, who was new to Price in October, had moved up 3 levels, and was just named Student of the Month.  “Price Panthers are proud of you,” said principal Mary Weyers “for   your hard work and good attitude.”
 
At Rio Hondo Aaron Soto, who looks a little like Huck Finn with a shock of blond hair and a smattering of freckles, has started to write a book, a fantasy mystery.  He wants to be a published author.  He is a happy, bright and energetic student.
 
Jose Calderon was chosen to be the Rotary Reader from Rio San Gabriel because he has jumped several levels in comprehension and speed, after a “year of marvelous effort,” his principal Lynn Ebora tells us.  He has improved in fluency and comprehension.
 
Jesus Ruiz-Maravilla from Unsworth gets to school early, consistently returns all his homework and has made tremendous growth both personally and   academically over the last two years.  Jesus is a “big buddy” to a kindergarten student, and meets with him weekly to read to him and be a positive role model for him, said his principal, Kelley-Rush-Becker, and he has consistently improved.  That word, consistency, plus perseverance, was used for many of these boys and girls.
 
Noah Gutierrez was recognized because although his goal this year was to improve one or two levels, he worked so hard daily and had such great perseverance, that he went up 5 levels.  Allison Box and the Ward Wildcats are proud of him. 
 
And Genesis Rocha , in lavender cords, a tee shirt and a purple sweatshirt tied around her waist, has achieved 7 levels. “She never gives up,” even though reading is hard for her, said her principal, Teresa Medina.
 
 
Dr. John thanked Downey Rotary for having the Rotary Recognizes Readers Program.  He congratulated the teachers for their part, and the students for their work.  These children are happy because they have learned to read well, and they are allowed to become bright because they are happy.  One leads to the other.