Quakertown Rotary Promotes Summer Literacy


The Quakertown Rotary Club made youth literacy a focus this summer. The club partnered with Quakertown Elementary School (QE) and the Quakertown Branch of the Bucks County Free Library for a “Summer SLAM Reading Program.” QE is one of five elementary schools in the school district and Principal Dr. Michael Zackon is also a Quakertown Rotary Member.

 
Club member Bob Roth, aided by his wife Carol, reads to QE students

Starting in early July with incoming first graders, Rotarians read Andy and Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure to students, ending in August with fifth grade students. The book chosen was obtained via Rotary and has the theme of the Four-Way Test. At the end of the session, each child received a swag-bag emblazoned with the QE and Rotary logos. Each bag contained QE sunglasses, a Four-Way Test bookmark, a snack, and, most importantly, three grade level appropriate books. QE teachers were also present for the event, and students were able to meet their 2019-20 teachers.  Additionally, the Quakertown Library promoted upcoming summer and fall literacy programs and set up a library card drive so all students and parents were easily able to obtain a library card.  

The program was held at the Quakertown Library and students and their parents were told about the programs available at the library and were encouraged to sign up for library cards.

Over the course of the five-week program, over 120 students and their parents participated, over 25% of the school. The program was so successful that the district administration is looking to expand it to all five elementary schools next summer.

 

“The goal of QE Summer SLAM was to further connect QE students with the Quakertown Library and remind them about the importance of literacy; which is fundamental to all learning.  This fabulous program could not have been completed without the partnership of our Quakertown Rotary Club,” QE Principal Dr. Zackon said.