Each year, we try to recognize a special group or organization for our annual holiday dinner party. This Christmas, we wanted to invite the students, their families, and volunteer mentors from our first ever “Dive into Reading” Summer Reading Program. The program focused on improving the reading levels of rising 3rd graders and to prevent a concept called the “Summer Slide”, where students that stop learning over summer break have a hard time catching back up. You can read more about the details of the Dive Into Reading program here.
The program turned out to be a huge success for the children that participated. We wanted to show our thanks, and celebrate the success the students shown once they returned back to school in the fall. Data from the Manatee County School District showed that students who participated and complete the summer reading program had an increase in reading proficiency.
This special holiday dinner was a great and memorable time for all who joined us. It was a wonderful reunion of students and mentors, many of whom had not seen each other since June. The holiday party took place at Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Ellenton (where the program was held) with dinner, desserts, and a fitting surprise for the kids – BOOKS! The children picked from a variety of books to help motivate them to keep up the great work reading. After all, it isn’t the holiday season without a little gift giving!
If you’re interested in being a mentor for the 2018 “Dive into Reading” Summer Reading Program, click here.
