Albuquerque Reads is celebrating the end of the school year with its kindergarten and first-grade students. The event aims to not only recognize the students' reading accomplishments but also express gratitude to its volunteer tutors.
End-of-year celebrations will be held at each participating elementary school. Each student will receive a tote bag filled with books to encourage continued reading over the summer. The Chamber is reaching out to businesses interested in contributing to these tote bags. Items requested include coupons for family-friendly restaurants, school and crafting supplies, and tote bags to hold these contributions.
To learn more about supporting the initiative, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Program Director Kayla Nelson via email at [email protected] or by phone at (505) 843-7323.
Albuquerque Reads emphasizes the importance of literacy skills for children. According to research, students who cannot read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Despite pandemic-related challenges widening the achievement gap, Albuquerque Reads students have shown significant improvements in literacy skills throughout the school year.
The program, in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools, has been bringing volunteer tutors into Title I schools for over two decades. Tutors dedicate 90 minutes weekly to work individually with students, supporting their reading and writing skills. Additionally, each child receives at least 20 books annually to further promote learning at home with their families.
