Literacy has the power to transform your future.
According to a recent study by Amplify, a publisher of next-generation curriculum and assessment programs, current reading data shows that K–5 students are recovering from the loss of literacy instruction caused by COVID-19. However, it also shows that students in elementary grade levels are more at risk of not learning to read than there were before the pandemic.
Literacy starts at birth and each of us can play a role in sharing the power of reading with children in our homes and in the community. Hempstead High School students are leading a new initiative to share the power of reading with our youngest learners.
Hempstead High School Librarian, Kristie Toliver, decided to create an organization on her campus to share the impact of literacy.
Toliver has always loved the idea of a book club on campus so she asked some of her frequent library guests and avid readers if they would like to be reading mentors for students across the district.
“The students' response was overwhelming,” Toliver said. “They were full of gratitude and excitement about becoming mentors.”
The book club name was voted on and the Bobcat Bookaneers was born.
Eleven Hempstead High School students will travel every Tuesday and Thursday to read to students at Hempstead Early Childhood Center, Hempstead Elementary School, and Hempstead Middle School.
The goal is to Reach One, Teach One in reading skills. The younger students will benefit from having a reading buddy to practice their reading and comprehension skills.
“My hope is that the Bobcat mentors learn and experience assisting the younger readers so that they can excel in reading skills.”
The Bobcat Bookaneers will have an opportunity to be active role models for both the younger students and their peers.
Toliver hopes to continue growing the Book Club so that more students across the district can have a reading buddy.
In addition to the work the Bobcat Bookaneers Book Club is doing, there are many more opportunities for children in the Hempstead community to strengthen their reading skills.
This fall Hempstead ISD began a new literacy initiative through a program called Hempstead Reads presented by Footsteps2Brillance. Through this initiative, Hempstead ISD provides access to the Footsteps2Brilliance bilingual learning program for all birth through graduation children and their families in Hempstead, TX. The system is accessible 24/7 from smartphones, tablets, and computers that families already own — with or without Internet access. Anyone residing in Hempstead can download these programs for free at www.myf2b.com/register/hempsteadisd.