The Wilton Education Foundation (WEF) just wrapped up the 4th year of Reading Rocks!, notching the program’s most successful year ever encouraging children in grades preK-5 to read while raising money for Wilton schools. The program netted a record $45,000 for WEF, which in turn benefits the Wilton public schools.
Breaking another record, more than 1,200 students participated in the program this year, thanks to a strong show of support from students, teachers and parents as well.
Donna Savage, whose daughter Ella attends Cider Mill School, says she looks forward to the program kicking off each year.
“The program provides valuable incentives to encourage kids to enjoy their reading. Dressing like a Rock Star to school, having the chance at a Kindle Fire, and asking friends and family to pledge during the two week program helps hold the kids accountable and keep them excited,” she says.
It’s something that Dr. Kevin Smith, superintendent of Wilton Public Schools, is supportive of as well. He actually learned about the program as superintendent of Bethel, which adopted Reading Rocks! after seeing the success it had in Wilton.
“Reading Rocks! generates enthusiasm and motivates young children to read and provides critical support to our school community by fostering a deep love of reading. We are grateful to WEF for organizing the event and supporting our school children in such a critical way,” Smith adds.
Smith, pictured above (right) with Cider Mill principal Dr. Jennifer Mitchell (left), and some third graders, even took part in “Dress Like a Rock Star Day,” saying he was happy to play along with the spirit of the occasion and to help reward the students’ participation.
The program was sponsored and made possible by the Stroup family, Wilton residents and longtime supporters of the schools.
“It is our privilege to sponsor Reading Rocks! as we passionately believe that reading, writing and speaking well are crucial life skills. It is also valuable to instill the importance to giving back to the community at a young age,” said Chris Stroup, who is also a member of the Wilton Board of Education.
According to the program’s co-chairs, Julie Steckel and Rebecca LePage, much of the success comes from the fact that Reading Rocks! helps teach the kids how they can play a role in giving back to the part of the community from which they get so much.
“It is gratifying that this program engages students every year. Not only are more students finding more confidence through increased reading, they are also learning about how their involvement can help in more programming and technology purposes at the Wilton Public Schools,” they said.
The mission of the Wilton Education Foundation is to provide funding for our schools to help enrich our students and prepare them for college and beyond. To learn more, visit the WEF website.
Photo credit: Ema Whittaker Photographer