READING TO KIDS EXPANDS TO ANOTHER SCHOOLCharles White Elementary is the Latest School to Join Grassroots EffortApril 14, 2007 – Reading to Kids, a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring kids with a love of reading, recently announced its plan to extend its philanthropic effort to Charles White Elementary near downtown Los Angeles. It joins Reading to Kids partners Esperanza, Gratts, Hoover, Magnolia, and Politi Elementary schools, where the charity holds monthly reading clubs for kids in grades K-5. “This is the first new school we’ve added this year, and we’re very excited,” said Jessica Tritsch, program director, Reading to Kids. “We are always looking to expand our program to new schools and families in the Los Angeles area." Students from MacArthur Park Primary Center will also be invited to the Saturday reading clubs at Charles White Elementary School. Charlies White Elementary is located at 2401 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles – an area where English is often spoken as a second language, if at all. One of the goals of Reading to Kids, in addition to instilling strong reading habits, is to help increase young students’ comfort with English communication.“In addition to reading aloud to the kids, we also do arts and craft projects with them,” explained Tritsch. “We encourage our volunteers to keep the fun and conversation going during the art portion of the clubs, hoping to increase English fluency – if only a little bit.” While students spend time reading and doing craft projects, parents are invited to attend the Parent Training program, where they, too, can work on their language skills. The Parent Training program brings in local business and community leaders to give seminars on a wide range of topics, including finance, health, nutrition, literacy and even college prep topics. “We’re looking forward to becoming part of the culture at the school,” continued Tritsch. “Each time we go to a new school, it’s like adding new members to the family.” About Reading to Kids Reading to Kids is a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading – enriching their lives and opportunities in the future. On the second Saturday of every month, Reading to Kids brings together a diverse group of volunteers from across Los Angeles to have a blast inspiring kids to read. For more information about Reading to Kids, or to sign up as a volunteer reader, please log onto www.readingtokids.org. # # # |