This year, our school district launched an exciting new initiative, the 8th Grade Reading Ambassadors Program, in partnership with the Raising Voices Library from our Scholastics Collection. This program provided 8th grade students with the unique opportunity to lead read-alongs with younger students at Garfield, Betsy, and Field-Stevenson schools.
The primary goal of the program was to foster connections across different grade levels, emphasizing the power of reading and the importance of engaging with culturally relevant stories. These stories reflect the diverse experiences of our students, helping them see themselves and their own lives mirrored in the literature they read. The program's success was amplified by the involvement of older students who have been through the same schools, creating a powerful mentorship dynamic. We even had the chance to pair siblings, further strengthening family bonds through reading.
In preparation for their roles as Reading Ambassadors, the 8th graders spent considerable time choosing a story, reviewing it, and creating a lesson plan—just as teachers do for their classes. This process gave them valuable insights into the preparation required to create engaging lessons, enhancing their appreciation for the work educators do.
Both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and we are excited to continue this initiative with future 8th graders. The program's impact extended beyond the classroom, as we partnered with the Forest Park Public Library for an Intergenerational Reading Share event. This spring, our 8th grade Reading Ambassadors shared stories and conversations with community members, who greatly appreciated the interaction.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our lead Academic Coach Jennifer Uhlmann, 8th grade ELA teacher Ms. Rebecca Ciardullo, all FPMS staff, our transportation department, and our engagement department for their invaluable support of this initiative. Together, we have created a program that not only enriches our students' educational experiences but also strengthens our community connections.