New program aims to help young readers

Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 | 9:47 a.m.

The Clark County School District's southeast region is teaming up with Henderson on a new program to help younger students become proficient readers by the third grade.

Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson appeared before the Clark County School Board Thursday to promote the APPLE Partnership, All People Promoting Literacy Efforts. Childhood literacy isn't just an issue for the schools, Gibson said. The city has a responsibility to help as much as possible.

"This partnership came out of the sense that we can do more," said Gibson, who has announced his intentions to run for governor.

A phone call from Gibson to the regional office last winter was the impetus for the program, said Lauren Kohut-Rost, superintendent of the district's southeast region. Gibson offered his support in creating and promoting the program, she said.

The program will also offer incentives and rewards to students who complete their reading goals. Students will be given bookmarks for their teachers to sign confirming they have finished a book. Every time a student fills up a bookmark it will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including a home computer.

All of the schools in the district's southeast region will participate in the program, including campuses in Laughlin, Boulder City and Las Vegas. Schools that have the most student readers will also be eligible for prizes, including a new computer lab.

"This is a phenomenal example of what can happen when the community bands together," said School Board member Mary Beth Scow.

Studies have indicated that of the students who are not reading at grade level by third grade, 80 percent continue to lag for the rest of their academic careers. The program's advisory board includes Henderson's library district, parks and recreation department and the Henderson Community Foundation.

To help kick off the new partnership, children's author R.L. Stine, creator of the "Goosebumps" series, will visit several Henderson schools in September.

For more information go online to www.applepartnership.com.