PAL program celebrates 20 years at Coalhurst elementary school
COALHURST – They say it takes a village to raise a child. Coalhurst Elementary School has proven community is also key in raising a life-long reader.
The school recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Partnership Association for Literacy (PAL) program with a special assembly that included song and dance, poetry and both past and present supporters reading aloud to classrooms of children. Students were also encouraged to dress up as their favourite literary character.
The goal of the PAL program is to turn students on to books and help them realize that reading is fun through one-on-one tutoring. Students work with reading pals including older students, staff members and Coalhurst seniors.
It is not only the struggling students who benefit from the program, says Ted Likuski, one of the original PAL board members. The volunteer readers also gain a sense of satisfaction through giving back, and in some cases improve their own reading skills.