Senior Communications Specialist Amy Stuart (@AmyStuart) has found a unique way to make a lasting impact on the lives of young readers at Wiley Elementary School. With a passion for education and a desire to help, Amy has dedicated her time to mentoring students in the school's reading partnership program.
Amy's involvement in the program began with a simple desire to connect with children on a personal level. Having been an active volunteer at Wiley during her own children's time there, she missed the one-on-one interactions with students. When she learned about the reading partnership program, she immediately signed up.
Amy helps students track their progress using a graph.As a reading partner, Amy works with small groups of fourth-grade students, focusing on improving their reading fluency and comprehension. She helps them complete reading assignments, tracks their progress, and provides encouragement and support. Building strong relationships with her students has been a highlight of her experience. She's witnessed firsthand the positive impact of consistent mentoring, as her students have shown significant growth in their reading skills and confidence.
“I really liked that I work with the same kids, so we build a relationship with each other,” Amy said. “In fact, I had to miss one Friday because I was out of town and I found out later that one of my girls refused to work with my substitute because it wasn’t me. The students graph their progress (DATA!) so they get really invested in doing well so they can fill in their graphs.”
Amy's commitment to the program stems from her belief in the power of literacy. She recognizes that reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to countless opportunities. By dedicating her time to helping young readers, she's contributing to their future success in school and beyond.
Amy's story is an inspiration to others who may be considering volunteering in their communities. She encourages anyone interested in making a difference to reach out to local schools and inquire about volunteer opportunities. By giving just a few hours each week, individuals can profoundly impact young learners' lives.
Distinguished Software Developer Drew Foglia (@drewfoglia) also volunteers as a reading partner at the school, and he shared these quotes from children in the program:
Amy and Drew pause for a photo while volunteering at Wiley Elementary.“My reading partner told me to keep reading this summer and I’m going to do that!”- “My reading partner helped me learn new words!”
- “My reading partner gave me special challenges like covering the challenging words and then told me to find them before he said ‘five crocodiles.’ I always won! That was fun!”
- “We talked a lot and when I finished early, we got to grab a book from the library and read it.”
- “My reading partners made really funny jokes! I liked that.”
- “My reading partner helped me to sound out difficult words if I didn’t know them.”
- “I liked when my reading partner challenged me with the comprehension questions.”
- “If I was curious about something new in our passage, my reading partner would google it so we could learn new things.”
- “My reading partner and I always learn something new from the passage.”
- “I learned to never give up when I am reading.”
- “Because I kept working and trying, I can read better now!”
- “The reading partners were kind to me.”
- “They really helped me.”
- “My reading partners made me happy!”
- “I learned that I like to read, and I should have listened to my mom when she told me reading is fun!”
