Ten DCC, along with Texas State Representative Carl Sherman and other volunteers from Life School and Region 10 ESC, read books to students in grades K-6. This year’s theme, “Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers,” featured book titles such as Same, Same But Different by Sue Kostecki-Shaw, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, and Big, Brave, Bold Sergio by Debbie Wagenbach. Students had the opportunity to follow along with the book and also engage in conversation with the local celebrity readers by asking questions.
Of the experience, one DCC, Ashlee, says, “The most rewarding part of this day for me is the faces of the students and the excitement that we see. It’s so fun to know that you made an impact on the students, but honestly, they make just as much of an impact on us. It’s so important, and so special, that this year we are celebrating a nation of diverse readers, so the kids get to see representations of themselves in these books we’re reading today.”
This event, which has been hosted jointly by Life School and Region 10 ESC for more than five years, is fundamental in helping students develop a love of reading at an early age.
“Read Across America is always such a special day for us at Region 10, and we love partnering with Life School and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Instilling the love for reading in these young children will have a powerful impact on their lives well beyond elementary school. Early literacy sets a strong foundation for their education and for a lifetime of success.” says Dr. Karen Barnes, Region 10 Assistant Director of Administrative Service, of the partnership.
Closing the Literacy Gap is one of the main strategic goals on which Life School is focused. Across the district, Life School is working to ensure that every student is reading on grade level by the third grade. Research shows this is an essential benchmark for student success.
“We are so grateful to be able to partner with Region 10 ESC and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders year after year. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious for our students,” notes LSOCE Principal Anita Sanders. “Having guest readers helps the students to engage at another level and understand that reading is not only important but also fun!”
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Mountain Creek, Red Oak, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
