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NewsJanuary 23, 2014

Volunteers are needed to help kindergartners and first graders improve their literacy skills in the Read to Succeed program in Cape Girardeau public schools. With the support of the United Way of Southeast Missouri's GRACES Women's Council and the school district, the program is expanding during the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year, according to a news release from United Way...

Southeast Missourian

Volunteers are needed to help kindergartners and first graders improve their literacy skills in the Read to Succeed program in Cape Girardeau public schools. With the support of the United Way of Southeast Missouri's GRACES Women's Council and the school district, the program is expanding during the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year, according to a news release from the United Way.

The program has helped 98 percent of program students improve their reading skills by one grade level, according to the release, which said the program is expanding to serve an additional 100 children. Volunteers are required to undergo background checks.

During the past three years, Read to Succeed has deployed more than 200 volunteers to work with as many children to help them improve reading skills. Research shows children not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are five times more likely to drop out of school, the release said.

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Teachers identify students to participate in the program based on their reading skills and are paired with a volunteer for 30 to 40 minutes, four days a week, for 50 sessions each.

Third-grade reading level is one of five indicators the United Way has identified in its education initiative as important to success in life. Other indicators include quality early care, successful transitions through middle school and junior high, high school graduation and parent education and engagement. The entire report titled the "Mobilization Plan to Ensure the Success of our Children" can be found at unitedwayofsemo.org.

More information is available by contacting Monique Johnson, program director, at 334-9634 or readtosucceed@unitedwayofsemo.org.

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