Program encourages young readers
By Jacob W. Brower

Associate Editor

Area kindergarten through third-grade students are getting hands-on help with their reading because of Missouri Southern's America Reads program.

Former president Bill Clinton enacted the federal program, which is run through the student employment department, in 1994. However, Southern did not begin the program until 1999.

The student employment department allocates 5 percent of its community service budget toward reading tutoring for elementary students in the Joplin, Carl Junction and Webb City school districts. Seven percent of the College's student employment budget is used for community service.

"I think this is definitely a good program to help the community," said Linda Sadler, student employment coordinator. "I know it helps the College students, and it helps the elementary students learn basic reading skills."

Becky Gallemore, principal at McKinley Elementary School in Joplin, said she agrees.

"I think it's an exceptional program," she said. "It definitely helps the teachers with an extra set of hands. It's been a very successful venture on our part.

"The (Southern) students give the children another opportunity for a one-on-one relationship with an adult. It makes them happy, and they always look forward to the program."

Kim Boessen, senior physical education major, is this year's America Reads coordinator. She had previous experience with the program as a freshman at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph.

"The best thing you can do in education is gather experience," she said. "To see the kids accomplish something - that's very, very rewarding."

Albert Romero, freshman secondary education major, is in his first year with the program. He said he also finds the work to be rewarding.

"It's very cool to sit there and see a kid struggle with a word, and then read the book straight through the next couple of times," Romero said. "It's an indescribable feeling."

Other Southern students participating in the program are as follows: Esther Bard, Elizabeth Buchholz, Ryan Budd, Krista Cupp, Monica Eaton, Matthew Elliot, Melissa Fisher, Carrie Hardesty, Shannon Moller, Reaka Peters, Jeff Reed, Patty Richardson, Robin Rosado, Lilliana Sanchez, Rachel Schnelle, Sarah Smalley, Randi Jo Stoddard, Lindsey Warden and Dalanne Wilson.

Jessica Firor/The Chart

Sarah Smalley, freshman elementary education major, works with thrid grade students at Eugene Field Elementary in Webb City as part of the America Reads program.