Literacy can lead young students down a path toward a community’s most critical careers, igniting passions with the turn of a page.
The elementary classrooms of University Schools on Friday morning differed from a typical day. In addition to crossing paths with a classmate, teacher or staff member, students interacted with Greeley firefighters, police officers, city leaders and other exciting guests. Even the Lorax from Dr. Seuss’ beloved book made an appearance.
University Elementary School kindergarten through fifth grade students, many disguised as their favorite book character, celebrated Read Across America, the nation’s largest celebration of reading.
The National Education Association launched Read Across America in 1998 as a year-round program that uses events, partnerships and reading resources to motivate students to read. The annual Read Across America Week, which runs from March 2-6, allows schools and libraries to promote the literacy mission any way they choose.
University Elementary School’s guest readers included city leaders, who stepped away from their regular duties to crack open books in different classrooms and highlight the benefits of literacy while answering hard-hitting questions about their jobs.
“By reading to students, our local heroes will inspire a love of learning while supporting language development and building trust,” the city’s Public Information Officer Kim Greenlee said in an email.
Greeley Police Chief Adam Turk, who participated in Read Across the America for his third year, called reading and math the “fundamentals” that set children up for success no matter what they chose to do in the future. Showcasing the important educational message to kids from a different perspective — someone other than their teacher or family members — only inspires kids to keep picking up books.
Greeley Fire Chief Brian Kuznik’s presence in a handful of classrooms sparked questions about what it takes to be a firefighter. Students were surprised to hear his answer: education. Kuznik zeroed in on the importance of staying in school and reading on a daily basis.
Firefighters have to constantly study, learn and challenge themselves on the job, he told the students, especially if they want to step up the ladder toward a promotion or further their education in fire and emergency medical services.
“The job of a firefighter is much more than just putting out fires, and so I tried to articulate to them and highlight for them the importance of education and reading,” he said.
Both Turk and Kuznik hoped the event planted a seed for future first responders, which can start as early as elementary school through public safety department community engagement efforts.
“I remember when the firefighters came to my elementary school,” Kuznik said. “Those interactions are what sort of led me to pursue the career of firefighting.”
Greeley Fire Chief Brian Kuznik shows off firefighting equipment to a classroom Friday at University Schools during Read Across America. (Courtesy/Keith Albertson)Turk’s arrival quickly inspired youth as well, evident from one young boy’s immediate statement, “When I grow up, I want to be a police officer.”
“You know what, when you grow up … maybe one day, you’ll be sitting in this seat as a police chief,” Turk responded. “Wouldn’t that be cool?”
Although a school initiative centered around reading perks, Turk and Kuznik know their presence outside of a public safety situation strengthens the relationships between the city’s leaders and community members.
“Anytime we get invited to these events, we know it’s an opportunity to connect with people in our community,” Kuznik said, highlighting his exchanges with students as well as staff.
Turk felt “energized and excited” about the opportunity for children to see police officers in a different light — outside of traditional policing where it could be one of the worst days of a kid’s life — like reading “The Bear Can’t Sleep” by Karma Wilson. After reading and distributing police badge stickers to his young crowd, he tackled the curious kids’ questions asking about his role and what it means to be a police officer.
“This is why I wanted to be the chief for the positive outreach and engagement,” Turk said. “This is a positive experience that I hope they take with them forever. These are the stories I want them to tell their family members and their friends about.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Read Across America at University Schools combines literacy mission with positive public safety outreach )
Also on site :
- Florida Panthers win consecutive Stanley Cups, triumphing 5-1
- Florida Panthers secure back-to-back Stanley Cups with dominant 5-1 victory
- Liverpool agree £116m Wirtz deal