Lieutenant Ashley Astorga works with Sherianna. Killian Elementary is seeking volunteers to work with students in their REACH (Readers Enthusiastic About Climbing High- er) program. This academic mentoring program pairs a student who needs help in reading with a community member who wants to help a child become more successful in school. The goal is to accelerate student achievement.

Students work with the volunteers in the REACH classroom under the supervision of the REACH instructor and assistant. Volunteers are provided a daily lesson plan that is structured to match each student’s diagnosed needs and instructional reading level.

This one–to–one attention is a vital component to building a student’s self– esteem and self–confidence. Students receive the extra attention and encouragement they need to become better readers and improve academic achievement.

The immediate feedback and daily positive comments from the volunteer mentor not only boost student self–confidence, but competency levels as well.

Volunteers are asked to commit to the same 30–minute session once a week so they can work with the same student each time.

For more information, please contact Martha Tucker 803-699-2981 ext. 71205 or mtucker@richland2. org.