March 2023 | Vol. 09 Iss. 03
FREE
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HELP WHITTIER STEAM ELEMENTARY READERS REACH THEIR GOAL By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
W
hen teachers at Whittier STEAM Elementary (3585 S. 6000 West) set an academic goal for each student to read 1,000 pages during the second term, the community jumped in to help make that happen. More than 100 volunteers, including parents, relatives, students from Hunter Junior High and Hunter High School, Granite School District personnel and school board members took time to listen to kids read and encourage them to keep going. “I didn’t know we needed all of (the volunteers) until the very end,” said Whittier Principal Jennifer Bodell. “It’s what made it even more magical. The kids saw that not only did their teachers care, but these strangers cared. It was like there was more than just a teacher who believed in me, there are a lot of adults who believe in me and I can do this. It was amazing.” With a student body of more than 430, Whittier STEAM educators like to issue a challenge each term that aligns with the school’s goals. At least 95% of the students reached the reading goal, including kindergarteners who were challenged to learn all their letters and sounds, and read 500 pages. Special education students and medically-fragile children also received extra support so they could take part in the challenge. Older students read along with younger children, teachers encouraged non-readers to keep them motivated and the Whittier staff got creative with ways to keep students engaged and on track. Continued page 5
Students from Whittier STEAM Elementary earned a free movie by reading 1,000 pages each during the last term. Donors provided movie tickets and treats for each child. (Photos courtesy of Whittier STEAM)
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