MassMutual kicked off the second year of its "Reading Achiever" program last week. The program is designed to promote extracurricular reading among the 20,000 K-8 students in Springfield's public schools. Over 5,000 students read 25 books or more last school year, with a corresponding citywide gain in Language Arts scores on the MCAS. The total number of books read in Springfield schools duirng last year's program was 83,000. To begin the event, "Cinderella" appeared at the Talmadge School on Thursday to explain the program to students and to read them a story. Other fairy tale characters appeared at other schools. Students who read 25 books qualify to be awarded certificates and an invitation to a congratulatory party. The program is an addition to MassMutual's high school-based Academic Achievement Program.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs
|
