Local Leaders Promote Literacy by Reading to Wilton’s Youngest Citizens
The Wilton Education Foundation (WEF), with the generous support of the Village Market, is proud to once again bring the community and school population together for the 18th annual Read Aloud Day. On Monday, October 22nd, at 9:45 a.m., members of Wilton’s business community, town government, volunteer organizations and the community-at-large will come together at Miller-Driscoll School to emphasize and demonstrate the importance of reading to children.
Since inception, the educational program has grown in popularity with children, teachers and volunteer readers. An age-appropriate book is selected by the school librarians for volunteers to read in a Kindergarten through Grade 2 classroom. The designated books are available to preview at the Wilton Library prior to Read Aloud Day. Using words, illustrations, inflection and cadence, storytellers bring the audience along on a fictional journey. At the end of the book, the children engage in a lively discussion and learn more about the reader’s role in the Town of Wilton. With the generosity and support of Village Market, the book is then donated to the classroom.
“We take great delight in sponsoring Read Aloud Day each year, because it sends students the message that reading is not only important, but fun!" said Nancy Dolnier, VP and General Manager of the Village Market. "It is, without question, one of our very favorite community events. It brings us immense pleasure to purchase the books for members of the community to read to each of the K-2 classrooms.”
One reader is assigned to each elementary classroom, allowing for just 44 of the coveted volunteer reader spots. Openings do occur, on occasion, allowing literacy advocates an unique opportunity to share their time and love of reading with the children of Wilton. For those who have a passion for reading and embrace the art of storytelling, fostering a love of reading and a response to print on paper in the next generation is highly rewarding and satisfying. For more information on reading aloud in a classroom on October 22nd, please visit wiltoneducationfoundation.org/read-aloud-day.
“This event illustrates just how actively our community participates in education,” said WEF’s 2012 Read Aloud Day event chair, teacher Marybeth Gioffre Nisco. “We have received an overwhelming response this year from a wide cross-section of Wilton. Many of our volunteers have previously participated in Read Aloud Day and continue to support this literacy initiative every year. As a parent and educator, I am honored to participate in WEF organizing this year’s Read Aloud Day. As a Wilton resident, I am proud to live in our town that supports educational initiatives that have a positive impact on our children.”
About the Wilton Education Foundation
The Wilton Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching the learning experience for Wilton students by providing ongoing professional development for teachers, the latest in innovative and interactive teaching tools, support for music and the arts, and “beyond the classroom” experiences to provide our children with the confidence and skills to succeed in college and beyond. For more information, please visit www.WiltonEducationFoundation.org.
