Through the Marshall Professional Development Schools partnership in Cabell and Wayne counties, about 200 elementary, middle and high school students will be bused to campus for a reading challenge. Gilbert will kick off the morning by reading to the students. Middle school students will then be broken into teams at the Rec Center to read to elementary students, while high school students will visit Marshall’s Child Development Academy to read to smaller children.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage reading through our partnerships with Cabell and Wayne counties, as well as PBS and the West Virginia Department of Education,” said Dr. Mindy Backus, associate professor of education and event coordinator. “The collaborative support and participation has been tremendous.”
Vendors and supporters will provide students with additional reading resources and activities. West Virginia Public Broadcasting will film the project and support the reading initiative.
Special guest appearances at Marshall’s Rec Center will include Marco, The Cat in the Hat and Super Why characters. Free books and hands-on activities will be provided during the event by the West Virginia Leaders of Literacy’s campaign for grade-level reading and Marshall’s June Harless Center literacy specialists.
“Strong readers are strong learners. Reading is the foundation for a good education at any age,” said Dr. Teresa Eagle, dean of the College of Education and Professional Development. “We at the College of Education and Professional Development are excited to be hosting an opportunity to involve lots of university faculty and students as well as our community in an activity that celebrates reading.”
In the afternoon, faculty and students from the college will read to nearly 700 students at local elementary schools, including Guyandotte Elementary, Kellogg Elementary, Kenova Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary. In addition, more than 15 local schools within Marshall’s Professional Development Schools partnership will encourage families to read with their children and enter a drawing for a door prize. The winner will be announced on Sept. 22, the day of Gilbert’s investiture ceremony.
For more information visit www.marshall.edu/coepd/ and www.marshall.edu/pds/.
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Photo: Marco the Bison is expected to make an appearance on SUPER Day Friday, Sept. 16.