The program, which is coordinated by Vonda Doss, Director of ABAC's Educational Outreach and Youth Connection Program, provides an opportunity for ABAC faculty and staff to read to first graders in two classes at Len Lastinger. The classes are taught by Selina Dales and Rebecca Gladden. Volunteers read to the students on Thursdays from noon - 12:15 p.m.
Dr. Bettie Horne, ABAC's Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, said the program is one of the options that ABAC faculty and staff engage in to promote learning in schools and to enrich Tifton's reputation as the "Reading Capital of the World."
"The children love to see ABAC folks arrive, books in hand," Horne said. "For some children, this may be the only time they see adult males at school who are actively engaged in teaching and learning. It always pleases me to see the list of ABAC folks who take part of their lunch hours to run by Len Lastinger and read to the children. It's the highlight of my week when I am scheduled."
Doss said she has a long list of volunteers.
"Reading to the students at Len Lastinger is a very rewarding experience for both the ABAC faculty and staff members and the students," Doss said. "It helps to keep the ABAC faculty and staff in touch with students who are at the beginning of the education process. Also, the students always seem so delighted to have a guest sharing a story with them."
The ABAC Ambassadors have also volunteered to read to students at Len Lastinger as one of their community service projects. An Ambassador reads to the students in Deborah Kincaid's class each week on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
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