Lunch Buddies program aims to boost reading skills
Mariah Wells has seen steady improvement in the reading ability of her “little sister.”
The Seton Hill University junior visits the girl weekly at McKee Elementary in Jeannette for a one-on-one reading session as part of the pilot program called “Lunch Buddies,” sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region.
“It's a really good experience just being able to mentor this little girl,” said Wells, a Bridgeville native. “She's definitely a smart girl.”
The program is being offered at three area elementary schools in Westmoreland and Fayette counties. Volunteers are needed for the program for students in kindergarten, first and second grades.
“There are a lot of kids in need in those grades,” said Marcy Zajdel, organization development director. “It's all one-to-one.”
The nonprofit started the program that pairs an adult and child this school year in the Uniontown and Jeannette school districts. Those districts were selected for the pilot program because of the number of students who need help, Zajdel said.
“We wanted to try to make a deeper impact in the community,” said Kelli Belanger, organization director.
The partnership can help students look at reading and books in a positive way, said Shelley Muto, principal at McKee Elementary. The adults act as role models, she said.
“It benefits our students in that they have another adult that they can confide in, that they can ask for advice,” she said.Big Brothers Big Sisters purchased a book series in which the adult “Big” reads one portion and then the “Little” reads another. The child gets to take the book home once they read it.
“Hopefully, by second grade, they can read a whole sentence,” Zajdel said.
Students see improved grades, one-on-one attention, and better attendance when they know their “Big” is coming to school, which organization officials hope will put them on a path for success.
Debbie Shartzer-Johnston of Uniontown enjoys interacting with her “Little” at Benjamin Franklin Elementary-Middle School in Fayette County. And she is fostering in the student a love for reading, which is a hobby she enjoys.
“I get to help children, which is an awesome feeling,” she said. “It's been a really good experience.”
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.
