Adopting literacy in Queens County schools

“Do you think you can win this trophy?” asked program founder and Adopt-A-Literacy Co-ordinator, Const. John Kennedy from Pictou Co.

The crowd roared a resounding yes.

This is all part of the Adopt-a-Library WOW Reading Challenge campaign, which launched on Nov. 24 to raise literacy levels and bring in new books for the library.

Adopt-a-Library is in its second year at Wickwire, and is a partnership between the RCMP, South Shore Regional Libraries and schools from around the world. Mill Village Consolidated and Greenfield Elementary schools have also joined the program. Queens RCMP Community Policing Co-ordinator, Const. Laura Cormier, who attended the Wickwire event, is visiting these schools as well.

This year Transcontinental Media has joined the program, offering free newspapers for the students. “It was brought to my attention last year by teachers that newspapers should be counted as a book,” said Const. Kennedy. He added to just let him know if the school wants some and he will bring them in by the boxful.

Each student gets two logbooks, one for home and one for school, to keep track of their reading process. Each book, magazine and newspaper counts towards their score, as does every 100 pages of a chapter book.

Last year an average of 14 books per student were read.

Const. Kennedy gave the school a challenge however. “If you triple the number of books, I’m going to come back to this school with my magic treasure chest, and I’m going to give everyone in this room a prize.”

He also encouraged older students to keep reading, and not stop because it is “uncool. “If you think it’s not cool to read anymore, think about what you’re going to do when you grow up. Every single job including playing in the NHL, soccer or baseball, you have to be able to read. The more you read the better chances you will have to succeed when you grow up.”

He also encouraged older students to help the younger ones with their reading, emphasizing team spirit. “Older students book buddy with younger students; when it’s raining or too cold to go outside, help them out,” he said.

Wickwire will also compete with schools around the world for the World Literacy Champion Trophy. Last year the school that won it averaged 632 books per student.

The program runs until April 2009.

Const. Cormier had one other incentive to add as the students got ready to leave. “Just a reminder, if I catch you reading in school, I’ll give you a treat.”