By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—This year’s Read to be Ready Camp sponsored by Henry County Schools was an unqualified success.
That is the word at Thursday night’s meeting of the Henry County Schools board of education from Directors Valerie Godina and Amy Williams, who said the 35 students who attended showed definite progress over the summer in not only reading readiness but confidence.
The camp lasted four weeks and included breakfast and lunch every day for the children. Williams said the program was made possible by a $40,000 grant which included monies from Dollar General. With the funds, transportation also could be included which was a necessity because many of the parents would not have been able to provide transportation for the children.
Attendance rates were extremely high and Williams said, “These kids were so excited to come every day. Comprehension and accuracy in reading overall went up” over the course of the camp, she said. “That was the biggest thing. Several of the kids when they read out loud at first were so quiet and shy and by last week, they were so confident. Just seeing that was amazing.”
Godina said the group took advantage of nice field trips to Tosh Farms, Memphis Zoo and Discovery Park of America. Williams said, “The kids were great on the field trips and very appreciative”.
At the end of the camp, a meal was held for students and their families at which Director of Schools Dr. Brian Norton attended. Children took home totes full of 45 books each for them to keep, journals, recipe books, markers and other items.
“We’re keeping out fingers crossed for next year that we have the money then, too,” Godina said.
Board President Doug Braden praised the program and said, “It gives them a one up to next year.”
In other business, Braden presented the board’s annual evaluation of Dr. Norton, which he said showed that he “is doing an excellent job and from a personal standpoint, I think we have the Director of the Year right here.” Norton’s grades on evaluation forms were: community relations, 4.24; staff and personnel 4.44; facilities and finance 4.44; vision 4.92; student achievement 4.85.
The board accepted the recommendation of High School Principal Dr. Michele Webb and appointed Senior Natalie Clark as the student representative on the board for the coming school year. “She’s an excellent choice”, Braden said. “I look forward to her service”.
Photo: Teachers Valerie Godina and Amy Williams report on the Read to be Ready Camp. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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