Volunteer Reading Group Short Staffed

Theresa Love is a snowbird who spends some of her days in the classroom. She tutors students at Mecca School once a week.

It’s part of a program called “Read With Me.”

“They’re so eager to learn,” she said. “They’re polite. They’re wonderful. They’re just like little sponges.”

The program began seven years ago, boasting 300 volunteers. But, after expanding to three schools, the program needs more volunteers.

“It’s a wonderful program to give back to the community. Quite honestly, I learn more from these kids every time I come,” said Love, originally from Calgary..

Thanks to these volunteers, the school’s STAR test scores have risen every year. In 2006, it was 507. Last year, the school reached 724.

This year, the school wants to reach the maximum 800 score.

Jack LaPlacette, of Palm Desert, decided to volunteer because he knows how these students feel. Many of the students come from low-income, Spanish-speaking families.

“My parents came from France,” he explained. “My mother did not speak English. So, I did not speak English until I got into grade school.”

Volunteers typically work only two hours a day and can do so on the days that best suit their schedules. School buses pick up volunteers to and from the schools.

For more information about the “Read With Me” program at Mecca School, please contact Roberta Klein at rnelsonwalker@aol.com.

For more information about the “Read With Me” program at Oasis Elementary School, please contact Carleen Presley at (760) 272-5804.

For more information about the “Read With Me” program at Las Palmitas Elementary School, please contact Rita Fernandez at (760) 200-5751.