The Banff Elementary School Volunteer Reading Program
Banff Elementary School and School Council continues to support and celebrate the success of Mountain Readers – a volunteer literacy program which has community volunteers coming into the school for 1 hour each week to read with students. We are excited by the many benefits we have observed, for both our volunteers and our students. For the current school year, we are looking to expand our list of volunteers so we can get more students reading more often!
About the Program
The Banff Elementary School Mountain Readers Program provides students with the opportunity to read in a one-on-one environment on a weekly basis. This positively impacts student confidence and significantly improves literacy skills. The program connects volunteers from the community (parents and non-parents) with students in a structured reading program across all grades. Students read out loud to volunteers, and volunteers listen, ask questions, help with word prompts, and in some cases the volunteer may read to the student.
Why It’s Great!
· BES students become better readers with more confidence
· It is fun and rewarding for both volunteers and students
· It connects our school community with the broader Banff community
· Volunteers become part of a vibrant school atmosphere
What does a Volunteer Do?
· Commit to a weekly reading timeslot
· Get a Vulnerable Sector Check from the RCMP (no fee with volunteer letter from BES)
· Attend a brief introduction / orientation session at the school
· Sign in at the school office at your assigned time, head to your classroom, connect with your first student and find a quiet place to read.
· ENGAGE! The students read out loud to the volunteer, and the volunteer listens, asks questions, and helps with word prompts. Sometimes, the volunteer may read out loud to the student.
· Each week, you will read with about 3 students for 15 – 20 minutes each or in a small group for the hour.
Schedules and Times
We are currently in need of volunteers between Monday and Thursday starting at your choice of 8:45am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:45am or 1:00pm for 1 hour. If you are unable to commit weekly, but could commit bi-weekly, this could also be accommodated. If you can’t make it the odd week due to other commitments, it’s okay to miss (just communicate directly with the assigned teacher).
How to Register?
Please email mountainreaders@gmail.com with the following information:
Your First & Last Name. An indication of the best general times that you are available, and we will coordinate with the teacher schedules. Please indicate the DAY OR DAYS OF THE WEEK and the TIME OF DAY that could work for you. Please also include your email address, cell & home phone numbers. If you have kids attending BES, what grade are they in? If you signed up for this program through your company, what business do you work for? Are you available to be part of this great initiative? Can you forward this to somebody else who might be a great reading volunteer? We look forward to hearing back from you with questions or your commitment!