Volunteers from Provident Bank in Morristown celebrated Read Across America Day with students at The Calais School, a private, non-profit school for children with special needs. Provident Bank’s volunteer day was part of a week-long celebration of reading at The Calais School. Calais students joined millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the eighteenth annual National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day on Wednesday, March 2nd.

Provident Bank volunteers brought a book to read to each elementary school class, including the first Dr. Seuss book published in 25 years, What Pet Should I Get?  School service dog Cleo joined another classroom learning about the American judicial system to read My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington. Service dogs are an integral part of the educational and therapeutic program at The Calais School and service dogs facilitate reading classes, speech lessons, occupational therapy, and counseling sessions for students.

 

Ms. Heinen shared,

“The students enjoyed the enthusiasm of the volunteers, especially Jane [Kurek, Executive Director of the Provident Bank Foundation] who joined in our pajama theme with her pajama top and teddy bear! It made such a difference to the students to see adults excited about reading with them.”

 

Students at The Calais School have individualized education programs to address specific learning disabilities. Many struggle with reading difficulties, including reading comprehension and dyslexia. “Programs like Read Across America,” shared Assistant Principal Steve Sokolewicz, “make something that can be frustrating for many students something to look forward to, something fun. We were thrilled that Provident wanted to share the day with us and thankful for their generosity.”

Thank you Provident Bank!