Ritchie: $20,000 to Enhance School Reading Programs

As “National Reading Month” continues, State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing $20,000 in special funding to support elementary-level reading programs in ten school districts throughout Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.

“The foundation of a child’s education is learning to read. By improving student literacy skills, we are putting them not only on the path of academic success, but also expanding their horizons and their imaginations,” Senator Ritchie said.

“I am so pleased to be able to provide this funding, which will help expand learning opportunities for young people throughout Central and Northern New York and help them achieve brighter futures.”

Held every March, National Reading Month is celebrated with events across the country that aim to motivate people—and especially children—to read every single day.

The funding secured by Senator Ritchie will be shared by the following school districts:

Jefferson County:

Alexandria Central School District

LaFargeville Central School District

Lyme Central School District

Sackets Harbor Central School District

Thousand Islands Central School District

St. Lawrence County:

Hermon-DeKalb Central School District

Heuvelton Central School District

Oswego County:

Central Square Central School District

Fulton Central School District

Hannibal Central School District

“Children are curious. Children are born with a desire, and more importantly an ability to learn about everything surrounding them. Books are the tool we can use to help them explore and develop not only their brains, but also their lives.  Early development has a lasting impact on all children and thanks to Senator Ritchie, we will have additional books and programs to promote reading and help prepare the most valuable resources we have, our students, as they become tomorrow’s citizens,” Lyme Central School District Superintendent Cammy Morrison said.

“As our students begin to learn to read, it is a schools’ role to ensure that they gain and maintain a true interest, passion for reading.  We can do that by offering special programs to show them not only how important reading can be as they grow in to young adults, but also how fun it can be and how their imaginations can lead them anywhere.  We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for helping us offer these types of programs,” Heuvelton Central School District Superintendent Jesse Coburn said.

"Improving a child's ability to read gives them the confidence, power and knowledge they will need as they not only move on to high school and perhaps an even higher education, but in their professional and personal lives. It is a true springboard to success. We are extremely thankful to Senator Ritchie for not only recognizing the value of a strong literacy program for our students, but also for providing us with the much needed funding to help bring it to fruition,” Central Square Superintendent Tom Colabufo added.

Senator Ritchie’s announcement of funding to support elementary level reading programs continues her work to expand learning opportunities for children and others throughout the region she represents. Earlier this year, she announced nearly $150,000 in funding to help local libraries expand and enhance services for patrons.