ORLANDO, FL (January 25, 2012) – The Universal Orlando Foundation is funding a pilot Middle School Morning Book Club at Howard, Legacy and Westridge middle schools to encourage "pleasure” reading.

 

Middle school students start their school days around 9:30 a.m., although students start arriving at schools as early as 7:30. The program will run an hour before school starts once or twice a week and will be guided by a facilitator.

 

Engaging students in enjoyable reading activities during this unstructured time will strengthen their literacy skills, foster positive relationships with adults and other participants, and build the social nature of reading. Students will discuss responses, share insights and learn from the interpretations of other readers.

 

Each club will operate slightly different. Some will separate girls and boys into different groups, some will use e-readers, some will incorporate a parent involvement component. All will focus on building the joy of reading.

 

"Strong literacy skills provide the foundation for success in all learning areas including science and math,” says Cynthia Williams, executive director of the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. "It’s critical to have strong community partners like the Universal Orlando Foundation to help elevate student literacy through programs like Middle School Morning Book Clubs.”

 

Established in 1987, the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Inc. is a non-profit organization that develops and focuses community resources to make a meaningful difference in the success of Orange County Public School students and teachers. The organization serves the 10th largest public school system in the nation, supporting more than 180,000 students, approximately 13,000 teachers and 182 schools in the county. For more information, visit www.foundationforocps.org or call 407-317-3261.

 

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