Midvale Elementary students make improvements in reading, receive books

Thanks to tutors and teachers, Midvale Elementary students are making strides in reading. In November, students met Clifford the Big Red Dog and received books.

“We’re celebrating the success of our reading program,” Midvale Elementary Principal Shad DeMill said, Nov 15. “There have been so many people who have been blessings in these kids’ lives, helping them improve their reading. We’re thankful to have the chance to put books into the hands of students.”

Through the Deseret Media Companies’ Read Today program, Big O Tires gave $1,000 to Midvale Elementary for its outstanding performance in reading. Midvale, which purchased 875 Scholastic books, was congratulated by representatives from Big O, KSL-TV and Clifford, who flew in on KSL’s Chopper 5.

Midvale Elementary’s AmeriCorp Coordinator Katherine Cusumano, who coordinates the school’s Project Tutor and Star programs, credits much of the students’ reading improvement to more than 25 tutors who meet individually with readers three or four times each week.

“These students have learned that reading is their future, so it’s critical for them to read now and improve their fluency,” Cusumano said.

The curriculum includes students reading to the tutor and working on phonetics, fluency, vocabulary, site words and comprehension. During a school year, Cusumano said students’ reading could increase 20 to 40 words per minute; for some students, that may be an entire reading level.

Since early October, fourth-grader Angie Medina’s word growth has been 20 words. She reads a new book each time with her tutor and reviews the book she read previously.

“My tutor helps me read faster and understand it better,” Angie said. “I can pronounce sight words, learn the meaning of them and know how to use them in sentences. I like school even better now.”

Through the school’s peer mentoring program, Angie helps a younger student with her reading.

“A major part is the relationship between the tutor and the student. When they feel discouraged, it’s often these tutors who tell them they can do it and give them one-on-one time, which allows them to feel special and confident in their abilities,” Cusumano said.

Sixth-grader Alan Andrade said Deanna Ince began tutoring him in first grade.

“She made me read two books from the library and asked me about the books, and helped me pronounce my words better,” Alan said. “She also had me memorize poems and now I love to read poetry. I’ve memorized ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’”

Ince began helping at Midvale Elementary five years ago and donates one hour, twice each week.

“I enjoy the time. I go over a word list and I have a ‘recipe book’ of sounds we go over when we’re reading together,” she said. “I walk down the halls and I get hugs from students I’ve helped.”

Canyons School District Partnerships and Community Service Director Kathryn Anderson said that the community’s interest in these students’ reading success is apparent.

“Their success in reading propels them to want to learn and read even more,” Anderson said. “These volunteers and programs have made a huge difference in these students’ lives.”

Caption: Clifford the Big Red Dog greets Midvale Elementary students during a celebration of their reading success.

Midvale Elementary students make improvements in reading, receive books

By Julie Slama

Thanks to tutors and teachers, Midvale Elementary students are making strides in reading. In November, students met Clifford the Big Red Dog and received books.

“We’re celebrating the success of our reading program,” Midvale Elementary Principal Shad DeMill said, Nov 15. “There have been so many people who have been blessings in these kids’ lives, helping them improve their reading. We’re thankful to have the chance to put books into the hands of students.”

Through the Deseret Media Companies’ Read Today program, Big O Tires gave $1,000 to Midvale Elementary for its outstanding performance in reading. Midvale, which purchased 875 Scholastic books, was congratulated by representatives from Big O, KSL-TV and Clifford, who flew in on KSL’s Chopper 5.

Midvale Elementary’s AmeriCorp Coordinator Katherine Cusumano, who coordinates the school’s Project Tutor and Star programs, credits much of the students’ reading improvement to more than 25 tutors who meet individually with readers three or four times each week.

“These students have learned that reading is their future, so it’s critical for them to read now and improve their fluency,” Cusumano said.

The curriculum includes students reading to the tutor and working on phonetics, fluency, vocabulary, site words and comprehension. During a school year, Cusumano said students’ reading could increase 20 to 40 words per minute; for some students, that may be an entire reading level.

Since early October, fourth-grader Angie Medina’s word growth has been 20 words. She reads a new book each time with her tutor and reviews the book she read previously.

“My tutor helps me read faster and understand it better,” Angie said. “I can pronounce sight words, learn the meaning of them and know how to use them in sentences. I like school even better now.”

Through the school’s peer mentoring program, Angie helps a younger student with her reading.

“A major part is the relationship between the tutor and the student. When they feel discouraged, it’s often these tutors who tell them they can do it and give them one-on-one time, which allows them to feel special and confident in their abilities,” Cusumano said.

Sixth-grader Alan Andrade said Deanna Ince began tutoring him in first grade.

“She made me read two books from the library and asked me about the books, and helped me pronounce my words better,” Alan said. “She also had me memorize poems and now I love to read poetry. I’ve memorized ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’”

Ince began helping at Midvale Elementary five years ago and donates one hour, twice each week.

“I enjoy the time. I go over a word list and I have a ‘recipe book’ of sounds we go over when we’re reading together,” she said. “I walk down the halls and I get hugs from students I’ve helped.”

Canyons School District Partnerships and Community Service Director Kathryn Anderson said that the community’s interest in these students’ reading success is apparent.

“Their success in reading propels them to want to learn and read even more,” Anderson said. “These volunteers and programs have made a huge difference in these students’ lives.”