Reading Rocks: Evolutionary promotes literacy in Rainbow Schools

Close to 1,000 students from Rainbow Schools will attend the Fifth Annual Reading Rocks Concert at Confederation Secondary School on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at noon. The award-winning Evolutionary Band will perform for Grade 3 to 8 students from Redwood Acres Public School, Pinecrest Public School, Valley View Public School and C.R. Judd Public School.

“Confederation is pleased to continue taking a leadership role in promoting literacy among young people,” says Principal Mike Mirka. “An Evolutionary rock concert is a wonderful reward for students who have met their reading goals throughout the year.  We are pleased that our band members are role models for these younger students.  Not only do they promote literacy and a love of reading, they also demonstrate that a solid work ethic leads to success.” 
 
C.R. Judd Public School Principal Michael Bellrose says his students are looking forward to the concert, which will serve to emphasize the importance of being able to read as the key to experiencing success at school.  “Almost everything we do at C.R. Judd is geared toward having our students become stronger and more confident readers, the foundation for all learning,” says Principal Bellrose.

Participating schools have implemented a number of strategies to encourage reading among their students including book clubs, daily silent reading programs, night time reading at home, book bags, guest readers in schools, reading buddies and independent reading incentives.

“The Evolutionary concert is a motivational tool to promote and encourage reading,” says Valley View Public School Principal Paul Dupont. “Each student’s ticket into the concert is spending 30 minutes reading in the classroom on a weekly basis.” He adds: “We stop everything, and everybody in the school reads at the same time, including teachers. I walk around and visit classes so that students know how much we value this activity.”

Each school has developed an individual plan to promote reading that involves students, parents/guardians and community members. School Councils have provided invaluable support for the program since its inception, ensuring ongoing success.

"Evolutionary and crew look forward to performing once again this year for the students from our area elementary schools," says Music Director Norm McIntosh. "We welcome the opportunity to salute their success in reading, a wonderful accomplishment. Reading Rocks!"

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Media Contact:

Mike Mirka, Principal, Confederation Secondary School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5948.