Reading Rocks: Evolutionary promotes literacy in Rainbow Schools

Close to 700 students from Rainbow Schools will attend the Sixth Annual Reading Rocks Concert at Confederation Secondary School on Thursday, April 22, 2010 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 Secondary School is pleased to continue to promote literacy by recognizing the ongoing efforts of students in our feeder schools to improve their reading skills,” says Principal Mike Mirka. “When secondary school students value and encourage reading among children, it certainly sends a very strong message to their younger peers. Through their efforts, the Evolutionary Band is reinforcing the importance of reading as being fundamental for success in learning and life.”

"It has become a tradition for Evolutionary and crew to reward students for reading by presenting this special concert," says Music Director Norm McIntosh. "Once again, we welcome the opportunity to salute children in our area elementary schools for a job well done.” He adds: “It is very gratifying to see band members serve as positive role models for literacy in our community. We look forward to a fantastic concert!”

Members of Sudbury Youth Rocks will be in the audience to observe the good work being carried out by the Evolutionary Band. "Music and literacy go hand in hand and it’s important that young people understand the value of each,” says Joel Mackey, Director of Sudbury Youth Rocks. “This event ties the two together in a way that is memorable and fun.”

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.

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Media Contact:

Norm McIntosh, Music Director, Confederation Secondary School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5948.

Note to Media:

Please call Norm McIntosh 24 hours in advance for an interview prior to the concert. He will not be able to provide interviews just before the concert begins, but will be happy to assist you in advance. Photos and video during the performance or interviews afterwards are always welcome.