RISE Academy readers program praised as 'joyful' by students and staff; district considers expansion
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Summary
RISE Academy representatives and Austin Bailey staff described a reading‑mentor partnership in which older students read to elementary pupils and senior citizens. A student participating in the program described the experience as 'great.' District leaders said they plan to expand the program and add a writing‑buddy component.
At a Nov. 10 School District 2 board meeting, RISE Academy staff and Austin Bailey Elementary representatives presented Rise Readers, a literacy partnership that pairs older students with elementary students to build reading skills and mentorship.
Program lead Tawana Sanders and partners said the goal is to "build literacy, leadership, and community connection" by having RISE students read to elementary students and senior citizens. "We want to promote reading as a pathway to empowerment and strengthen literacy skills, empathy, and purpose," Sanders said during the presentation.
Student Kanea Gathers described her experience: "The experience was great...Reading to the kids, you know, making a bond with them every time they come." Presenters said the program aims to expand to more schools, add a writing‑buddy pen‑pal component and implement tracking to measure literacy impact.
Board members and administrators praised the partnership and thanked staff for the work; no formal board action was required at this meeting.