AUDIO BOOKS PRESENTATION UNCOVERS A “GEM”
Everyone was excited when they met on Tuesday the 18th at North Ogden elementary to review recent acquisitions of audio books for six elementary schools. Those gathered were members of the North Ogden Kiwanis club, representatives from Harrisville Walmart and America First Credit Union, Principals and Reading Specialists from Bates, Green Acres, Lomond View, North Ogden, Majestic and Valley Elementary.
Funding of audio books was a joint effort between the Kiwanis Club and Weber Schools Foundation, each contributed equally to purchase $6000 worth of books. This will aid students in improving their reading and comprehension skills. Each school had different needs and Principals and Reading Specialists selected books and equipment tailored to their school’s needs. Principal David Rhees of North Ogden noted an additional benefit of this approach was that the schools share experiences and information and they all learn from each other.
Presentations were made by made by Principal Kitty Barney of Bates Elementary, Principal Lisa Gilstrap of Green Acres, Principal Kevin Chase of Lomond View, Assistant Principal Riko Reese of Majestic, Reading Specialist Melissa Leemaster of North Ogden, and Reading Specialist Wendy Zaccardi of Valley Elementary. Books can be used with I-Pads and can read fiction and non-fiction works. All agreed that this is a great benefit for the students and teachers.
Before the meeting it was learned that Melissa Leemaster had in 1982 received an award from Kiwanis when she was in sixth grade, the Hope of America award is given annually to sixth graders by Kiwanis Clubs in recognition of students who excelled in academics and citizenship. The award still has meaning for Melissa, she has the certificate framed and hung on the wall in her classroom for everyone to see. Kiwanis members Larry Jacobson, Roger Blair and John Reynolds who attended were grateful for Melissa’s “Gem” of a story and duly impressed by the presentations as were guests Allyson Landergen of Walmart and Lacie Thompson of America first Credit Union. North Ogden Kiwanis, with help from their sponsors and teaming with the Weber Schools Foundation, have given books for more than a dozen years; the number of books given exceeds 25,000. The Kiwanis club plans to continue helping the youth of our communities with books as well as Hope of America recognition and Achievement Scholarships.
John w. Reynolds`21 March 2014
#1 picture - L/R Kiwanis members Larry Jacobson, John Reynolds, Melissa Leemaster, Principal David Rhees and Kiwanis member Roger Blair
#2 picture - members of the North Ogden Kiwanis club, representatives from Harrisville Walmart and America First Credit Union, Principals and Reading Specialists from Bates, Green Acres, Lomond View, North Ogden, Majestic and Valley Elementary.
,#1 photo- L/R Kiwanis members Larry Jacobson, John Reynolds, Melissa Leemaster, Principal David Rhees and Kiwanis member Roger Blair.
#2 photo-
