Literacy 2004

RIORDAN TALK KICKS OFF SM ROTARY LITERACY EVENTS

California Secretary for Education Richard Riordan kicked off a week of literacy activities by the Rotary Club of Santa Monica with a luncheon address to the group Friday (March 19) at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.

The luncheon, which highlighted Rotary literacy programs, was followed by “2004 Rotary Reads to Kids” week, March 22-26, when Rotarians visited 49 classrooms at four Santa Monica public elementary schools and two private schools.

In an effort to increase interest in reading among students, the Rotarians read to many K-2 classes at Edison, McKinley, Muir and Rogers public elementary schools. The annual program included donating books to the schools.

The club’s Literacy Committee also generated a special bookmark for the Rotary Readers to give to the children. One side is for the children to color on and the other side lists “10 Tips for Reading Stories” -- to send home with the students to help parents improve the literacy of their children.

Our own John Deasy, superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, praised the Rotary program. “The support of the community is essential to the District’s success,’” he said in a prepared statement. “Nowhere is this shown more clearly than in the partnership we have shared with the Rotary Club of Santa Monica. For years the District has been the fortunate recipient of Rotary’s valuable time and resources.

“Its award-winning program, ‘Rotary Reads to Kids,’ is an invaluable gift to the children in Kindergarten through Second Grade. “Every year Rotarians visit classrooms and read to the students from books they have generously donated. This fantastic way of sharing the importance and joy of reading cannot be minimized.

“Sitting wide-eyed and receptive, these youngsters experience the specialness of having business men and women spend time with them and impart the importance reading and books play in their lives.”

During the current year, our club has donated thousands of books to schools, two senior citizen facilities and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica Rotary Branch at John Adams Middle School.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Riordan was introduced Friday (March 19) by Santa Monica College President/Superintendent Dr. Piedad Robertson. Also in attendance were Dr. Joseph Quarles, assistant superintendent and chief of staff at the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District; Mary Ellen Walker, editor, Kids’ Reading Room, Los Angeles Times; and Rotary District Governor John Colville.

The Literacy Committee consists of 12 Rotarians who are dedicated to providing the literacy programs. We are proud to have Deasy and Robertson as members of our club.

.....Ed Moosbrugger

Click On the Pictures Below to See in Full Size!

	Diane Margolin reads to 2nd graders at McKinley School during 'Rotary Reads Week'. Diane wins the "Rotary Reader of the Week Award"-- she started by asking each childs' name and engaged them in the fun stories she read. She knew exactly what to say. Diane was a teacher before she began publishing. But now The Santa Monica Star takes most of her time. Way to go Diane! (Great Picture Kris)
Our amazing President Dee Menzies enjoying the fun atmosphere after our Literacy Program, with District Governor John Colville. Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom looks on after receiving a gold “Lend A Hand” lapel pin from Governor John. A big thank you goes out to this years literacy chair Kris Andresen. Governor John also awarded pins to Secretary Richard Riordan, Piedad Robertson, Robin Squier from our Assembly Office and Mary Ellen Walker, LA Times.
	Our friends visiting after the program …. Bob Baker, Literacy Committee; Robin Squier, Deputy for Fran Pavley, Assemblywoman for our 41st District; Dr. Joseph Quarles (front), Assistant SMMUSD Superintendent and Chief of Staff; PP John McIntire (rear), Vice Co-Chair of Literacy Committee and Guest Introductions at our Program; Jeanne Wells (front), Assistant to Superintendent John Deasy and ‘The Heart’ of our Literacy Program – Jeanne organizes the teachers and schedules for our ‘Rotary Reads to Kids Week’; Ingo Werk (rear), our District Vocational Director and District Governor Elect for ‘05-’06.
Rotarian Dr. Piedad Robertson, leader of Santa Monica College, introduced Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, now the Secretary for Education for our Sunshine State. Secretary Riordan gave us an informative and interesting talk about plans for our States’ Education System. Piedad and Secretary Riordan have worked diligently on new policy for our State programs, to improve the financial standing for our primary and advanced schools.

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