Target volunteers read with Lawton Elementary students

Target employees volunteered at Lawton Elementary as part of "Read Across America."
Target employees volunteered at Lawton Elementary as part of “Read Across America.”

By Tara Cavanaugh 

“You’re never too wacky, too old, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

That’s the slogan of “Read Across America,” a National Education Association program that focuses on motivating children and teens to read. The program, now in its 16th year, attracts participation from many organizations and businesses, including Ann Arbor’s own Target, which sent volunteers to Lawton Elementary on May 20 to read with children throughout the school.

The Target employees visited five classrooms during the morning, reading to students in groups or helping individual students read books aloud.

Target also donated Dr. Seuss books, charts teachers can use to track students’ reading, and flash cards. 

“The kids are great,” said Laura Hammer, the executive team leader of human resources at Target. “It seems like they really appreciate us being here and are really into the stories we’re reading. It’s a lot of fun.”

“Teaching children is a community event, not a school event only,” said Lawton teacher Susan Baily, whose classroom was visited by the volunteers. “We need parents, teachers, and community members, including businesses, to help make our students as wise and happy as possible.

“We thank Target employees for sharing their time to show our students that the local community cares about them and will help with their education.”

Target connected with Lawton Elementary through the AAPS Business Partnerships Office.

Related on the AAPS News: 

The AAPS District News welcomes thoughtful comments, questions and feedback.

All comments will be screened and moderated.

In order for your comment to be approved:

  • You must use your full name
  • You must not use  profane or offensive language
  • Your comment must be on topic and relevant to the story

Please note: any comment that appears to be spam or attacks an individual will not be approved.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.