Whittier Daily News: March 28, 2009
by Sandra T. Molina
For more than two decades, Jerry Edwards has headed the city's literacy program.
And in that time, it has grown from a few tutoring sessions and other classes to a program that expands outside the city's library.
Edwards and his staff make weekly visits to area elementary schools to reinforce what's already being taught by teachers during daily classroom lessons."It's been a tremendous help to our students, especially with their comprehension skills," said Lakeview Elementary School Principal Bill Crean.
"The kids, from kindergarten to fifth grade look forward to someone from the library come read to them," he said.
The staff feels the same way.
"It's a pleasure going into the schools and bringing the library to them," Edwards said. "They learn about the values of libraries."
It's not only a place for books, he said, but a place to research a favorite subject and fun activities.
That includes fun events such as the upcoming Battle of the Books.
The nine schools in the Little Lake City School District are currently getting ready for the fourth annual event that pits teams from the different schools against one another, testing their comprehensive skills.
"They are broken down into teams of six and are asked specific questions on the books they read through the year," Edwards said.
The last two teams standing compete for the trophy.
"It's very intense," he said of the event to be held May 29 at Town Center Hall.
He expects to equal, or even exceed last year's crowd of about 400 cheering parents, teachers and district personnel.
"It's a great, fun way to cap off a year of reading and learning," Edwards said.
READ MORE
