A group of fourth graders has been enjoying some reading enrichment this school year, with
the support of a local organization. Sparrow Services in Athena provides a variety of services for
people with developmental disabilities.
Twice a week, a Day Program Coordinator with Sparrow Services and one of their clients, who is
an avid reader, lead a Book Club for about 10 fourth grade students. The participants are
students who are reading above grade level, and the book club offers opportunities for more
reading challenges. It’s also helping them develop responsibility because they have to read
outside the school day and meet the reading requirements.
Principal Kerri Coffman said the client from Sparrow Services was pretty shy when they first
started working with the students, but they have come out of their shell and really enjoying
engaging with the kids now. “It’s been great for the students to share their love of books and
reading with this young person who loves the same things,” Principal Kerri Coffman said.
Currently, the group is reading books for Oregon Battle of the Books and completing practice
questions. Coffman said the school can’t afford to purchase all the books, so she really
appreciates Christie Boen, Library Media Specialist from InterMountain ESD, because she has
provided multiple digital copies of the books for students to use through the SORA program.
After they read the books, students will form teams and compete against each other to
determine a team to advance to the regionals competition.