Volunteers help Humboldt students with reading

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — Studies show if a child’s reading level is below average heading into the third grade, that student tends to fall behind their peers.

The Humboldt school system has implemented the Rise 2 Read program to combat that.

For the first time, about 90 second graders at East Elementary are paired with community volunteers for one-on-one reading and spelling sessions each week. Throughout the year, each student works with their coach to master 1,000 words that specialists believe are essential to communication.

“It’s an opportunity for us as a community to show our students that we are interested not only in their educational success — we’re interested in them,” volunteer Gil Fletcher said.

Humboldt Superintendent Dr. Versie Hamlett says she’s grateful for the community’s commitment and support as they strive to increase reading proficiency district wide.