From Chanelle, student
I learned that I like to read different kinds of books. I like to read books like “Lunch Lady” and “Plants vs Zombies.” Right now I am reading “Lemony Snicket” and it is a chapter book. I like when we go on field trips with other students and their tutors. For my birthday, Sean took my brother and me to Sweet Frog. Sean helps me with my reading homework. When my class had a field trip to Jamestown, I read books with Sean about Jamestown.
From Dylan, student
I have worked with Sean for a couple of years. I like to read graphic novels like “Amulet.” I also like to read “Muddy Max,” “Stone Rabbit,” “Mighty Robot” and the “Lunch Lady.” Sometimes after my sister and I read a few books, we get a treat like Ben and Jerry’s or z-Pizza. I read a lot of books with Sean and he helps me. I like to check out books from the library.
From Sean Lenehan, tutor/mentor
Years ago, I was a literacy tutor during my undergraduate years. More recently, I attended an Alexandria Mentoring Partnership presentation and heard more about the local need for literacy tutors. Wright to Read works with the Alexandria City Public Schools and offers one-on-one literacy tutoring for at-need elementary students. I believe partnerships like Wright to Read can support our local schools’ mission. For the past three school years, I have worked with Chanelle and Dylan. We found a weekly day and time that works for all of our schedules, and we meet year round. I see their mother each week and she remains excited about their progress. Wright to Read has helped me identify the kids’ reading interests and supports us with books and other materials. The program offers Read-Aloud events, field trips, Movie Nights (after reading the book!) and regular Award Nights to celebrate success. Last year, when Dylan was visiting with myself and Luisa Reyes from Wright to Read, Dylan exclaimed he loved to read. For lack of a better description, that was awesome. The photo is from a Dr. Seuss reading event with “The Cat in the Hat.” I have enjoyed working with Dylan and Chanelle and am amazed with their progress. They seem genuinely interested in reading and recently were issued their own library cards! They enjoy reading clubs at school, look forward to book fairs and even have favorite authors. These are wonderful milestones and I am grateful to be a part of it.
Wright to Read provides volunteer-based one-on-one sustained literacy tutoring and mentoring relationships to City of Alexandria elementary school children in need, and collaborates with families, schools and community partners to create a comprehensive support network that guides each child to success. Wright to Read is a member of the Alexandria Mentoring Partnership (AMP). AMP was created in 2006 to ensure that quality mentors and mentor programs are available for Alexandria's youth and young adults in need. To learn more about Wright to Read, visit www.wrighttoread.org or to learn more about AMP, visit: http://www.alexandriava.gov/Mentoring.