Community Leaders Share Passion for Reading During “Real Men Read”

In a school-wide effort designed to promote reading and literacy, Burnett Elementary welcomed dozens of community leaders and volunteers into the classroom Thursday for “Real Men Read.” These volunteer readers, including Superintendent Trent North, Executive Director Kwame Carr, and Eastside Principal Timothy Jenkins, shared their enthusiasm for reading by stepping into the classroom and reading from the pages of their favorite book.

Burnett Principal Dr. Kacia Thompson says, “I loved this idea of having MEN only read to our students! Reading is our focus this year and we have been intentional in the activities centered on reading. Real Men reading to our students was a great example of the men of our community showing our students the value of reading. We were very fortunate to have a diverse group of men from different walks of life share their stories!”

Dr. Thompson says this event put the spotlight on reading and showed students the community is invested in the academic success of Douglas County students. This year students are becoming avid readers with new computer programs and activities designed to improve their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

Teachers at Burnett read to students daily and believe it is imperative that students hear good reading modeled. Dr. Thompson agrees this program is one way to get students excited about reading: “For our students to have exposure to men from our community to come and share the importance of reading in their lives communicated a very powerful message.”

Community leaders, volunteers, and dads all communicated the same message to students: that reading can expand your world and take you great places. Dr. Thompson says the school plans to make the Real Men Read an annual event.