And observing the whole scene this day was Erin Shealey, a 2000 Oconee graduate who is now a freshman at the University of Georgia studying early childhood education. The reading program is manned by high school students who get to the elementary school around 7 a.m. But during this time, they meet with young students and help them with their reading. The team leaders who have helped recruit students for the program this year and help with its supervision are Adam Sparks, Allison Spangler, Stan Jackson, and Jessica Mara. Last year about 70 high school students were involved, but this year about 100 are participating.
Some students come once a week, but some are coming twice a week.
Sparks said one goal of the program is to encourage students to enjoy reading by themselves. This personal relationship is important,'' Spangler added. Sparks said students seem to enjoy the program. This ''reader to leader program'' is to encourage them to become part of the program when they enter high school in a few more years. In addition, the school is considering making mathematics part of the tutoring program.