Literacy program prepares volunteers for classroom

Spokane Public Schools will offer training for all volunteers in literacy programs in the district at the Southside Senior Activity Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave.

The sessions are meant to provide volunteers with the knowledge needed to best assist children of different reading levels. Training is not required, but volunteers are encouraged to attend so that they have a basic skills set before entering a classroom.

One-hour sessions will be led by literacy coaches Kathy Bumgarner, from Lincoln Heights Elementary School, and Jane Bouge, from Adams Elementary School.

Two basic training sessions will be Jan. 25 and March 15. Training for working with nonreaders will be Feb. 8 and March 22. Training for working with beginning readers is set for March 8 and April 12.

All sessions begin at 3:30 p.m.

Training is not just for registered volunteers, said Robin Fiorillo, volunteer specialist for Spokane Public Schools.

Anyone interested in reading with children may attend a training session.

The necessary paperwork for a background check will be provided.

The training sessions were the idea of Roger Cochran, who has volunteered in Spokane Public Schools for several years.

Those interested in attending a training session are asked to RSVP with the senior center at 535-0503.

Fiorillo can be reached at 354-7277 for more information about the literacy program.