A community partnership between the Ogden School District and United Way of Northern Utah is bringing volunteers into local elementary schools to help young students develop reading skills. This initiative supports a priority for both the state of Utah and the Ogden School District to ensure children learn to read early, aiming to prepare them for future academic success.
Through the United Way of Northern Utah partnership, volunteers are working one-on-one with children at ten elementary schools: Wasatch, Shadow Valley, Polk, Heritage, Liberty, Lincoln, Odyssey, New Bridge, East Ridge, and Hillcrest Elementary schools. Volunteers are assigned to a single school and commit to working with students for two hours every week throughout the entire school year.
Alexandra Jolley, a volunteer, began helping children learn to read last year after her own children started school. Jolley stated that she struggled with reading as a child, which she believes contributed to her not enjoying it then. Now, she views this opportunity as a way to contribute and help younger kids develop a love for reading and books. She described the experience as happy and rewarding, particularly when children learn to read and comprehend what they read, feeling accomplished by their progress toward school success. Jolley noted the time commitment is easy.
Missy Gallegos, an instructional coach at Liberty Elementary, explained the critical role these volunteers play. She highlighted that while teachers conduct whole-group lessons, some students fall significantly behind due to factors such as poverty or being second-language learners. Gallegos stated that these tutors provide essential one-on-one support, meeting students at their individual reading levels. She emphasized that a strong early reading foundation is vital, as a lack of it can make it more challenging for students to grasp complex concepts in later schooling and higher education.
Jolley further elaborated on the broader impact, explaining that helping children learn to read significantly expands their world. Gallegos underscored the necessity of volunteer support, stating, "We couldn’t do it without them." She stressed the importance of community involvement, noting that everyone on board is needed to help students collectively.
United Way of Northern Utah is actively seeking additional volunteers for the program. The organization is looking for individuals who can help children learn to pronounce words, practice phonetic sounds, and develop comprehension skills. The goal is to foster a love for reading and books, ultimately making children stronger learners in the long term. Jolley encouraged those who love working with kids and want to make a difference in a child's life to consider becoming a reading tutor.