Ritchie: $20,000 To Enhance School Reading Programs

As “National Reading Month” continues, State Senator Patty Ritchie announces $20,000 in special funding to support elementary-level reading programs in ten school districts throughout Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego counties.

“The foundation of a child’s education is learning to read. By improving student literacy skills, we are putting them not only on the path of academic success, but also expanding their horizons and their imaginations,” Senator Ritchie said. “I am so pleased to be able to provide this funding, which will help expand learning opportunities for young people throughout Central and Northern New York and help them achieve brighter futures.”

Held every March, National Reading Month is celebrated with events across the country that aim to motivate people and especially children to read every single day.

The funding secured by Senator Ritchie will be shared by the following school districts:

Oswego County:
Central Square Central School District
Fulton Central School District
Hannibal Central School District

Jefferson County:
Alexandria Central School District
LaFargeville Central School District
Lyme Central School District
Sackets Harbor Central School District
Thousand Islands Central School District

St. Lawrence County:
Hermon-DeKalb Central School District
Heuvelton Central School District

“Improving a child’s ability to read gives them the confidence, power and knowledge they will need as they not only move on to high school and perhaps an even higher education, but in their professional and personal lives. It is a true springboard to success. We are extremely thankful to Senator Ritchie for not only recognizing the value of a strong literacy program for our students, but also for providing us with the much needed funding to help bring it to fruition,” Central Square Superintendent Tom Colabufo added.

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