Dr. Dworkin, Chancellor of Purdue North Central and author of children’s book The Dog and the Dolphin, will join the Indiana National Guard and Indiana Department of Education to encourage elementary students to read during the Books and Boots literacy initiative on Monday, Dec. 15 at Bailly Elementary School.
According to literacy statistics from WriteExpress Corporation, kids who do not read proficiently by the fourth grade are four times likelier to drop out of school. The Books and Boots program is designed to motivate elementary-aged students to read and to ensure they are reading by third grade. The literacy program allows active-duty members of the Indiana National Guard and civic and community leaders to visit 30 elementary schools around Indiana to read to students regularly.
“Early childhood development and literacy go hand-in-hand,” said Indiana National Guard Sgt. Maj. Rick Weber, who is lead facilitator of the Books and Boots initiative. “It’s important for children and their families to understand the importance of reading. The Books and Boots initiative allows Guardsmen to re-invest in their local communities by providing youth mentorship, while serving their state and country. The Indiana National Guard believes that a strong state and nation begins with a well-educated, connected and invested community.
The LaPorte-Pulaski-Starke Building & Construction Trades Council generously donated copies of Dworkin’s first published children’s book, The Dog and The Dolphin, which is the story of the unlikely friendship that develops between an Irish Setter and a dolphin. After the reading session, the students will be provided with a copy of the book with the purpose of helping build in-home libraries and encouraging reading at home.
"Reading is fundamental to student success and for successful living outside of the school, said Kevin Zeck, principal of Bailly Elementary School. “Partnerships, such as those with the National Guard, are critical to our students to understand that the importance of reading stretches beyond the classroom walls and that children of all ages can participate and enjoy reading."
Indianapolis Public School, Joyce Kilmer Academy hosted the kick-off event last month with celebrity reader Gerry Dick, host of Inside INdiana Business. Other elementary schools around the state have already committed to participate in the Books and Boots program. Evansville, Terre Haute, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Gary will also welcome the Indiana National Guard and local community leaders to read to the students throughout 2015.
During peace time, the Indiana Guard is commanded by the governor. In its "state" role, the Indiana National Guard assists the Indiana Department of Homeland Security during emergencies, at the direction of the governor. Distribution of Soldiers, Airmen, equipment and facilities throughout the state allows the Indiana National Guard to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies statewide.