NEWBERRY — The Final Four was not the only reason students at Newberry Elementary School were cheering for the Garnet and Black in March.
On March 31, Cocky’s Reading Express visited the school and volunteers from USC read to NES students in grades 4k through grade 2.
With classics such as Pete the Cat and I Want My Hat Back, the USC student volunteers and USC Library and Information Science Professor Heather Moorefield-Lang encouraged students to read each day. Students received books and stickers to remind them of the pledges they made to Cocky to read each day.
The Cocky’s Reading Express is a collaboration between the University of South Carolina Student Government and the School of Library and Information Science Center for Children’s Books and Literacy. As part of the collaboration, students visit elementary schools throughout the state.
They ride their own specially branded bus to each visit. According to its website, this program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade, citing research that shows how children acquiring strong reading skills and a love of reading by the end of second grade are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time.
Students were engaged throughout the event and gave loud cheers when Cocky entered the auditorium to the delight of the crowd. NES students used their reflective listening skills as they took part in the presentation. They also showed integrity and accountability as they committed to read each day.
NES is thankful to students at the University of South Carolina who took time out from their schedules to volunteer and help nurture a love of reading among elementary school students.
Initiatives to support reading and literacy help make all students winners as they support one another to accept nothing less than the best as part of Team NES.
