United Way of Northeast Louisiana READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. End of Year Celebration

United Way of Northeast Louisiana is hosting the READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. End of Year Celebrations for Lincoln Parish students and volunteers Thursday, May 14, 12:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center. Launched by United Way of Northeast Louisiana during the 2012-2013 school year in partner schools, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. volunteer reading initiative pairs area volunteer readers with 2nd and 3rd grade students in Lincoln Parish, Monroe City, Ouachita Parish and Union Parish school districts. Utilizing proven methods to boost students? reading skills in early grades, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. works with parents, schools, and community partners to create enthusiastic readers who can read at or above grade level utilizing the following four key strategies with the long-term goal of increasing the number of students graduating from high school: ? In-school support ? Out of school support (after school and summer enrichment) ? Parental engagement ? Awareness Early grade reading proficiency is a key indicator of not only success in later grades, but also of high school graduation. Research shows that a student who can?t read on grade level by third grade is four times less likely to graduate than a child who does read proficiently at that age. During the Celebration, students will enjoy a special presentation of The Three Little Pigs before choosing books to bring home to build their personal home libraries. Students will also receive a goodie bag with supplies to keep them engaged during the summer months. For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana?s READ.LEARN.SUCCEED., or to sign up to volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year, dial 2-1-1, a free call 24/7 on any landline or mobile phone, or visit tinyurl.com/ReadLearnSucceed.