Beach Fire officials read to elementary students
Members of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District visited Beach Elementary School last Thursday to assist in a reading heroes program with the kindergarten and first grade classes.
The Beach Fire representation is the first of seven visitations by public safety officials to take part in the “Heroes Read Too” campaign, which was initiated by the local fire department. Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County EMS and US Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be involved.
“We’ve reached out to our partners in public safety, and they will be participating in this program,” said Lt. Ronald Martin, who introduced the program with the help from Principal Larry Wood. “We are trying to partner with our schools to help the local teachers reemphasize the importance of reading through setting a positive example as community role models for the kindergarten and first grade students. In essence, we are trying to help our teachers mold the future of our country by demonstrating that even heroes read too.”
During the first session Thursday, Assistant Fire Chief Darren White read two books to Mrs. Cribbs’ kindergarten class -“Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving” written by Dav Pilkey and “This Is The Turkey” written by Abby Levine Deputy. The kindergarteners were very attentive during the readings.
Afterwards, Deputy Chief Tom Edge and three fire fighters joined Assistant Chief White in helping Mrs. Cribbs’ students practice phonograms through the Spalding Phonics Program.
“There are 70 common sounds to be introduced to all students in kindergarten through second grade,” said Mrs. Cribbs. “Phonograms are fun. They help you write, read and decode.”
Principal Wood always appreciates the support from community members.
“The fire fighters are some of our favorites. They come out and help out with after-school activities. Today, our heroes are reading and other groups of heroes will come in to read as well,” he said. “Our fire fighters go out of their way to get involved with our school. We really appreciate that.”
Principal Wood was impressed with the amount of fire fighters attending the “Heroes Read Too” program.
“I believe we will have six to eight fire fighters show up to read to these 5-year-olds. It’s not just like somebody drew the short straw. They all want to come over. That’s just great support,” he said. “Once you interact with our little kids, you are hooked. It’s a great experience, and we feel it really makes a difference.”
Lt. Martin stated the inaugural program would involve interaction with many different heroes.
“Our policemen, firemen, paramedics and coast guard officials are in the community. The more the kids see them and the more interaction we can have with them, the better we can help educate our youth,” he said. “If we can help through example that reading is important, then we can get the message out.”
The next program will involve members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Dec. 8, followed by Lee County EMS (Jan. 12), US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Feb. 9), Beach Fire (March 8), Lee County Sheriff’s Office (April 12) and Lee EMS (May 10). The officials will read to the three classes from 1 to 2:15 p.m.