STATEHOUSE – State Representative Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon), along with House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and fellow House legislators and staff, joined students at the Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis to read to students as part of a bipartisan House service day.
House members brought their favorite children’s books to read to underprivileged kindergartners and first and second grade students at Shepherd Community, an organization dedicated to supporting impoverished children in the fight against poverty. Rep. Rhoads brought her own personal favorite book, “Stephanie’s Ponytail.”
“As a former educator, it was wonderful to return to the classroom,” said Rep. Rhoads. “Today gave many of our legislators a unique opportunity to step out of the Statehouse and see into a world that is close to my heart. It was a joy to serve and interact with the kids first-hand. These children are the future; they are the ones that we as legislators are working so hard to support.”
Children living in poverty are more likely to be further behind their peers when they begin their K-12 education. These children are less likely to be enrolled in pre-K programs or have meaningful educational experiences prior to entering kindergarten. A child in an impoverished family is read to an average of 25 hours before they start kindergarten, compared to an average of 1,000 hours for children of middle-class families.
“Locally, programs like Reach for a Star, an extended day learning program offered by Blue River Services, help ensure that every child receives the services they need,” said Rep. Rhoads. “These children share a stake in our future, and they all deserve to be given the same opportunities to succeed.”
More information about Shepherd Community Center can be found on their website at www.shepherdcommunity.org.
-30- |
