The benefits of Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD’s) Let’s Read program are evident in the faces of Mann Learning Community third graders Dekai Mosby and Kayden Kitchen when asked about their participation in the program. “It (Let’s Read) helps me to learn about everything I know,” said Dekai confidently. Added his classmate, Kayden, seated next to him, “If we keep reading, we will be really smart.”

With the support from committed volunteers, the Let’s Read program at Mann is thriving. Let’s Read volunteers tutor their students for about 30 to 45 minutes every Wednesday. During the session, the students will be guided through workbook pages, sight word cards and reading from a book. The exercises are designed to reinforce skills such as letter guides, sounds and phonics, laying the foundation of literacy and becoming good readers.

The thirst for reading at Mann, sparked by Let’s Read, also includes celebrating National Reading Month in March. The school hosted a Reading Night recently, drawing an estimated 225 people (students, parents and Let’s Read volunteers) for an evening of family centered reading fun with activities such as Reading Under the Stars and much more. Mann Principal Lakeisha Simpson marveled at the continued support that her school and community are getting from her Let’s Read volunteers. “Our volunteers are very dedicated,” she said as Kaylen and Dekai headed back to class. “They are invested in the academic growth of our children.”

 Don’t miss out, volunteer to be a Let’s Read volunteer. The next training sessions are coming up on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. and again on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 5 p.m. You can find more information on how to become a Let’s Read volunteer by clicking here. We know when everyone does their part, students rise.

#DPSCD The Future is Rising.

Pictured: DeKai Mosby (left) and Kayden Kitchen (right) Mann Third Grade Students