STAIR program

Jennifer Kulynych's guest column was a great tribute to her mother Carol Ross, who was an outstanding STAIR volunteer tutor (The Capital, Dec. 28). STAIR (Start The Adventure in Reading) now in its 14th year, serves elementary students in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County public schools.

The program has grown to 11 sites this year, helping 95 students master basic reading skills. The typical STAIR student is just beginning second grade but reading below grade level. Teachers do all they can during the school day, but more is needed.

This is where STAIR comes in. A volunteer tutor is paired with an individual student to spend one hour, twice a week, reading with the child, working on vowel sounds, learning sight words and – in essence – reinforcing and practicing critical reading skills.

STAIR volunteers come from all walks of life – no experience required – just a desire to help kids read. STAIR provides volunteer training and a clear, educator-developed curriculum. The program pays big rewards. By the end of the school year, 70 to 75 percent of the students will be reading at grade level or above. Tutors, parents and teachers are all smiles, as they listen to their second grader reading with confidence.

If you would like to join the team of more than 200 STAIR volunteers, or perhaps start a STAIR site at your school, visit our web site at STAIRAnnapolis.org , or e-mail executive_director@stairannapolis.org. You too can make a difference, just like Carol Ross.

DOUG SMITH

Annapolis