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Back to School with the Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea ‘Imua! Readers’ program

The Maui News

WAILUKU–While working as a school volunteer five years ago, Kihei-Wailea Rotary Club member Kit Hawkins was alarmed by the number of elementary students that were struggling to read at grade level.

This condition was aggravated when COVID lockdowns disrupted school schedules. In cooperation with a group of local educators, Kit developed the “Imua! Readers” program to assist classroom teachers in addressing this growing literacy problem.

“Imua! Readers” is a phonics-based intervention program designed for first grade students identified as reading below grade level. The goal is to give these students the tools and skills necessary to reach grade level proficiency by the end of the school year, ultimately building confidence and a love of reading.

The “Imua! Readers” program features trained volunteers (called reading coaches) that work one-on-one with students using games, repetition and guided practice in a phonics approach to reading. Both the participating students and the reading coaches find the process fun and rewarding. There is no cost to the schools.

To date, “Imua! Readers” has operated at Kamalii Elementary School, Kihei Elementary School, and Kihei Charter school with summer programs at the Kihei Youth Center and Maui Friends of the Library.

“Imua! Readers” welcomes new volunteers who would like a rewarding experience as a reading coach and are available for afternoon 1-hour sessions.

Volunteers will receive training, instructional materials, and have a background check provided by Kihei-Wailea Rotary Club. Please contact Pat Satenstein at (631)223-6307.

Only $99/year

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