Thanks to grant funding from the state, the Carter County School System will be launching a new literacy initiative this summer designed to help children improve their reading and writing skills.

The school system was recently awarded a $30,000 “Read to Be Ready” grant from the state.

“We’re hoping to increase the reading and writing levels for upcoming third graders,” said Larissa Trivette, one of the educators involved in writing the grant application.

A couple of years ago, the school system began placing a focus on literacy in response to a drive by the state to have all students reading at or above level by the time they leave third grade.

With the grant funds, the school system will be creating a literacy summer camp that will be held over four weeks in June. Students selected for the program will attend the program from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during each week of the program. “The class ratio will be very small — five students to one teacher,” explained Shonna Weddle, who is working with Trivette on the program. “Individualized instruction will be a high priority.”

Students taking part in the program will also receive several free books.

“Each student will be receiving 10 to 12, possibly more, highly motivating books to add to their home library as well,” Trivette said.

In addition to helping the students improve their literacy skills, the program will also have a focus on family and community involvement as well.

“ We’re wanting to get people from the local area to come in and read to the students and talk to them about their profession,” Trivette said.

The students will also get to participate in some special field trips during the program, which Trivette said will help reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.

For this pilot year of the program, a group of students will be selected to take part in the camp. Weddle said a literacy team of educators would review data from student testing and benchmarks and work with teachers to help select students who need improvement in their literacy skills.

“ Twenty- five is all we’ll be able to take this year due to funding,” Trivette said. “ We’re hoping if it does well we will be able to add a second site next year and double that.”

According to Trivette and Weddle, as the school system begins selecting children to take part in the program they will send letters home to parents.

The school system is also looking for businesses and individuals in the community to help support the program. Trivette said she and her colleagues will be reaching out to local businesses to donate items such as snacks, t-shirts, and other items for the children. They will also be looking for individuals to come read to the children and speak to them about their professions.

Anyone interested in donating items or volunteering to read is asked to contact Elementary Supervisor Mike Miller at 423-547-8350 or email to mikemiller@carterk12.net.