Reading @ The Crossroads 2005
Christopher Paul Curtis (2005)
In 2004 the Foundation announced their support for a new reading/writing initiative at the junior high level. Members of the Foundation board, District 205 administrators, and teachers and staff from both Lombard and Churchill Junior Highs formed a committee to work towards providing literacy opportunities for middle school students. While this was targeted towards the junior high students and their parents, events for the entire community were held. This project became a reality in 2005 and was funded primarily by an $11,000 grant from the Foundation.
- Our goals for the middle school students were to enhance their motivation and proficiency in reading and writing by:
- Promoting reading and writing across the curriculum and throughout our community
- Making learning relevant to our students and our families while respecting the diversity of our community
- Valuing and inspiring students by showcasing their work in various media formats
- Encouraging community-wide dialogue
Christopher Paul Curtis (2005)
Community involvement was an important component to the success of this project. Our children learn from our example. When the community rallied around Reading @ the Crossroads it spoke volumes about the value of literacy. Our students heard that message, and responded with an enthusiasm that was nothing short of electric!
The centerpiece of Reading @ the Crossroads was two award-winning authors, Christopher Paul Curtis and Harriette Robinet. These authors write historical fiction and their novels took place during the height of the civil rights movement. Curtis and Robinet spent a full day at both Lombard and Churchill schools. Middle school teachers began preparing students the very first day of school for the November visits by the authors. Each middle school student received an autographed copy of The Watson’s Go to Birmingham written by Curtis and Walking to the Bus Rider Blues authored by Robinet to read prior to the visit. A total of 2,400 books were purchased, distributed and read!
Christopher Paul Curtis (2005)
The Register-Mail and Galesburg Broadcasting added to the excitement with author interviews, student reviews, and an excerpt from Bud, Not Buddy by Curtis. Students also produced a “Mini-Page” titled “Kids @the Crossroads,” and recorded radio spots to advertise the public presentation by Christopher Curtis. Members of the community read to students and spoke about what life was like in Galesburg during this period. Local news stories appeared in the paper echoing the theme. With the death of Rosa Parks that fall, Walking to the Bus Rider Blues took on a special significance and presented many teachable moments. National news coverage of this period in the civil rights movement made the students studies particularly appropriate and timely.
Harriette Robinet (2005)
Reading @ the Crossroads was not a “stand-alone” investment of Foundation dollars. It was a yearlong focus on reading and writing. The authors completed their tasks, they have inspired, excited, and taught some important lessons. The community shared it’s stories, and motivated our students to continue to read and write. Then the students got to work and produced written work which was published in a student driven anthology. Galesburg’s native son, Carl Sandburg, would have been proud!
Reading @ the Crossroads was uniquely Galesburg and the Foundation, was pleased to be such a large part of its success....Believe in it!
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