Read Aloud Program features Lt. Gov as special guest at Hookena Elementary

Reader Submitted

Read Aloud America’s Read Aloud Program (RAP) at Konawaena Elementary School and Hookena Elementary School continues to go strong with hundreds of attendees at each session. The last sessions in mid-October had an impressive 536 participants join in the fun of reading.

“My kids are excited about reading and that makes me happy,” said Jene’ Green, parent of a Hookena Elementary School student. “Thank you for making this available for our children with the furloughs. Any extra educational activities is awesome! Thank you and aloha.”

RAP is a free school community event that brings families, schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals together. It provides an avenue for anyone to continue or be encouraged to read for fun.

RAP takes place on a school evening – and unfolds by a short introduction by the presenter. The students are then disbursed in age-level groups to listen to volunteers read stories. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers stay in the cafeteria with the presenter and relax as they listen to stories, reading tips, and chapter books. Book swaps for adults and children encourage attendees to exchange used books. RAP also provides free snacks, drinks, and dinner and the evening ends with door prizes and a party atmosphere.

After each session, adults are given the opportunity to provide feedback about the program. Comments such as Hookena Elementary School parent Dani Dahl’s, “We can’t get enough of this program! Keep going,” is common as well as, Cassie Campogan, a Konawaena Elementary School parent’s comment, “This is awesome. It’s our first time but fourth session. Wish we could have come sooner. The kids (Kindergarten, Pre-K and Toddler) LOVE it! Thank you so much.”

RAP began in 1999 and has become the largest family literacy program in America. Its unique approach to making reading fun for the entire family is one reason for its success. It has served over 165,000 attendees and over 80 programs across the state of Hawaii. This fall brings RAP to South Kona for the first time. Its expansion to the neighbor islands has become a reality.

Lisa Bates, another parent of a Hookena School student, commented, “I highly suggest giving every student in every age, school, state an opportunity!! This program is very exciting for the kids and the parents. We as parents love when our child loves to read. Motivation is the key!! Thanks.”

The program can be hosted at any public elementary or middle school for six sessions during one school semester. Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, Duke Aiona, commented, “No matter how small or large the school is we want this program to go to every school in the state.” Aiona will be a guest speaker at Hookena Elementary School’s next RAP session on November 5.

“I enjoy this program because it brings people together,” commented Emily Mendez-Bryant, Read Aloud America’s RAP Big Island Site Coordinator. “Especially during these challenging times, it’s inspiring to see over 50 community volunteers at each session and how everyone – students, parents, school teachers, volunteers – is uplifted by this program. The bottom line is that we are making a difference.”

Konawaena Elementary School’s next RAP dates fall on Wednesdays – November 4 and November 18. Hookena Elementary School’s last sessions are scheduled on Thursdays – November 5 and November 19.

Anyone from the schools’ communities is welcome to attend. It is highly encouraged for school staff or parents to attend a session to see how it can make a difference. For more information, please contact 756-2348.