Medicine Hat Public School Division Superintendent Tracy Hensel is seen reading a "space themed" book to students at Ross Glen School during its annual Literacy Heroes workshop that promotes reading and writing skills used in different career fields.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Fifteen “Community Heroes” from various professions, including the local government, police, fire and local celebrities, hung out with students of Ross Glen School during the third annual literacy event, held in conjunction with Education Week in Alberta.
Mayor Linnsie Clarke, as well members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, Fire and Emergency Service, Alberta Health Services, Tigers broadcaster Will Bryant and News reporter Anna Smith were among those who took time during the day to read books and promote literacy to students.
This is the third year Ross Glen School has held its Literacy Heroes workshop, aimed to inspire students by sharing stories having well-known members of the community read to them, while highlighting the importance of literacy in their careers.
“We are really making connections between the power of literacy and the importance of literacy lasting a lifetime,” explains Michael Tschritter, teacher and education week committee member. “And also having students wonder and explore different potential careers.”
Throughout the afternoon, groups of students visited different community heroes for short 20-minute sessions that included reading from a book and answering questions.
“And we do hear students that really are inspired to reach their full potential and potentially pursue some of these future careers,” adds Tschritter.
Tschritter says the workshop’s goal is to highlight the importance of skills like reading, writing and communicating, which typically transcend several career fields.
“Specifically what we’re hoping to do today is really share a variety of stories with our students and really get them wondering about, ‘How can I pursue some of these careers when I’m older?'” said Tschritter. “And not only that, but seeing their heroes, reading to them I think sometimes plants a spark into kids to really see that it is important, no matter what you’re doing, to have literacy within your realm of experience.”
The school will continue to host activities this week themed around three model words; connecting, wondering and thriving, and on Friday students will be asked to come to school dressed up like they are working their dream job.
The literacy workshop is one of several exercises happening in schools throughout Medicine Hat and the province to celebrate Education Week.
Literacy is only one subject highlighted throughout Education Week. Typically schools will also host events that invite the public into classrooms and celebrate the contribution of staff and volunteers.
The week is also used to highlight educational goals that include optimal learning conditions for every child, providing innovative learning programs. The week also promotes teachers to continue developing their skills as professionals.
The Alberta Teachers Association says Education Week is an excellent opportunity to advocate for public education and is an assurance that public funding into education is being put to good use.
