CTV’s Matt Skube highlights the importance of early literacy and at Pinecrest Public School

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Ottawa, ON – On Thursday, October 20, 2016, the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) and Pinecrest Public School will welcome CTV’s Matt Skube as a guest reader of the OttawaReads Program.

At 9:30am, members of the media are invited to Pinecrest Public School, located at 1281 McWatters Road, where Mr. Skube will read aloud to, and discuss his book selection with, a group of elementary school children.

https://twitter.com/mattskubeCTV/status/789114047522336768

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Reading has always been a huge part of my life, even from when I was a young kid. So I would love to pass on that love of reading to kids

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.” – Matt Skube, CTV Anchor and Reporter

OttawaReads is an early literacy initiative that recruits, trains and matches volunteers with children in need of additional reading and literacy support. Every week, about 125 readers from our 16 employer supported partnerships and individual readers, volunteer their time in 31 elementary schools in the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.

Reading aloud to children from kindergarten to grade 3 in a one-to-one setting supports the development of essential language skills, builds positive associations with books and reading, and helps set the stage for success in school.

It’s not surprising then, that demand for OttawaReads is growing. The need for trained volunteers in schools is particularly urgent this year, given the significant number of Syrian refugees and new Canadians that joined our community last year; with many young children attending school for the first time, with little knowledge of the English language.

There are 9 schools currently on the waitlist for the OttawaReads program, so individuals and local businesses that would like to learn more or get involved as a volunteer, are encouraged to contact Lee-Ann Scott, Director, Volunteer Programs at the Ottawa Network for Education.