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Schools

Lincoln-Way North Freshmen to Share Passion for Reading

Hoping to share their passion for reading, a group of Lincoln-Way North High School students is staging a Future Phoenix Reading Night at the school on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Youngsters in grades K-2 who will attend Lincoln-Way North High someday are invited to attend.

“Younger students look up to older students,” explained Erin Venezio, the reading department chair at Lincoln-Way North High School. “This is a great opportunity for the younger students to see the older students modeling a positive view of reading.”

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The school has hosted a Future Phoenix Reading each year since the school first opened in 2008. The event is held in conjunction with Make a Difference Day.

“We encourage students to make a difference in the life of someone younger by modeling their reading skills,” said Venezio.

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Dozens of grade school children from the Summit Hill School District attend each year, teaming up with the high school freshmen to read together.

To help some of the shyer students feel more comfortable, faculty members are bringing their dogs in so youngsters can practice their reading skills on them.

Principal Michael Gardner started the tradition three years ago when he brought his 10-year-old Labrador/pointer mix named Anna to the first Future Phoenix Reading Night.

“Research tells us that if you read to your pets at home, it will help you with your reading,” he told students, encouraging them to read to their family pets – whether they be dogs, cats, goldfish or gerbils.

“If a child is hesitant or shy about his or her reading skills, reading to a dog is a great opportunity to read in a relaxing environment,” added Venezio. “As they practice reading, the child’s skills improve.”

This year’s Future Phoenix Reading Night will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 in the school cafeteria, 19901 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort.

It is open to students in grades K-2 who will attend Lincoln-Way North High School one day.

Parents are welcome to stay throughout the evening, which will conclude with a star gazing activity with Lincoln-Way North science teacher Peggy Piper.

Piper was one of six teachers selected by NASA last summer to work alongside scientists as they conducted research flights aboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy -- a highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft fitted with a 100-inch (2.5 meter) diameter telescope.

She will talk briefly about the experience and then discuss what can be seen in the sky at different times of the year. Astronomy students will assist by leading an outdoor discussion of the evening sky.

If it is cloudy, however, everyone will remain indoors and make star finders or filters.

“In the past, cultures based their lives around what was happening in the sky throughout the day and night as well as throughout the year,” said Piper. “In our modern world, we've lost touch with these touch stones of life. We'd like to share a little bit of the wonders of the sky with the children and adults that attend. Maybe we'll spark the interest of a future astronomer or astronaut!”

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