Frontier Helps Nearly 100 Kids Learn to Read

School #16 Receives Personalized Learn-to-Read Books and More

Nearly 100 kindergartners visited Frontier February 26, 2004, as the company kicked off its "A Book About Me" reading program with School #16 in Rochester, New York.  Students received a personalized learn-to-read book, reading assistance, and a pizza lunch, courtesy of Frontier.

"When kids come here, they get a book with their name on it and they say 'wow'," said Bill Griswold, Frontier senior vice president for the Rochester region.  "It is very fulfilling to see these students get so excited about reading and learning."

 The "A Book About Me" program is centered on a personalized learn-to-read book developed for children between 4 - 7 years old.  The book uses personalization combined with rhyme to appeal to a child's curiosity and to make learning and reading more enjoyable and inviting.  The book strategically arranges words, content, and meanings into groups of different units, using sight words that are appropriate for young students.

 The child's name and the names of two of the child's friends appear throughout the story, along with the names of two of the child's teachers, the principal and the name of the school itself.  To further personalize the book, it also comes with a personalized message from Frontier. 

 The book also comes with a set of support materials, including a curriculum planner for the kindergarten teachers, a 24" x 18" wall chart that reinforces words learned in the student books, and parent/guardian handbook designed to help them stay engaged in their child's reading progress.

"Today, students were given an extra bonus as Frontier employees and retirees broke into small groups to help them read their books for the very first time," added Griswold.  "Making this day special for them affirms our commitment to education and making a difference in our community."

 The "A Book About Me" program is a signature activity for the national Telecom Pioneers, of which the Frontier's volunteer group, the Frontier Pioneers, is a part.  In 2002-2003, the Telecom Pioneers contributed more than $2.5 million dollars in volunteer time toward the "A Book About Me" project.  Locally, Frontier employees and Frontier Pioneers have been involved in the program for the past X years, making a difference in more than X number of young students.