Brandon Twp.- Evidence of success with the STARS program keeps turning up.
STARS (Student Tutoring and Reading Sessions) began in September as a free after-school tutoring and reading program for students in grades K-4. The program that was initially geared to students residing in the Sashabaw Meadows and Clarkston Lakes Mobile Home Parks has now grown and is also offered two days a week at Harvey Swanson Elementary School for all students.
Students at H.T. Burt Elementary recently had a penny drive, and on March 12, presented a $416 check for STARS to Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance, who sponsors the program.
Perhaps the biggest sign of success is a story that BGYA caseworker Phyllis McCaffrey shares of a father who said he couldn’t get his son to pick up a book, but after enrolling the child in the STARS program, the boy now wants to read every night before going to bed.
A summer schedule is currently being considered for STARS, but needs a financial sponsor, with a donation of at least $500. The first session would be 9 a.m.-10 a.m., Mondays through Thursdays from July 14-31 at the Clarkston Lakes clubhouse for grades 2-5. A second session would be for the same times and grades from Aug. 4-21, also at the Clarkston Lakes clubhouse. There would be a lottery for each session. Watch future editions of The Citizen for registration information.
To volunteer for STARS or to make a donation call 248- 627-6445.