The importance of reading can’t be overstated. Children who become competent readers are more successful in school and in life. Irma and Bruce Kelley know this, and for years they’ve been helping students at Schumann Elementary in Orono improve their reading skills.
“It’s so important,” says Bruce Kelley. “If kids can’t read, they fall behind in everything all the way through school.”
Irma Kelley, 78, is a retired kindergarten teacher. She says she organized Orono Reads at Schumann four or five years ago after a teacher friend asked if she would like to help second-graders improve their reading skills. Her husband, 85, a retired civil engineer, says, “We feel we should give back to the community.” The Kelleys have become a beloved institution at the elementary school ever since.
The Kelleys and other reading volunteers work with students one-on-one once a week for 20 minutes. The children, who are at various reading levels, are encouraged to read out loud to their volunteer. “We believe our job is to encourage them,” says Bruce Kelley. “We often give compliments for even the smallest amount of progress, in an effort to get the kids to enjoy reading.” He adds, “I truly am amazed at what teachers accomplish when working with kids at so many different reading levels. I’ve gained even more respect for what they do.”
That respect is reciprocal. “We are so grateful to the Kelleys for their commitment to our district and the many contributions they’ve made over the years,” says Schumann principal Connie Fladeland. “They are passionate about learning and it shows in all that they do.”
And reading to second-graders isn’t all they’ve done. Irma Kelley is a master gardener and has planted a hosta garden in front of our school—but this isn’t your typical hosta garden. It’s called the A-to-Z garden, with 26 different hosta varieties, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet. Each variety is marked with a small sign to help children practice their ABCs as well as learn a bit about horticulture.
The couple’s dedication to inspiring kids to love reading has a long history at Schumann. Twelve years ago, with the help of the Orono Lions Club, the Kelleys created the R.E.D. (Read Every Day) Lions Challenge. This challenge targets first-graders each February, which is I Love to Read Month. Students are encouraged to read 20 minutes every day for the month. Those who complete the challenge receive a $25 gift card to The Bookcase in Wayzata.
“Students don’t have to do all the reading themselves,” Bruce Kelley says. “It counts if parents read to them. It’s also acceptable for students to read books in different languages. It’s all about getting kids into the habit of daily reading.”
The Kelleys’ devotion to helping local schoolchildren hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last June, they were presented the Orono Education Association Friend of Education Award at Orono Schools’ annual recognition breakfast. The couple feel honored, says Bruce Kelley, but, he adds modestly, “I think we’ve gotten enough attention.”
If you are inspired by the Kelleys’ volunteer efforts and want to make a difference in the lives of children, potential volunteers can go to the district website. Click on the home page for the school at which you would like to volunteer, then click “parents” on the left menu bar to discover a direct link to volunteer information and opportunities.
