Police Help Hasty Students Maintain Reading Skills

CANTON, GA -- The summer vacation often results in a student losing the academic skills they acquired during during the school year.

In an effort to combat that possibility, the Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy Summer Reading Program provides children with free books to help them maintain their reading skills throughout the summer.

It's an initiative the Canton Police Department has taken an interest in, as officers have taken the initiative to help these students maintain those reading comprehension skills as they enjoy the break from the classroom.

“Children and families make connections with the police and get to understand that they are caring community leaders who are family oriented and love children," said Gwen Freeman, parent involvement facilitator at Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy.

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Officers' presence at the school, the agency said, will help build relationships with families and breakdown any negative stereotypes associated with police officers in general. Their involvement will also demonstrate the officers' commitment to bringing the community together and creating a safe environment for everyone.

The Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy Summer Reading Program is open to all children and everyone is invited to participate, the Canton Police Department said.

The program benefits all students and adults, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality or language abilities.

The next reading program will be held at 7 p.m. July 9 at the Etowah River Park at 600 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton.

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Image via Canton Police Department