Roscoe Reading Program Ambassador Dixon Speaks To DAR

Catherine Dixon is the Junior Ambassador of the Roscoe Reading Program. On Oct. 13, 2012, she spoke to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), General Marion's Brigade Chapter, about the successes of the Roscoe Reading Program(RRP) in Berkeley County public schools. The DAR chapter learned a lot from Miss Dixon's Power Point presentation about the history and achievements of RRP. 

In 2002 Marietta Hicks was using her rescue dog Roscoe to teach safety to one class of 25 elementary students. Their teacher promised to kiss Roscoe if all of the students met their reading goals. The students did, Roscoe got his kiss and the Roscoe Reading Program was born. Ten years later, Marietta Hicks is still adding students to this wonderful program. RRP has gone from 25 students in one school to 4,034 students in sixteen schools.

Reluctant reading students have been transformed into avid readers. More advanced students are challenged to read above grade level books. Students are tested for their reading comprehension. They are encouraged to meet goals in the number of books they read and the students who meet reading goals attend RRP parties every 9 weeks. At these parties the kids get to pet the rescue and therapy dogs who are part of this program, get to eat ice cream with dog biscuit shaped sprinkles and receive free books and other prizes. Last year 2011-2012, the RRP gave away 36,680 books and 78 bicycles (year end grand prizes). 

The Daughters of the American Revolution are supporters of education and a good education has its foundation in reading well. General Marion's Brigade commends all of the volunteers, Marietta Hicks and Junior Ambassador Catherine Dixon for there inspiring efforts to promote reading in Berkeley County schools.

For more information about the many easy ways you can help the Roscoe Reading Program, contact marietta@homesc.com. For more information about joining the DAR, contact GeneralMarionsBrigade@gmail.com .