Read With Me

The Read with Me Program is a unique read-aloud program that pairs a Kindergarten or First Grade student with a trained volunteer once or twice a week to share and interact with high quality books. Read with Me volunteers are not just reading to students without a purpose. Training includes effective read-aloud strategies and guidance on how to make the most out of a read-aloud session. Each week  students hear wonderful stories, engage in high level conversations, discover new words, and develop a trusting reading relationship with their volunteer.

The Read with Me Program’s main mission is to promote youth literacy through vocabulary-rich Kindergarten and First Grade reading relationships. Our trained volunteers entice children into books and reading while supporting their reading experience. The Read with Me Program also complements Chatham County Schools’ reading curriculum and instruction and assists with building confident, life-long readers.

Materials for the program have been provided by Galloway Ridge Charitable Fund. In 2013, First Grade students were able to continue their summer reading, thanks to a generous donation of books by All Scripts.

Benefits of the Program include

• Provides students with one-on-one reading time with a trained, adult volunteer.

• Provides students with an opportunity to interact with high quality literature, engage in thought-provoking conversations and develop a trusting reading relationship with an adult.

• Provides increased connection between community volunteers and schools.

Chatham Girls for S.T.E.M

The Osman Foundation is pleased to announce our newest enrichment program: Chatham Girls 4 S.T.E.M.

In Spring 2014, a pilot program was launched at Horton Middle School  targeting 5th- 7th grade female students to generate interest in the subjects of S.T.E.M.    Monthly S.T.E.M Saturdays were offered featuring a variety of experiences.

In April 2014, 40 female students attended the UNC Morehead Stemville Symposium.  The girls experienced high interest, hands-on S.T.E.M activities at UNC Morehead facilities.   In May 2014, 5th-7th grade girls were introduced to the subjects of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering when Techsplorers visited Horton Middle School.   Techsplorers brought a team of engineers and lawnmower engines to inspire and engage girls in S.T.E.M learning, ultimately leading them towards the discovery that S.T.E.M subjects can be fun, exciting and very useful in their lives.

The culminating event was a 5-day “Minds-On” summer camp offered to 5th-7th grade female students in June 2014.  UNC Morehead partnered with the Osman Foundation to create a S.T.E.M-filled curriculum for Horton middle school girls.  Activities included:  The Ick Factor led by UNC Morehead, Cooking from Scratch, The Rocket Launch, Solar Cars, Zip Line Calculations, Canvas Art, Drumming Circle, Batik T-shirt Design, and so much more.  The Biogen Idec Foundation Micro-Grants in Science Education Fund of Triangle Community Foundation helped support the Chatham Girls 4 S.T.E.M summer camp.

Reach Your Potential

Learn, Lead and Grow is the motto of Reach Your Potential programs.

Reaching potential requires both competence and confidence.   Reach Your Potential programs focus on inspiring students through a series of challenging outdoor adventure activities.   Students work together to solve problems, make decisions and stretch their boundaries.   Achievements are celebrated and group management skills are developed.

These customized programs enhance confidence and build teams and leaders.  Participants learn about themselves, each other, and how to work effectively.   Reach Your Potential is a field trip with a purpose.

A Far Reaching Impact

Reach Your Potential programs not only enhance individual students, but also impact a school’s community.  Studies have shown that an array of non-academic issues can positively influence students, staff and school performance.  Among them:

• Peer relations

• Interpersonal problem solving ability

• Social skills development

• Feeling of belonging

• Sense of Community

Program Considerations

Our Reach Your Potential Program designs vary depending upon the following considerations:

Length of Program:  Half Day, Full Day or Multi-Day
Location:  Our Site or School Site, Indoor or Outdoor
Type of Challenge:  Low Course and/or High Course
Age of Participants:  4th Grade – 12th Grade
Size of Group:  12-200

Contact us to discuss your budget and focus of your visit.  We will create a program especially for you