Comptrollers reach out in community

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- The 14th Comptroller Squadron recently volunteered 25 hours of their time to the Barksdale Reading Program.
Approximately ten volunteers from the 14th CPTS traveled to Stokes-Beard Elementary School to help 40 children in kindergarten through third grade expand their reading skills.
The 14th CPTS Community Partnership Committee, which was developed at the beginning of the year, has developed a partnership between the squadron and the local community. They have developed this partnership through education, mentorship and community service. They have been working on projects in the community and working closely with school personnel.
As the squadron showed interest in the community, "the Barksdale Summer Reading Program was identified as needing assistance," said Carrie Williams, 14th Comptroller Squadron and part of the 14th CPTS Community Partnership Committee. "We saw the program as an opportunity to help the children and also prepare us for the adoption next fall."
The Barksdale Reading Institute funded a three week summer camp, Camp Summer Safari, which focused on reading.
The students do large readings in the morning, as a group. They also participate in arts and crafts activities; outside games; singing and buddy readings. The children also had personal reading time.
"Everything they do is connected to a theme," said Gale Austin, BRI literacy teacher.
"We believe the program was successful because it allowed the children to continue learning and practicing their reading skills while having fun participating in the other activities the program offered," said Mrs. Williams.
The squadron plans on adopting a school in the fall. "We will be working with the Superintendent of Education in the next few weeks to finalize the details for adopting a school and will continue pursuing other volunteer opportunities," said Williams.