Rotary Initiates the Dictionary Project in Seward and Moose Pass

Posted on: February 11, 2009 | jeffmow | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

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As part of an effort to promote children’s literacy by Rotary clubs across Alaska, in January the Rotary Club of Seward distributed dictionaries to third graders at elementary schools in Seward and Moose Pass. The Dictionary Project in Alaska is really part of a global effort to distribute dictionaries to all children. According to Seward High School Principal Ginger Blackmon, “the third grade is where students begin to transition from learning to read into reading to learn.”

This year the Anchorage South Rotary Club purchased enough dictionaries for every third grader in the state. Rotary clubs throughout the state including the Seward club have stepped up to the plate to help offset the initial cost and undertake the distribution for communities in their area. Seward Rotary member and Principal Blackmon headed up the club’s effort to initiate the program and to commit to it in future years. According to club president Jeff Mow “the dictionary project serves two of Rotary’s primary missions, to serve the local community and promote literacy.”

Clubmembers Kristi Larson, Blaine Bardarson, Margaret Anderson, and Diane MacDonald (NZ) visited Seward Elementary to distribute dictionaries. “Many of kids were pleasantly surprised when that they were told to write their names inside their books, they seemed very appreciative.” Principal Blackmon “flew solo” when she distributed dictionaries to the 7 third-graders in Moose Pass. For more information about the Dictionary Project or if you are interested in joining Rotary, please look us up at www.sewardrotary.org.