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Newton named Logansport ‘Citizen of the Week’

Last Updated on May 15, 2018 by cassnetwork

A Logansport bank employee is being recognized for interest that doesn’t involve money at his institution.

Chuck Newton takes time out of his schedule each week to read to students in Erin Hamm’s class at Fairview Elementary School. His ongoing commitment to support reading at the elementary level has earned the Logansport Savings Bank compliance officer recognition as Logansport’s Citizen of the Week.

Mayor Dave Kitchell says the emphasis adults from the community place on reading underscores to children how important it is to them.

“Educators know that students learn to read by the third grade level so they can read to learn for the rest of their lives,” the mayor says. “Getting students interested in reading is vital to a child’s development. With summer reading programs beginning for the summer, it’s a critical time for parents to register their sons and daughters for summer reading not just to give them something to do, but to help them when they return to school in the fall.”

Statistics on summer reading programs indicate there is a “summer slide” in students who don’t read during the summer months and that accounts for as much as 85 percent of the reading achievement gap between lower-income students and their peers from middle- and upper-income households. Children in third grade who aren’t reading at grade level by that age are four times less likely to graduate from high school.

“From programs such as the Reading Railroad to summer reading at the Logansport/Cass County Public Library, young people can really learn not only about what they want to learn, but can better retain what they’ve learned,” Kitchell says. “Chuck is a role model for adults who can make a difference in children’s lives simply by supporting reading initiatives.”

The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognizes Logansport natives or residents who contribute to the community or are recognized for their achievements. Recipients received a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.

SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell

Cass County Online