Clifford the Big Red Dog to read to students in Syracuse University’s Summer Literacy Corps Program this week

Clifford the Big Red Dog to read to students in Syracuse University’s Summer Literacy Corps Program this weekJuly 22, 2004Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

Clifford the Big Red Dog – played by a Syracuse University Literacy Corps tutor in costume – will visit several area schools this week to read to students participating in the Syracuse City School District’s summer school programs.

Through the SU Summer Literacy Corps, 28 student tutors are working with hundreds of elementary school children at Dr. Weeks and Dr. Martin Luther King elementary schools; the Dunbar Center; the Jowonio School; and the MANOS enrichment program, helping students practice reading and writing. Literacy Corps tutors work full-time from July 8-Aug. 11, having received two days of intensive training in anticipation of working with the children. Within the schools, tutors are assigned to individual classrooms and typically work one-on-one with the children or with small groups.

Clifford began reading to students this morning at the Dunbar Center; his future appearances will include:

• Wednesday, July 21, 1-2:15 p.m. at the Dunbar Center;
• Thursday, July 22, 9-11:30 a.m. at Dr. Weeks Elementary;
• Thursday, July 22 from 1-2 p.m. at the MANOS Enrichment Program;
• Friday, July 23 from 9-11 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King School.

Media members are welcome to cover the events. For more information call Roberta Gillen, assistant director for Literacy Initiatives in SU’s Center for Public and Community Service, at 443-3051 (office) or 447-0761 (cell).