Rotary Club of Downey’s ongoing support of childhood literary was highlighted when they hosted some remarkable guests from the Downey Unified School District, for their program, Rotary Recognizes Readers.

Good readers, who have raised their reading level significantly over the past year, were honored. Dr. Roger Brossmer introduced Dr. Wayne Shannon, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education, and Wayne enthusiastically introduced the boys and girls named good readers.

The principals of Downey’s 13 K-5 schools came up with each student, and each read a special citation for their school’s reader. who ranged in age from third grade to fifth.

Each child’s story was different, some with challenges at home at overcome, some new to the District and needing to settle in. But every story celebrated the accomplishments of these young people who are enthusiastic and curious and willing to try. “You have skills, and such a love of reading,” they said.

“You have gained courage with your hard work and determination.”

As each school was called, from Alameda and Carpenter to Ward and Williams, the principals said how excited they were to be here for their students. who work hard and are always good sports. “We are proud of you,” their principals said. “You never gave up.” One girl wore a pink flowered skirt and blouse, another wore a big red baseball cap.

President Amelia Sanchez handed gift bags to each child, and afterwards I asked Barbara Lamberth what she had chosen to put in them. “A little boxed set of books,” said Barbara, “some candy, and a pen.”

The palm-sized collection of four books for girls called The Never Girls, was about young girls, “real girls in a fairy tale land,” and the selection for boys was three boxed tales about My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish. They all received Stone Fox, an adventure story about a thrilling dogsled race.

Afterwards I sat down with Old River School fifth grader Kamilah Green and her principal Caryn Jacish. “Kamilah has started a book club in her class,” Caryn said. How many have joined? “Twenty,” said Kamilah. The group chose the book, and they are reading Loser by Jerry Spinelli, a story about how not fitting in just might lead to an incredible life.

“It’s about feeling alone when you’re new,” said Kamilah. Kamilah is new to Old River School Road School, as she and her mother just moved here from Compton. Just as books have always done, this one is inspiring her just when she needs it. But Kamilah may be moving again in the fall, to Las Vegas, where her mom has family, so this book may help her again, when she goes there. I wished her luck and happiness wherever she goes, and in return as they left, Kamilah gave me a quick hug.

One more good reader, Axel Martinez, received a certificate, and he is enrolled in Downey’s Virtual Academy, where he receives online instruction at home.

I talked with Axel, who is ten and in the fifth grade. His mom, his older sisters, and his extended family of aunts and uncles have all helped Axel with his reading skills.

In addition to thirteen K-5 schools, we in Downey also have a Virtual Academy, an online Independent Study school that was started around the time COVID appeared. “We have alternative educational experience for our students,” said vice principal Andrea Larios, who accompanied Axel to the Rotary program. “They are able to take advantage of self-paced learning in a familiar setting.”

“We currently serve 360 pupils for grades 1 through 12,” said Andrea “and that includes an Elementary School Division.” The Downey Virtual Academy is housed at the Lynn L. Pace Education Center.

“Is that usual, to have a Virtual Academy, or is Downey special?” I asked Andrea. “It is very unusual, and Downey is unusual,” Andrea said, “in offering students a more individualized approach to learning while in the safety and comfort of their own homes. We believe our students should have a high-quality, student-centered online option that focuses on each individual student’s academic and social-emotional growth.:

“It’s a regular school day,” said Andrea “with class time, recess, and lunch time off.”