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United Way Fights Summer Slide

United Way Fights Summer Slide

[Williamson County, TN – June 18, 2019] United Way of Williamson County’s school-based education program is providing literacy and learning activities for local students during the summer months.

The Summer Literacy Program is a Raise Your Hand initiative that promotes the importance of ongoing reading and combats the effects of “summer slide.” 

Summer slide is the decline of academic skills over the summer months, which can occur when school is not in session. The Summer Literacy Program is aimed at keeping students engaged in quality learning activities. 

Raise Your Hand has provided sub-grants to three school libraries to bolster local summer literacy opportunities with fun story hours, learning activities, and snacks for children.

These libraries include Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School (Address: 1000 Secluded Lane, Spring Hill, TN 37174), Westwood Elementary School (Address: 7200 Tiger Trail, Fairview, TN 37062), and Liberty Elementary School (Address: 600 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN 37064).

Children up to age eleven are welcome to participate. Caregivers can visit uwwc.org/raise-your-hand for a schedule of reading times, books selections, and activities. 

About United Way’s Raise Your Hand

United Way of Williamson County launched the Raise Your Hand (RYH) Tutoring program in 2012 to provide after-school tutoring to students in first through fourth grade. RYH pairs volunteer tutors with students performing below the State of Tennessee education standard. Participation is free for students and includes snacks and transportation home.

RYH has helped over 2,000 students across 12 area schools improve their math and reading proficiencies. During the 2018-2019 school year, 96% of participating students improved in reading and 100% improved in math.

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