Johnny Walker, goalie for the Metro Stars, was invited by Dr. Addie Boyd, Vice Principal of Washington School, to visit the first and second grade students and read stories to them as part of the Literacy Block initiative among the administration and teachers in the school. Mr. Walker arrived in the MetroStars Metromobile. He speaks fluent Spanish and was able to read and converse with the children in English and Spanish. In addition to traveling extensively as a goalie for the MetroStars, Mr. Walker has traveled world-wide promoting reading among school children.
Click here to see and hear excerpts from Mr. Walker's visit and take a look at the pictures, too.
Mr. Walker's First Story Mr. Walker's Second Story
Seen here are first grade teachers Melissa Benenati, Nikki Baltzar and MaryAnn Zarcone with Johnny Walker (2nd from right) and MetroStars Bob Vazquez (left). The meeting was arranged through the auspices of Kearny Federal Savings Bank. Lorraine Morieko (right) and Eric Kesselman (third from right) represented Kearny Federal at the afternoon event. Kearny Federal Savings Bank is one of the sponsors of the Kearny School District Newsletter, mailed home to more than 13,000 residences and businesses in Kearny.
Mr. Walker read stories from the book The Best Halloween of All to approximately sixty first and second graders in Washington School for about twenty minutes each class. As part of the literacy block incentive, students may receive up to ninety minutes of literacy each day. The faculty also attends professional development workshops to learn the most modern pedagogy in literacy instruction and their efforts have been reflected in the increased student achievement and enthusiasm at Washington School.
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According to Dr. Boyd, three things are necessary for a young person to succeed in school. Children must read, read, and read. To encourage reading, Dr. Boyd has brought in many athletes and celebrities to read to the children since beginning her tenure as vice principal.
