I salute the volunteers who give their time and energy to read to and with the students at W.A. Threadgill School in the Sheffield city school system. The volunteers are providing a necessary and essential tool to improve the reading abilities of the students to understand and comprehend what they are reading.

Strong reading skills create a stronger foundation for learning and retaining knowledge. If students can read and understand well, it is more likely for student retention because the student will not become frustrated and become a dropout statistic. A good reader will be able to succeed in other subjects in school.

I challenge the parents in the Sheffield School System to reinforce the reading tools provided by the volunteers by encouraging their children to read aloud to them instead of playing video games. You will be amazed at what your children are learning and retaining.

Parents, stop by Threadgill and let the staff and volunteers know how much their efforts are appreciated. A thank you card or a note will work.

Evelyn Whiteside Pugh

Sheffield