Without the right tools, becoming a strong writer, active reader, and critical thinker can be difficult. The Olean Rotary Club’s annual Dictionary Project is helping change that.This year, 324 third-grade students across six area schools received their own personal dictionaries, giving them resources to develop comprehension and communication skills that will last a lifetime.
The dictionaries include maps, weights and measures, the United States Constitution, a list of U.S. presidents, and other educational tools.
Now in its 16th year locally, the program has distributed a total of 4,899 dictionaries.
Rotarians visited Washington West, East View, Portville, Southern Tier Catholic, Allegany-Limestone, and Hinsdale elementary schools to present the dictionaries in person.
“We are reaching out in our community with a very positive program targeting literacy at the third-grade level,” said Paula Bernstein, Rotary Assistant Governor.
“The children enjoy having their own book, and the schools and teachers truly appreciate what we do for the kids. One of the highlights this year was my trip to Hinsdale Central School District visiting Mrs. Goodling’s third-grade class, where my niece Stella was in attendance. It was so wonderful to participate with her and her classmates.”
“It’s a real pleasure to visit the third graders,” said Doug Price, project coordinator. “They are so excited to receive their own dictionary.
It’s also inspiring to see the dedication of our teachers every day in local classrooms. We Rotarians are proud to contribute our time to this worthwhile project and hope to continue it well into the future.”
The project, led by Price, included assistance from Bernstein, Joe Higgins, Risa Michienzi, Megan Moretz, and Theresa Shaffer.
The Dictionary Fund is supported through donations from Rotary members and community supporters.
The Olean Rotary Club Community Improvement Fund also helps finance projects such as Lincoln Park gazebo repairs and other local initiatives.
Donations can be made through the Cattaraugus Community Foundation online giving portal.
