Pairs of Unum employees visited every class at Presumpscot Elementary School in Portland this week to read a children’s book, discuss it and participate in a related activity as part of the Scholastic R.E.A.L. program.
The program aims to get students excited about reading and to build their literacy skills. Mentors visit classrooms for an hour every month to share engaging fiction and nonfiction books that celebrate diversity and character traits. Students are given a copy of the books to take home.
“We are delighted to have 30 professionals take time out of their workday to encourage our students to read,” said Presumpscot Principal Cynthia Loring.
The Unum volunteers, who come from all departments in the company, will read books appropriate for each grade level. Lexmark and Unum have contributed $10,000 to cover the cost of materials, including seven new books for each student to take home. Unum will host a reading celebration for students in the spring.
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