In 2005, the Scott Spino Foundation established the Scott Spino Literacy Program.  The program was launched at Lincoln School 22, where our son, Scott, was a teacher, passionate about making a difference in the lives of the children.  Scott was killed by a drunk driver on October 31, 2004, and in honor and in memory of his short but extraordinary life, the Foundation was established.   

The mission of the Literacy Program is to increase students’ access to literature.  With this access, the Foundation has seen an enhancement in the students reading skills, an improvement in their word recognition, and the beginning or expansion of their home library.  The program has been designed to open the students’ imagination to the world of reading, instilling a love of the written word.  This mission is accomplished by pairing students with adults who care enough to share their fluent literacy skills, and who embrace the idea of “today a reader tomorrow a leader.” 

The program consists of more than 200 volunteers.  Our volunteers read one on one with an assigned student from grades 1 through 3.  The volunteers attend the program one day each month.  Each month, the volunteers are asked to purchase one or two books to read with their student.  At the end of the monthly visit, the student gets to keep the book(s), to enjoy again or to share with a friend or family member.  The Foundation also sponsors a monthly Guest Reader.  The Guest Reader reads to one entire class of students, selected from grade levels K through 3.  Each student, within the class, receives a copy of the book being read by the Guest Reader.  The student gets to keep their book so that they can experience the joy of reading over and over again.  

Jackie Waldman, author of “The Courage to Give” recommends starting simple and small – you don’t have to begin an organization, just try volunteering once a month.  “If you can just put your own stuff aside for a moment – that’s the courage.”  Each month, 200 volunteers put their “own stuff aside for a moment” to make a difference.   If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Geri Spino.