Program Name: H.E.R.O. (Helping Everyone Read Outstandingly) Literacy Program
Nominator's Name: Kristine McGrath
Title: Basic Skills Instructor/H.E.R.O. Facilitator
Address: 38 Robeson Ridge
City/State/Zip: Oxford NJ 07863
Nominator's Telephone Number: 908-453-4398
Organization: Florence M. Burd School
Address: 219 Newton-Sparta Road
City/State/Zip: Newton NJ 07860
List of Community Partners: Sussex County Clean Communities, Andover Clean Communities, Exxon/Mobile Alliance, Andover Regional Ed. Foundation
The nominated program focuses on the following grade level or area: Elementary
District:  Andover Regional
County: Sussex
Address: 707 Limecrest Road
City/State/Zip: Newton NJ 07860
District Superintendent: Mr. Jerry Clymer
District Telephone Number: 973-383-3721
Date of Program Initiation: September 1997

Area 1: Goals:

Andover Regional School District has joined Colin Powell, founder of America's Promise, in his nationwide initiative to eradicate illiteracy. The Andover Schools are New Jersey's first School of Promise and the H.E.R.O. literacy program is an outgrowth of that volunteer spirit. The name H.E.R.O. stands for Helping Everyone Read Outstandingly. The goal of the program is to provide academically "at risk" students, grades K-4, with tutors to improve reading and writing skills. These students would not otherwise qualify for remedial assistance but have difficulty keeping up in the regular classroom.

This goal encompasses all indicators for the standards for Reading and Writing of the Core Curriculum Content Standards. In addition, the program allows for effective use of technology for review and reinforcement of skills taught as well as the use of a word processor for the development of writing portfolios and a scanner for the creation of picture prompt stories. The literacy standards for Speaking and Listening are supported by the program due to the discussion, questioning, and active listening that evolves during a half hour tutoring session between the volunteer and student. Under the program, five resources must be provided for the children: mentoring, safety, health, successful education and opportunities to give back to the community.

Area 2: Activities:

Children in the H.E.R.O. Program are provided with a one-on-one learning experience designed specifically to improve their reading and writing skills. Currently there are 22 adult/parent volunteers participating in the program who act as coaches for these students and who are lovingly teaching and encouraging each one as they reach toward their highest potential. These volunteers devote their time from one hour a week to four hours a week. Lesson plans are developed by Kristine McGrath, Basic Skills Reading Instructor and H.E.R.O. Facilitator, and specifically address the strengths and weaknesses of each student. The volunteers execute the lessons which include a combination of multisensory materials, including books, learning games, and numerous learning strategies. To date, there are over 300 students being served by the program.

Area 3: Outside Resources:

Six years ago, the H.E.R.O. Program was started through donations from local businesses and families with a pancake breakfast sponsored by McDonald's. As the innovative program slowly grew, many interested people from all corners of the community became "heroes". Two Township Committeemen have not only contributed financially, but have made a commitment of time as well. In addition, other examples of "heroes" who have supported the program are Board of Education members, a local children's author, students from the local community college, and recently, the Sussex County Retired Senior Volunteer Program members. In order for the facilitator of the program to concentrate solely on developing lessons and creating an educational atmosphere for all involved, the Andover Regional Education Foundation has been raising money through fund-raisers. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization in the school system and is the chief supporter of the program.

The program also has financially been supported through the Andover Township Clean Communities Department and the Sussex County Clean Communities Department. These two organizations sponsored a Read and Write to Recycle Mentorship which has resulted in the publication of two books of poetry written by participating students. Another source of funding comes from the Exxon/Mobile Educational Alliance Program and the Andover Exxon who have provided H.E.R.O.'s with two grants.

Area 4: Evaluation:

The response to the program from parents, teachers, and the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The number of students who are participating increases year after year. To insure mastery of skills taught, children are pre- and post-tested using individual diagnostic measures as well as the District's standardized test (California Achievement). The results of these tests have been significant in both reading achievement and in student self-esteem. Noncognitive rating scales completed by the teachers help to measure increases in positive attitudes toward reading and learning.

The program has also been receiving national and local recognition. Numerous news stories are frequently written about the H.E.R.O. Program, the volunteers, participating students, and other community based initiatives.

Area 5: Stability:

The H.E.R.O. Program has been in existence for six years and has now been endorsed by the Andover Regional Board of Education as a viable supplement program to the district's communication arts curriculum. Due to the expansion of facilities from construction, the program has also been able to expand in number of members as well as students being served. The coordinator of the program is a tenured staff member and the district's Basic Skills Reading Instructor. The coordinator trains individual tutors by allowing them to come in and observe one-on-one lessons. The volunteers then work with their student with the guidance of the coordinator. Recruitment of the program participants begins in the fall of each school year. The president of the Andover Regional Education Foundation distributes packets at the school's first general PTA meeting. This packet describes the program and is a way for members to sign up. These hard working and caring volunteers are then recognized for their dedication through a Volunteer Tea held by the PTA every May, as well as a H.E.R.O. luncheon given by the program coordinator each June.

Area 6: Endorsements:

"The H.E.R.O. Program allows for the community and school district to join forces and form a partnership which provides for an environment conducive to a quality education. The end result equals a child who has become a successful learner. "

Mr. Jerry Clymer, Superintendent

"The HERO's literacy program is dedicated to help children who are at risk of 'falling through the cracks' become the best readers that they can be. Hero's targets those kids who struggle in the classroom, yet don't score so poorly on standardized testing that [they] are eligible for basic skills help. This program is run completely by trained volunteers from our community. Parents, senior citizens, retired teachers and other community members come together as mentors to help the children improve their reading ability and self esteem. Every child in this program has shown wonderful improvement in their reading skills and confidence.

The Andover Regional Education Foundation's mission is to strengthen community involvement in our schools and support worthwhile programs that are not provided for in the school budgets. We work to gather financial support from the community to help provide the materials necessary to run Hero's. We feel that the program is a valuable asset to our school and community and fully support its efforts."

Lynn Delfing, President of Andover Reg. Ed. Foundation

"The state of New Jersey offers funding to municipalities throughout the state to establish local Clean Communities Programs. Here in Andover Township, we have been fortunate to have a very active and diverse program that represents many organizations in our community. It is the desire of the Andover Township Clean Communities Program to provide a clean litter free environment for its citizens. To this end we are happy to provide funds to deserving organizations who participate with our yearly program by teaching our children the importance of a clean environment. It was with great pride that we were able to assist the Andover Regional H.E.R.O. program with their endeavor to publish their second book Young Planet Protectors Speak Out About the Environment. As Clean Communities Coordinator, I commend the H.E.R.O. program for their contribution to the students' efforts to demonstrate their dedication to preserving our environment. "

Jackie Huelbig, Clean Communities Coordinator