LSHS Baseball and Softball Players Take a Reading Break

○ Whiz Kids: Varsity baseball and softball players
○ Whiz Kid's School: Lisle Senior High School
○ Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: The teams read to students at Tate Woods last week.
○ Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: On Mar. 22 the students at saw a sure sign of spring: baseball and softball players in uniform visited their classrooms.  Leaving their gloves and bats at home, several members of the varsity baseball and softball teams instead brought books and a message that reading is both fun and important.

“This opportunity is becoming an annual tradition for the Lisle students,” Jen Pomatto, the LSHS head softball coach explained.   

“The goal of this program is to encourage students to read. Our players enjoy reading to the students and visiting their former teachers. This program allows the high school players to connect to the younger students in the district.”

Mark Harrington, Tate Woods first grade teacher, commented on his students’ reaction to the high school visitors.

“The children were so attentive and loved the baseball stories presented by older students in uniforms.  They were able to make connections, a reading skill taught in first grade, whereby they can connect book content to their own lives. "

Mr. Harrington also sees a value beyond reading skills. “Every year it is heartwarming to see former students now as older teens and being successful come into our classrooms.  It allows me to share with my students about how well my former students are doing and what the future holds for the six-year-olds. The high school students are great role models and very prepared and enthusiastic teachers.”

Tate Woods principal Wesley Gosselink values the opportunity for the schools in the district to work together. 

“The Tate Woods students were very excited to visit with our high school athletes and the athletes did a great job of reading and setting a wonderful example for our younger students.  Activities like these make a unit district such a wonderful opportunity.”

The athletes will also visit Schiesher School on April 6. Then the Lisle Lions Reading Program will be celebrated May 10 at Benedictine University before the varsity baseball and softball games when participating students will be recognized.