In 2005, the Scott Spino Foundation established the Scott Spino Literacy Program. The program was launched at Lincoln School 22, in September 2005 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 exists because of wonderful volunteers who attend the program once a month and read to children in PreK & Kindergarten. Each student, within the class, receives a copy of the book being read by the volunteer. The student gets to keep their book so that they can experience the joy of reading over and over again with their family.
We currently have the volunteers reading in Gates, Webster, Greece and the RCSD. The foundation gives away 1700 new books each month. Each month it becomes more and more difficult to determine who has the biggest smiles or is more excited, the volunteers or the students.
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, 20 volunteers put their “own stuff aside for a moment” to make a difference in the life of a child. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Geri Spino at 585-255-0039.
Dear Scott Spino Foundation…
Just a quick note to tell you how overwhelmed with emotion I was yesterday standing at the end of the hall and seeing all of the volunteers and children sitting against the lockers, on both sides, heads together, reading the wonderful books that Scott has posthumously provided, through his amazing foundation, founded by his devoted parents. A true gift of the heart. A true and honorable legacy befitting a fine and beloved young man, and teacher. Your son. Scott Spino.
Thank you for the opportunity to share in it.
Peace and Blessings,
Laure McGinnis
