Bergen Reads received a very generous donation of four boxes of NEW books from a wonderful bookstore. We're sending a big thank you to Kenny Sarfin, owner of Books and Greetings on Livingston St. in Northvale, NJ, for this donation. These books will be given out as gifts from our Reading Buddies to our students at year end.  Photo: Bergen Reads school captains and Beth Figman, project coordinator with donated books.

The Bergen Reads literacy program is part of a nationwide effort to help public elementary school students enjoy reading and improve their reading skills in a comfortable and friendly environment. You can play a central role in remedying the problem of illiteracy. We hope you will help us toward meeting that goal in Bergen County.

This initiative, which is run under the auspices of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy, has proven to be successful in more than 40 communities throughout the nation.

The reading program is geared toward students in grades K-4. Our participating schools are four elementary schools in Hackensack and four in Teaneck. Volunteers are assigned to two students and meet with their students regularly, for a total of one hour per week (1/2 hour with each student), during the school day. We ask that all volunteers commit to a particular day and time to consistently meet with their students. This regular interaction has been shown to lead to a very rewarding and productive experience for both participants. No prior experience is necessary – we will provide you with training. 
 

We are very excited to mark our eleventh year of the Bergen Reads Literacy program and extend our sincere thanks to RBC Wealth Management for their generous grant of $3,000 to help ensure our continued success.  This year we have over 135 volunteers working with more than 315 students each week in Hackensack and Teaneck public schools. 

In appreciation of our Reading Buddies, we held a midyear program on January 9th, with guest speaker Dr. Judith Nadell. Dr. Nadell, one of the founders of the BookMates program of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, has authored a best selling series of books for beginning readers called the King School Series. Over 70 people attended. Dr. Nadell spoke about the real life children who were the inspiration for the characters in her books, and each of our attendees left with 2 of her books, and the opportunity to receive 10 more to share with their students. For more information on these books, contact Beth Figman, Bergen Reads Project Coordinator.

 Bergen Reads volunteer working with her student.

What is Bergen Reads?
Bergen Reads is a Reading Buddy program sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey.

How does the program work?
Volunteers are matched up with students in grades K-4 in Bergen County Public Elementary schools and meet with their students once a week, every week from October through May.

What schools participate in this program?
Presently, Bergen Reads serves four elementary schools in Teaneck and four elementary schools in Hackensack.

Where do I meet with my assigned students?
Volunteers meet with the students at their schools.

What is the time commitment?
Each volunteer commits to a minimum of one hour per week. Volunteers who choose to do so, may commit to more.

When do the meetings take place?
The meetings take place during the school day (between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

Can I choose when I will meet with my student?
You can request times on your application and we will try our best to accommodate your preferences. Once you are assigned a time and day, we ask that you commit to that time and day for the duration of the program. This consistent meeting each week is vital to the success of the program.

Celebrate your next special occasion with

Book Centerpieces for Tzedaka

For your

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Bris
• Baby Naming
• Organization Event

Consider our beautifully presented book centerpieces to enhance your simcha.

To order your Book Centerpieces, contact 
 Bethf@jfnnj.org ~    Download brochure

We thank our
generous funders
for their support of our program:

• RBC Wealth Management
• Jewish Federation of NNJ

I travel to Florida for the winter. Can I still participate in this program?
No. Unfortunately you cannot. Volunteers must commit to being present for the entire program - October through June.

Do I need to have teaching experience?
No, no prior teaching experience is necessary. You will participate in a two-hour training session before you begin.

What will I spend my time doing?
You will be assigned to two students, meeting with each student for ½ hour each. You will split your time between reading to your student and your student reading to you. You will have a chance to model reading fluency, help with reading comprehension, bolster self-esteem, assist in pronunciation and vocabulary, and provide much-needed one-on-one attention to your student.

Do I meet with different students each week?
No. You will be assigned to your students at the beginning of the school year and continue meeting with the same students each week.

Is there a minimum age requirement for volunteers?
Our volunteers range in age from 16 - 80+. Volunteers must be available between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm and have their own transportation to their assigned site.

How can I sign up for this program?
You may download an application kit.