Swegle Family Literacy Program Wins Pioneer Award

Swegle Elementary Photo Courtesy: Salem-Keizer Schools

(SALEM) - The STARS, Striving To Achieve Reading Success, Family Literacy Program, created by Swegle kindergarten teacher Amy Bandonis, has won the prestigious "Pioneer Award", presented by the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators.

Each year COSA gives this award to ten outstanding educational programs throughout the state.

STARS targets students in grades K-1 who are below reading level.

A parent, or other family member, must accompany the student to each class, which are held for eight consecutives Thursdays after school.

Bandonis coaches parents on how to engage their children in exciting literacy activities.

Childcare is provided for siblings, so that parents can focus on supporting their child.

Bandonis will be recognized for her work with STARS at a COSA conference in January 200