About us
History
The First R program was started by Pat Earle in 2000 after the closing of the libraries in the elementary schools in Gloucester due to budget constraints. The program was offered to the kindergartens and first grades in the Gloucester school system and those private schools that opted to join. Four years later, the program was invited to expand into the Rockport school system.
Mission
The goal of the First R Foundation is to improve the reading and comprehension skills of young children in a school environment through oral reading of a book presented to the classroom by professional, political, and civic leaders of the Cape Ann community. It is believed this two-fold process will emphasize the value of reading and empower students in their community by meeting leaders in their own classroom. The result is that the parents will be inspired by the example of these leaders and will also read aloud to their children at home.
The First R program was started by Pat Earle in 2000 after the closing of the libraries in the elementary schools in Gloucester due to budget constraints. The program was offered to the kindergartens and first grades in the Gloucester school system and those private schools that opted to join. Four years later, the program was invited to expand into the Rockport school system.
Mission
The goal of the First R Foundation is to improve the reading and comprehension skills of young children in a school environment through oral reading of a book presented to the classroom by professional, political, and civic leaders of the Cape Ann community. It is believed this two-fold process will emphasize the value of reading and empower students in their community by meeting leaders in their own classroom. The result is that the parents will be inspired by the example of these leaders and will also read aloud to their children at home.
First R Foundation's executive director, Pat Earle, reads to a group of kindergarteners.
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Mayor Verga takes time away from City Hall to read to the kids.
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Value of Reading
Prominent local leaders have volunteered to serve as readers. The readers visit the schools once a month to read a brand-new hard cover book aloud to all of kindergarten and first grade classes. When the readers have finished reading, they leave the book in the classroom as a gift so the children can take the books home and have their parents to re-read the book to them. The hope is that by the end of the year, the children will be able to read the books themselves.
First R Sponsors
BankGloucester
Gloucester Female Charitable Organization
1000 Women Who Care - Cape Ann
Robert Ranta
Our readers and donors
Board Members
Patricia Earle, Founder
Richard Doucette
Carol Earle
Howard Frisch
Lisa Leahy
Melissa Lynch
Deborah Nelson
Maureen Ryan Thorpe, Incoming Executive Director
Patrick Thorpe, Chairman of the Board
Prominent local leaders have volunteered to serve as readers. The readers visit the schools once a month to read a brand-new hard cover book aloud to all of kindergarten and first grade classes. When the readers have finished reading, they leave the book in the classroom as a gift so the children can take the books home and have their parents to re-read the book to them. The hope is that by the end of the year, the children will be able to read the books themselves.
First R Sponsors
BankGloucester
Gloucester Female Charitable Organization
1000 Women Who Care - Cape Ann
Robert Ranta
Our readers and donors
Board Members
Patricia Earle, Founder
Richard Doucette
Carol Earle
Howard Frisch
Lisa Leahy
Melissa Lynch
Deborah Nelson
Maureen Ryan Thorpe, Incoming Executive Director
Patrick Thorpe, Chairman of the Board