Volunteers needed to read with kids at OKCPS

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Reading is the key to success, according to educators, and this school year, you can have the opportunity to help students improve their skills. Volunteer applications are now open within Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Oh, the places you'll go. To the classroom, the after-school program, or even the book bus that lets students get a free book during the school year.

Back to school means it's time to get back to reading, and leaders at Oklahoma City Public Schools are eager to get students excited about books this fall.

"How we invest in our kids is what we're getting in our future because education is a strength to our community," said Kendra Horn, the President and CEO of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation.

Educators at OKCPS said reading is a foundation for students in the classroom, and applications are now open for you to be a volunteer and travel to district schools with the book bus.

"We're helping kids read their home libraries and build that love of reading. Love of reading is an important part of the puzzle in literacy skills," said Horn.

If you aren't able to volunteer with the bus, you can also sign up to read with students.

"Volunteers go into the schools and read with OKCPS students to support the district's goals of improving 4th grade reading skills, improving reading skills, and that helps all of us, it's an investment in our future," said Horn.

While there are a few weeks to go before school starts back up, they want you to apply now.

"Every year, we run a background check and volunteer application for anyone who wants to volunteer with our students or in our facilities. We really need tons of volunteers, so we want to encourage people to go ahead and fill out our online application," said Nancy Perdomo, OKCPS Director of Family and Community Engagement.

The students also said they love collecting books for their home library as they expand their skills every day.

"We're so thankful for the book bus!" said Josue Peruch and Ailyn Ramirez-Peruch, OKCPS students.

If you'd like to volunteer for the book bus and travel to different schools, become a reading buddy, or host a book club, click here.

If you're a parent who wants to go on a field trip during the school year, an updated background check is also required.