Principal Christina Twardosz thanked the City of Zephyrhills staff Aug. 26 for volunteering to read with students last year at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.
Twardosz presented the Florida Department of Education Commissioners Business Recognition Award on behalf of Pasco County Schools during the Zephyrhill City Council meeting.
“City staff came at least once a week and read chapter books with our students, asking them comprehension questions,” Twardosz said. “Not only did it provide extra reading support but it built a unique bond and a mentorship opportunity for our students as well.”
She mentioned how City Manager William Poe provided release time to staff so they could be reading buddies at West Zephyrhills and Woodland elementary schools.
Twardosz attributed the partnership, as well as help from the community, for helping West Zephyrhills Elementary improve its academic grade from an F in 2021-22 to a C in 2023-24.
“Thanks to all of our staff that have done that,” Council President Kenneth Burgess said. “That’s a pretty good jump in grades there from an F to a C.”
Poe believes the reading buddies program is great for the community to get involved with children and serve as role models.
“I think it’s important for us to continue that and be part of the schools,” he said.
Poe pointed to the district’s increased security measures, which includes fingerprinting for volunteers. The district website mentions that Level 2 background screening is required every five years for volunteers and costs $41.25.
Poe said the city will pay those fees associated with the fingerprinting for its staff so they may continue volunteering without cost.
