Rogers Group Experts in Crushed Stone, Aggregates, Gravel, Asphalt Paving, Road Construction, Quarries for 100 Years

Corporate Goes Back to School with PENCIL and Books

The PENCIL Foundation, a private non-profit organization previously known as PENCIL Project, advocates quality education for every student in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and enlists community resources to support and strengthen the Metro School System and to assist today's youth in preparation for lifelong success. One component of the foundation is the Adopt-A-School program, which matches Metro schools with businesses and institutions willing to share resources. "We call these PENCIL Partners," says Connie Williams of PENCIL.

Rogers Group Corporate employees have volunteered to participate in the PENCIL Reading Achievement Program by reading to the children of Park Avenue Elementary in Nashville, Tennessee. According to PENCIL "Reading to a class accomplishes much - it introduces a child to language and structure and the rhythm of spoken English and helps children build listening and critical thinking skills. We expect the program to support reading achievement by demonstrating the joy of reading, by exposing children to and providing them with books, interaction with positive adult role models who love to read, and by giving them extra support if they are struggling readers."

"Rogers Group has purchased about 200 books, which will be donated to the classrooms at Park Avenue Elementary. The reading achievement program has three components--book purchases, classroom reading, and one-on-one tutoring," says George Langis, Senior Vice President/ CFO of Rogers Group.

"The emphasis on reading is new, and the materials and process we are trying with Park Avenue and Rogers Group is brand new. So while I believe we are still piloting the reading program, I wouldn't call the program a pilot. The school system experts tell us that being able to read well in elementary school is an indicator of future success in school," Connie contends.