Olivet Community Schools is participating in an exciting new program called Project R.E.A.D. This year, our middle school has received grants and donations totaling $5,000 to fund this undertaking. Project R.E.A.D. is an acronym that stands for Reading to End All Discrimination and is designed to recognize diversity and celebrate the differences between us.

The program itself originated at Adrian College through a group called Cambios. This group recognizes that students are sometimes the best teachers, mentors, and role models for younger children. By educating our middle school students on tough issues such as discrimination and stereotypes, they can then teach our elementary students through the use of picture books and discussion. Studies have been done that show large gains in empathy, understanding, and tolerance from those who have taken part in the program.

We recently had speakers from Adrian College visit our school to talk with our 7^th grade students to show them the types of books they will read and discuss some of the types of questions they will most likely answer. Through grant funding, we have ordered multiple sets of books to be used in classrooms. Our 7^th grade students are currently preparing lessons around this theme and presenting them to our 4^th and 5^th grade students.

Instead of bringing or holding people together, prejudice and discrimination push them apart. A substantial amount of bias and intolerance comes from misguided stereotypes and ignorance. Project R.E.A.D. will be helpful in establishing a level of understanding among our students for different cultures and races.

This is a very exciting time for us and we are thrilled to participate in a program that will continue to give to our community and our students for years to come. For more information on Cambios, please visit www.cambios.org .