Completed Projects/Issues - Other Projects

Canyon Rim Literacy Center

On July 26, Councilmember Scott Peters helped officially open the new Canyon Rim Literacy Center in Rancho Peñasquitos . The center was the idea of Cindy Marten, a reading resource specialist at Los Peñasquitos Elementary, and has been opened to promote active reading during the summer months as well as enhancing reading skills throughout the school year.

Cindy contacted Councilmember Peters in early June, asking for his help to start a literacy center in Rancho Peñasquitos . Cindy found that more often than not students would return to school in the fall at a lower reading level than when they left in the spring. It was her concern that they lacked the motivation to read outside school or they lacked accessability to books or reading help during the summer.

"We teach all of our students how to read, but creating the conditions in their community that cause them to read is just as, if not more, important," Cindy told Councilmember Peters and staff in an e-mail. "It’s not enough to say that they can read; or that they are reading ‘at grade-level in June.’ I need them to read over the summer to make sure they sustain their reading level, but more importantly to create a drive and a passion for reading and for books with all of the children in the community."

Recognizing reading as the foundation of academic performance and lifelong learning, Councilmember Peters was able to implement Cindy’s idea by donating $8000 from his Community Development Block Grant Fund. More support came from Joan Pelkey and Ken Sauder with Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation with a contribution of $1000 as well as new computers, and the Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council with a donation of $300 in grant money. Kinkos and the Container Store also made significant donations. The center is housed in the newly renovated community center at the Canyon Rim Apartments on Carmel Mountain Road.

Kids of all ages are invited to enhance their reading skills throughout the summer. "One of the goals of the center is to make sure that they actually read during the summer months," commented Cindy. Tuesdays and Thursdays will offer story-times and crafts from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2:00-3:00 p.m. will create a peer mentor reading environment during which first and second graders will be paired with junior high school students. In addition, the center will also direct an individual reading program for children to complete either at the center or at home. The center will also remain open during the regular school year with new hours. Los Peñasquitos Elementary School teachers will be donating their skills and time to the kids. Supplies, books, computer software, pens, pencils, crayons, workbooks, paper, and volunteers will still be needed throughout the year.

Please contact Councilmember Peter’s office at 619-236-6611 if you’d like to make a donation or if you’d like to learn more about how your child can become involved in the program.

View more photos