Illinois Judges Association’s Statewide “Page It Forward” Program Features Judges Reading to K-4 Students
Illinois judges across the state are participating in a literacy project sponsored by the Illinois Judges Association (IJA).
The “Page It Forward” program features retired and sitting IJA judges who volunteer as guest readers in elementary-school classrooms. The effort coincides with this month’s celebration of the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and members of the IJA are reading Abe Lincoln’s Hat on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12.
A project developed by the Illinois Judges Association, Page It Forward encourages students to appreciate, value and enjoy reading. Dressed in their black robes, or even as Abe Lincoln, judges bring treats to the classroom, read to students and discuss the book and its relevance to today’s society.
Hon. Mary Schostok, a judge in the Appellate Court, 2nd District, and former president of the Illinois Judges Association, started Page It Forward in 2014 to encourage reading and learning. This literary tradition now includes many IJA members throughout the state who schedule reading dates with local schools throughout the year.
“Unfortunately, far too many school children are not reading at their appropriate grade level, which can contribute to a high drop-out rate” said Judge Schostok. “Our reading project represents one small step that we hope will inspire young students to appreciate the value of books and learn about history and our system of justice directly from a real judge.”
Today, Judge Schostok co-chairs IJA’s Page It Forward Committee with Judge Elizabeth Rochford, Associate Judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Lake County.
The IJA’s Page It Forward reading and tutoring project is one of a series of community programs undertaken by the Illinois Judges Association. Other IJA programs include: “Courtroom in the Classroom,” a presentation that celebrates the U.S. Constitution; and “7 Reasons to Leave the Party,” covering the legal and personal consequences of drinking and driving, taking drugs, and engaging in other unhealthy behaviors.
The Illinois Judges Association is a membership organization of 1,250 active and retired judges whose purpose is to foster public confidence in the independence of the judiciary, provide services and education to its members, and information about court operations to the public. Funding for the books was made possible by a grant from the Illinois Judges Foundation.
***Report Courtesy of the Illinois Judges Association***
